Get To Know Our Team
Denise Darby
Yoga Therapy
I have been involved in coaching fitness and functional movement for as long as I can remember, and feel at home in a body that is able to move and perform the functions necessary to support my active lifestyle. I believe that, by staying active and aware of my changing body, I will be able to maintain freedom of movement throughout my life. My goal as a movement therapist is to help clients achieve the same ease and comfort in their bodies and lives.
I am trained in yoga therapy, corrective movement, and exercise therapy, and am passionate about helping my clients by teaching mindful movement, safe adaptations, and by encouraging an understanding that change (even in our bodies) is inevitable. The key is to trust that change is not synonymous with loss, but is actually the catalyst for growth and self-acceptance. I look forward to meeting you and bringing you closer to your personal goals!
What is Yoga & Movement Therapy?
Yoga & Movement Therapy is the process of self-empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga and functional movement. It addresses injury/illness in a multi-dimensional manner and aims to alleviate suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner.
This practice comprises a wide range of mind/body practices, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation and tailors these to the health needs of the individual. It helps to promote all-round positive health, as well as assisting particular medical conditions and physical rehabilitation.
How Does This Practice Differ From a Yoga Class?
Although yoga as a practice is therapeutic, there are significant differences between a yoga teacher and a yoga therapist and between a yoga class and a yoga therapy session.
Yoga provides the tools for a process of self-investigation and self-development that ultimately guides practitioners toward self-realization, but the practice is, generally, still seen as a system of exercise.
Clients Seeking Yoga as a Therapeutic Tool
are usually not coming to learn yoga, but to get help with or relief from some symptom or health condition that is troubling them.
The therapist, In most cases, focuses on the presenting condition and how yoga techniques can help the client to feel better and improve their function. The therapist’s role is to understand why their clients have come to see them and determine what they can do to support them. Therapists look for ways to help their clients reduce or manage their symptoms, improve their function, and help them with their attitude in relation to their health conditions. After assessing clients, therapists establish appropriate goals, develop a practice intervention, and then teach clients to practice that intervention.