6. Yamas
Ahimsa: non-violence or non-
harming
Satya: abstinence from
falsehood
Asteya: abstinence from
stealing
Bramacharya: self-restraint in
relationships
Apargiraha: abstenance from
greed
Saucha: purity
Santosha: contentment
Tapas: austerity
Pranitara: self education
Isha Pranidhana:
dedication to a higher
power
Niyamas
7. Maitri Psychotherapy
Group
Maitri is Sanskrit for universal friendship
Group cultivates mindfulness and self-acceptance
We must care for ourselves before we can care for
others
Combines Yalom-style psychotherapy group with
traditional Hatha yoga class
Uses invitational language and some Trauma Sensitive
Yoga exercises
8. Maitri Psychotherapy
Group
Group Format:
Opening: Blessing of Loving Kindness
Homily / Lesson: each week focuses on a different Yama or
Niyama
Breath work, practice and discussion
Bodywork, gentle body-focused exercise
20-minute meditation
Participants are encouraged to discuss experiences during each
exercise
9. Yoga for Emotional Well-
Being
Similar to Maitri group, but closer to a yoga class
More time in postures
Less time in meditation
Uses invitational language
Meditation conducted during restorative Savasana
Restorative postures taken from Yoga for
Emotional Balance by Bo Forbes, PsyD to reduce
anxiety & depression
10. Upcoming...
Partner yoga
For couples or families
Working to cultivate trust in partnerships, release of
emotional tension
Suspension yoga
For individuals
Working to cultivate trust, openness, and to create a new
perspective
11. Summary
Yoga involves philosophical reasoning as well
as physical practices
The practice of yoga can help to improve focus
through meditative practices
Yoga combines sensory experiences with
emotions, when directed appropriately this can
have significant psychological effects on an
individual
12. Contacting me
Website: http://heatherachampion.com
Private practice: South Shore Mental Health
Counseling, PC
55 Careton Ave, suite 5, East Islip, NY
631.579.3503
Substance Abuse Counseling: Sanctuary East, Ltd
2 William Ave, East Islip, NY
631.224.7700
