
Gentle Yoga Classes in Delaware
Promote Healing in a Safe and Gentle Space With Yoga
WE ARE NOW OFFERING GRIEF AND TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA CLASSES!
Improve your Mind-Body Connection With Gentle Yoga
The Center for Grief and Trauma Therapy offers individual and small group gentle yoga classes to promote well-being. Megan Carpenter, a credentialed yoga instructor with years of experience and specific training in trauma-informed yoga and movement, leads the classes and takes individual clients at various times throughout the week. The classes are not “drop in” and require pre-registration.
What is “Gentle Yoga?”
Gentle yoga means the class is not intended to be an “exercise class” and is not meant to be physically rigorous. While there are many physical benefits to yoga classes, the aim is to create a safe and gentle space to promote healing and well-being for those struggling with emotional and physical challenges. Therefore, the classes and individual sessions we offer create an experience of moving your body to promote a therapeutic experience.
Details About Gentle Yoga at the Center for Grief and Trauma
Do I need to be in good physical health to participate?
No! These classes focus on improving the mind/body connection and not on rigorous exercise. Our instructor will work with any physical limitations to ensure a safe, positive experience. Megan has completed numerous anatomical-based training courses, certifications, and previous experience working in personal training, corrective exercise, and accessible yoga for all bodies. Even though classes are not a workout, you will likely notice improvements in strength and flexibility! *We do require that you are able to get up and down from your mat on the floor.
What are the goals for the yoga classes?
Our yoga classes and individual sessions invite you to develop physical, intellectual, and spiritual integration to help transform emotional pain in a safe and supportive environment. The goals are to:
- 1. Integrate body movement and breath work to facilitate clearing emotional blockages and stagnant energy.
6. Increase physical vitality, reduce chronic pain, improve flexibility, increase mobility, reduce tension in muscles, and move with more awareness and confidence.
2. Increase the awareness of the mind and body connection in a safe way, exploring the many layers of emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
3. Provide a sense of “grounding” that promotes feelings of calmness and restful awareness.
4. Improve mindfulness, which in turn promotes the development and strengthening of healthy coping skills.
5. Help manage painful emotions and experiences, which in turn improves the ability to move forward in life in a way that honors the individual needs of each participant.
What is the cost of the sessions?
Individual, private sessions cost $80/hour. Classes run $20/session. You may purchase a 4 session, month-to-month package for group sessions (one day per week) at the reduced rate of $17.5/session ($70.00 total) or 4 session package for private one-on-one sessions at $70/session ($280 total). These packages do not require any long-term commitment but expire after 3 months. Please note, if you do not show for your session or class without a 24-hour notice, your payment will be forfeited (except in the case of emergencies or sessions canceled by the instructor).
What does the research say about yoga and emotional healing?
Research shows that people experience emotions through
sensations in the body. The impact of this results in physiological changes such as an increase in stress hormones (e.g., cortisol), disruption in the nervous system, and increases in emotional and physical pain. Over time, these changes can lead to chronic physical discomfort and imbalance, as well as emotional and psychological turmoil.
How old do the participants need to be?
At this time, classes and sessions are limited to those 18 years of age or older.
What are the risks?
Any activity that explores painful or difficult thoughts and feelings may increase painful emotions that are challenging to process. In order to ensure these feelings are managed in an open and safe way, our instructor pays close attention to the readiness of our participants to attend yoga sessions, as well as monitoring reactions to ensure your experience remains within your ability to explore without becoming overwhelmed. Furthermore, your clinician is prepared to help process your experience and the outcomes of your sessions.
Can yoga replace traditional medical or therapeutic treatments?
No. Yoga complements all other types of medical and therapeutic treatments. Yoga treatment should not be used as a substitute for consultation or a physician, a practitioner or natural therapeutics or a psychotherapist. You should consult your physician to determine if this is a safe activity for you. Yoga can increase the efficacy of other types of healing.
How large and how long are the classes?
Individual sessions are one-on-one and offered by appointment. Groups have a maximum of four participants. Classes and sessions run 1 hour
How do I sign up?
Please reach out to your clinician or our office assistant to sign up for the yoga classes. They will offer you the available classes and session times for that week. Please note space in the classes are on a “first come, first served” basis.