Create.Art.Yoga.Therapy
Life comes with unending joys and challenges- as humans we are in need of diverse ways in which we can; grow, cope, express, and understand ourselves and the world around us.
The mind body connection is one of the most important relationships to develop. We must continue to nourish and stay flexible in maintaining this relationship as we age. Using a balanced approach of techniques from Art Therapy and Yoga Therapy an individual can learn ways to cope and understand the inevitable changes which life brings. Growth and change occurs at all ages and understanding the stress we might feel can help us gain comfort through each stage of life.
For children and young adults the two therapies offer a natural form of non-verbal expression. Both art and movement allow for individuals to explore deeper parts of themselves without the mental constructs that often occur.
For adults it is a way to “get out of your head” and change old patterns through breathing techniques and creativity.
Elders can benefit from Art and Yoga therapy as ways to create community, express themselves, learn new skills, and cope with change. If elders are experiencing loss of language and memories these therapies can aid in non-verbal expression and remembering past expereiences. Yoga therapy can aid in the improvement of circulation and flexibility in a gentle and natural way.
The combination of Art Therapy and Yoga Therapy is a healthy prescription for balanced living.
What is Art Therapy?
“Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.” Defined by the American Art Therapy Association
Art Therapy is a mental health profession that requires a Masters Degree, over 1500 clinical hours, and a passing score on the Art Therapy Board examination to hold the title and independently practice.
What is Yoga Therapy?
“Yoga Therapy Services provide customized private Yoga sessions to support our clients with challenges at every stage of life on their path toward inner peace and personal healing. Certified Yoga therapists use a combination of Yogic techniques to guide the client through an individualized practice that promotes wellness for body and mind. Sessions may include physical poses, breathing practices, meditation, guided relaxation, Yoga philosophy, and stress-reduction techniques, all adapted to suit the client’s condition and goals.” - As defined by the Integral Yoga Institute of New York City
Yoga Therapy sessions are specifically designed to address and work with an individual’s health conditions, concerns, and challenges. Yoga classes are inherently therapeutic but not always directly designed for you and your needs at that moment. A Certified Yoga Therapist will work with you individually to gain understanding around specific concerns and build ways in which the individual can gain a deeper sense of well-being.
Who Is Emily
Emily Bess Abramson, LCAT, ATR-BC, IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist, RYT 500hr
Emily has a Master’s degree in Professional Studies in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Emily is also a certified Yoga Therapist and is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher.
As a therapist Emily believes strongly in approaching each situation in the therapy session with humility and a helpful creative attitude. While creating Art and Yoga therapy sessions Emily takes a holistic and person centered approach and finds that she is often in awe at the insightful and diverse ways individuals relate to the art materials and movement. She feels honored to create and hold space for humans of all ages in their exploration of play, and their building of deeper personal and global consciousness.
Emily has worked professionally and volunteered both locally and abroad in; India, South America, and Africa by using art and movement as therapeutic modalities. Art and movement have the powerful nonverbal ability to create and forge deep growth for all involved, and Emily has had the joy in facilitating and bearing witness to this growth.