From Pain to Possibility

Today, I’m excited to address something that many teachers and health professionals tell me they struggle with: getting their clients to follow their rehabilitation programs. Since I haven’t had a noncompliant patient in more than 20 years, I’m proud to share my insights.

Tune in to this episode as I offer my keys to helping clients engage in their programs, including cultivating a "power with" relationship (as opposed to "power over") that empowers them to pursue their rehabilitation goals while making significant progress.

Get full show notes, transcript and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/281

Today, I’m joined by two inspiring soon-to-be graduates from my IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program: Lynda Spalding and Diane Stanton. Both chose to pursue their certifications later in life and are now successfully connecting with like-minded, similarly aged clients.

Join us for their uplifting stories, as they share the key elements they’re currently focused on in their practice—from the vocabulary of movement to healing dialogue, and even adding playful elements to keep sessions youthful. Their message is clear: it’s never too late to pursue what you love.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/280

Do you or someone you know struggle with migraines? Have you tried countless remedies, yet still find no lasting relief? Imagine being able to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines without relying entirely on medication.

In this episode, I'm joined by Maria Hykin, a yoga therapist trainee with firsthand experience in battling migraines. Maria shares her transformative journey, discovering a unique approach rooted in therapeutic yoga that goes beyond simply addressing the pain. 

Tune in as Maria provides practical tips and powerful insights for anyone seeking migraine relief and a better quality of life. 

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/279

Today, I’m excited to be joined by Lesley Ann Wernsdorfer, who graduated from my IAYT-accredited yoga therapy program in October 2022. Lesley Ann is sharing her incredible story, including the crossroads she faced during the pandemic and how my teachings resonated with her deeply from the beginning. 

Listen in to our conversation as we discuss the distinction between pain management and eradication, guiding clients on their movements, uncovering their limitations, and coping mechanisms. We also talk about the relationship between skin and pure movement—a topic you won’t want to miss.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/278

Today is a very special episode as I welcome Laurie-Anne Lemothe back to the podcast. A current trainee and soon-to-be graduate of my yoga therapy accredited by IAYT program, she is here to share her experiences working with neurodivergent clientele.

Listen in to hear Laurie-Anne describe the role of environmental stimuli—including the health professional—when treating a neurodivergent client, the success she’s had with her most recent patient, and how she’s used teachings from the IAYT program in her practice.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/277

Continuing my mini-series on reducing and eradicating physical pain, today I’m talking about core stability. It’s a topic I’ve addressed in previous episodes, but I think you’ll be surprised to hear how I’m discussing it here.

In this episode, I’m sharing how, whether in your own healing journey or when helping clients, that wired alertness may be impeding rehabilitation. Find out why hypervigilance has this impact and how core stabilization can ease your mental and emotional state so you can heal.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/276

As I continue my mini-series on reducing and eradicating pain, today I’m exploring how stillness and quiet can be highly effective in our healing journeys. These quiet moments are deliberately restful pauses that we can strategically incorporate into our day or week, allowing us to connect with our bodies. 

Tune in as I discuss the many benefits of these still moments, including reduced cortisol levels, improved brain function, lower blood pressure, and more. I’ll also share how to achieve these quiet states so you can access them whenever you need.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/275

A key component of Western medicine is standardization, and when trying to standardize the intangible—like a patient’s pain—it becomes much harder to navigate. That’s why I’ve developed the gradient scale, which bridges left- and right-brain function with body experience.

Listen in to learn why this tool is so successful at reducing and eradicating pain, as it allows people to make embodied connections. In this calm, connected state, clients are more able to recognize novel insights, which are important and significant for the healing process.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/274

In today's episode, we delve into the art of becoming comfortable with the intangible aspects of pain, which often lacks obvious physical causes. I'll be sharing my proven process for treating clients and guiding them on their journey to pain relief.

Tune in to learn about these four key concepts, including throwing out the traditional pain scale and instead honoring a person’s subjective experience through active listening. I’ll also be exploring the actual work of rehab, which isn’t about increasing sets and reps.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/273

Continuing my conversations with trainees and graduates from my Therapeutic Yoga Intensive, today I'm speaking with Lisa Workman, a kinesiologist and yoga therapist who, in just one year, has built a thriving business.

Listen in as Lisa discusses in-depth her pursuit of professional autonomy, including what is required to overcome the fear of “jumping ship,” how to build self-confidence, as well as the technical side of building a successful yoga therapy business.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.functionalsynergy.com/272