Simply put, “Yoga + Therapy = Balance”. Yoga is perhaps the oldest modality of somatic psychology and it has truly stood the test of time. Modern Western research supports its many benefits in treating a wide variety of ailments and conditions that impact our mind, body, energy, and spirit. My intention for these one-on-one sessions is for you, the client, to establish a deeper appreciation for your TRUE SELF.
My approach in Yoga Therapy is to first meet with you for an initial assessment where we discuss the presenting issue such as anxiety, stress, body image, substance use, grief, loss, and other issues, and establish specific physical, emotional and energetic goals.
I offer you a thorough and efficient intake health assessment before working collaboratively with you to establish goals. I treat you with full acceptance and non-judgmental kindness. I offer you supportive coaching through Pranayama breathwork, a series of traditional poses (asana) and a final relaxation. I may recommend other traditional yoga therapy practices including stress reduction techniques such as Yoga Nidra, guided imagery meditation, and Shatkarma, the six methods of cleansing the body.
A typical session is 75 minutes, which allows time to engage in a therapeutic discussion as well as guidance and coaching of the yoga practice. By combining the traditional philosophies and exercise of yoga with current evidenced-based and strengths-based psychotherapy, I encourage each client to find balance in their lives and tap into the true healing powers that reside within. Sound healing can also be introduced into the session through the use of Tibetan singing bowls and chakra-aligning crystal bowls. If you haven’t yet experienced a sound bath, this might be one way you are able to integrate the various parts of self and feel more grounded and centered.
I am available to support you in your life journey by providing a supportive, trauma-informed, bereavement-sensitive therapeutic process that involves both traditional talk therapy and an individualized yoga routine to help develop strength, flexibility and endurance. With twenty years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I offer supportive counseling to individuals, couples and families dealing with:
- Grief and loss
- Identity exploration
- Spiritual emergence
- Plant medicine integration
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Relationship issues
- Substance use
- Other life challenges and stressors
I have extensive training and clinical experience in: • Yoga Therapy, • Meditation, • Mindfulness Skills Building, • Narrative Therapy, • Dialectical Behavior Therapy, • Sound Healing Practices, • Grief and Bereavement Counseling, • Expressive Arts Therapy, • Nonviolent Communication, • Social Justice-oriented Mediation • Stress Management Skills Building • Hypnosis for PTSD •Gabor Mate's Compassionate Inquiry •.
The private yoga therapy services I offer are effective in providing increased peace of mind, physical and mental flexibility, as well as strength, muscle tone, and energy. The private sessions are for everyone of any age or ability. With your feedback, I will tailor the yoga practice and the therapeutic conversation to your personal needs and goals.
“Over the past six years, I have had the joy and privilege of knowing Ken Breniman, LCSW, RYT, as an esteemed professional colleague and treasured friend. Ken has been on an amazing, lifelong journey of deep, adventuresome learning and courageous, compassionate service. As a social worker, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, spiritual integration counselor, and teacher, he combines the best of leading-edge clinical counseling skills with yoga therapy, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness. I have been moved by his work with widely diverse clients ranging from youth with autistic spectrum challenges to elders in hospice and their grieving dear ones. He has been consistently attentive, empathic, respectful, caring, resourceful, and helpful toward all with whom he works. His bright, buoyant spirit, compassionate heart, healthy energy, appropriate good humor, keen mind, and commitment to the well-being of all are among his many uplifting qualities. His conscientious concern for social justice, and his willingness to speak truth to power and act in solidarity with the marginalized and under-served members of the population are also among his admirable attributes. Ken is continually open to learning from experience, from his clients and peers, and from scientific research. He is a bright, generous soul, and I highly recommend him to those who are seeking personal and spiritual growth, healing, and integration.” ~Mitch Hall, PhD, RYT
I came to Ken's partner yoga class not knowing what to expect and boy was I blown away! He is incredibly down to earth and really has no sense of holier than thou which I really appreciated. Lots of room for laughter and for me to be myself in the workshop. Ken demoed several of the poses with his lovely partner Tim, which helped make the poses more accessible. On that note, I was amazed at how seamlessly he was able to make a class that I really enjoyed as a teacher and other newer students were clearly having as much of a juicy good time in. Check out his next workshop- you won't wanna miss it!
-Jeremi McManus,RYT, MFT
I used to think the only way to practice yoga was in class. Since taking Ken's yoga based stress reduction for nurses, I've learned otherwise. Doing simple yoga stretches at lunchtime and practicing deep breathing exercises throughout the work day have been extremely helpful. I have been sharing his breathing techniques with patients successfully too. So glad I could spend a sunny Sunday afternoon with Ken! -Tina Real, Registered Nurse
