Somatic Therapy Trauma Informed Yoga and Workshops
Be held by the safe container of holistic wellness with our brand new lineup of services at our Monroeville location. From transformative Yoga Therapy Workshops, healing Somatic Therapy Group Yoga, calming Breathwork sessions, to rejuvenating Salt Cave experiences, we’ve got something for everyone looking to enhance their well-being.
The Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh has been dedicated to integrating traditional counseling with holistic wellness practices for the past ten years. As we have become deeply rooted in the Pittsburgh community, we’ve earned acclaim for our comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being.
From counseling to psychiatry to family therapy to psychological testing and beyond, our mission is to continuously expand our services, embracing both conventional and alternative modalities to fulfill your wellness needs.
What Sets Our Yoga Therapy Apart?
For nearly a decade, we’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring our beloved free Yoga in the Park series with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. This is a cherished tradition that we’ll continue to uphold. However, our Yoga Therapy sessions in Monroeville offer a specialized approach.
Rooted in trauma informed yoga and somatic therapy practices, our Yoga Workshops are led by our exceptional Manager of Somatic and Integrative Services. With a deliberate focus on providing personalized attention and support, our workshops and somatic therapy groups are intentionally kept small. This ensures that you’ll experience a nurturing and safe environment where you can explore and heal at your own pace.
Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group
Join us for our 6-week Somatic Therapy Group Yoga Sessions, beginning on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and concluding on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. These sessions will occur every Tuesday from 6-7pm at our Monroeville venue, nestled downstairs in our newly designed yoga therapy room, conveniently accessible through our state-of-the-art Salt Cave waiting room.
Our group yoga offers a comprehensive approach to wellness by integrating a combination of trauma informed Restorative and Yin Yoga flows along with traditional psychotherapy. Specifically designed to address common mental health concerns such as trauma and anxiety, our specialized somatic therapy group yoga provides you with a holistic framework for healing, improved overall well being, and growth.
Structured Approach to Our Somatic Therapy Yoga Group
Each Somatic Therapy Group Yoga Session is carefully structured to address the multifaceted impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit. By combining evidence-based psychological interventions with somatic therapy, yoga therapy, breathwork, and mindfulness practices, we aim to provide a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses your unique needs.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Our Somatic Therapy Group Yoga will create a supportive and nurturing environment where you can feel safe to explore and process difficult emotions and sensations. The structure of the group is designed to foster trust and connection among participants, allowing for meaningful interactions and shared experiences.
Integration of Movement, Body Awareness, and the Mind
One of the key focuses of our Somatic Therapy Group Yoga is the integration of movement and body awareness. Trauma often leads to a disconnection from the body, leaving individuals feeling disconnected from themselves. Through intentional movement and mindfulness practices, our sessions help you reconnect with your body, regain a sense of presence, and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself.
The psychotherapy portion of the group will allow time for processing of what has come up for you.
Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group Outline
Week 1: Introductions — Get to know the group leaders and members while exploring the benefits of trauma informed yoga as an integrative and somatic approach to therapy. Learn about mindfulness meditation and engage in a soothing yoga flow to encourage self-reflection.
Week 2: Stimulating the Vagus Nerve — Experience somatic healing through restorative yoga poses that stimulate and tone the vagus nerve. Vagal toning activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest, the opposite of fight or flight) allowing us to return to and maintain a relaxed state.
Week 3: Balance and Grounding — Discover somatic exercises for achieving balance in life through psychoeducation and grounding yoga poses. Empower yourself to create equilibrium across all areas of your life through regulating your mind and body.
Week 4: Self-Compassion — Allow yourself to become inspired to turn inward, releasing stagnant emotions in the body with the guidance of our trauma informed therapists. Embrace self-acceptance and learn to navigate your emotions with compassion.
Week 5: Somatic Stress Relief — Learn mind-body techniques for regulating your breath and using slow, restorative movement to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
Week 6: Inner Strength — Continue to strengthen your parasympathetic nervous system, developing the confidence to navigate challenging feelings and situations with lasting resilience.
Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group FAQs
Q. I’ve never done yoga before. Can I still join the yoga group therapy??
A. Absolutely. This yoga therapy group is designed to be accessible to all individuals. All levels of experience are welcome.
Q. What is the format of Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group?
A. Each group session will begin with 30 minutes of trauma informed yoga followed by 30 minutes of processing and psychotherapy.
Q. Where will the Somatic Yoga Group be held?
A. The yoga group will be held at our Monroeville venue, nestled downstairs in our newly designed yoga therapy room, conveniently accessible through our state-of-the-art Salt Cave waiting room.
Q. What day and time is the yoga group therapy?
A. Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group will occur on Tuesdays from 6-7pm.
Q. What dates does Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group run?
A. Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group begins Tuesday, May 7, 2024 and concludes Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Q. How many weeks does Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group run?
A. Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group runs for 6 weeks.
Q. How many people will be in Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group?
A. With a deliberate focus on providing personalized attention and support, our somatic therapy group is limited to 5 participants. This ensures that you’ll experience a nurturing and safe environment where you can explore and heal at your own pace.
Q. Can anyone join the yoga therapy group?
A. Yes, this group is open to all adults and you do not need to attend therapy at the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh.
Q. Do participants need to sign up for all sessions or can they drop in?
A. This is a closed group and participants have to sign up for all sessions of the somatic therapy yoga group.
Q. What should I bring with me to the yoga group therapy?
A. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a refillable water bottle, a notebook and your favorite pen if you’d like. We’ve got yoga mats, props, and meditation cushions.
Q. I have a specific injury, am I still able to participate?
A. Of course. Let one of the group leaders know ahead of time if you have an injury and they will be able to assist with appropriate modifications to ensure comfortability and safety.
Q. I know ahead of time I can’t make it to a certain group meeting, will that be a problem?
A. Inform the group leaders in advance if you know you will not be in attendance for one of the scheduled group meetings. A group leader will be able to provide you with supplemental materials and a brief outline of the group meeting.
Q. Can I use insurance for Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group?
A. Yes, we accept Aetna, Cigna (Evernorth), Highmark, United Health Care/Optum, UPMC.
Q. What is the self-pay fee for Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group?
A. The self-pay rate is $50 per weekly session.
Q. Is there an assessment required to join the yoga group therapy?
A. There will be a free 15-minute assessment with Sam Lalama, MS, NCC, RYT-200 to ensure you are a good fit for the group. You can schedule this free assessment with reception at 412-322-2129 ext 3 when calling to register.
Q. Who is facilitating Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group?
A. Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group will be led by Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh CEO and founder Stephanie Wijkstrom, MS, LPC, NBCC. Stephanie’s long held passion for integrative wellness courses deep has inspired much of her work in the mental health care realm. She is a CIMHP, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and she has been a practitioner of vinyasa yoga for the last 20 years, she has written books about mindfulness and meditation as it relates to various parts of our wellbeing. Stephanie will be leading the psychotherapy portion of the group.
The group is co-led by Samantha Lalama, MS, NCC, Trauma-Informed RYT-200. Sam is also a certified breathwork and meditation coach. Her unique approach to therapy is transformative for individuals’ overall well-being given the emphasis of the mind, body, soul connection. Sam is currently enrolled as a PhD student studying and researching the positive impact yoga and psychotherapy have on wellbeing and mental health. Sam will be leading the yoga portion of the group.
Q. How do I register for Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group?
A. Please email info@counselingwellnesspgh.com or call 412-322-2129 ext. 3 if you are interested in joining the yoga group. You can also fill out the form below.
Interested in Joining Somatic Therapy Group Yoga?
If you are interested in joining our Somatic Therapy: Psychotherapy and Trauma Informed Yoga Group, please complete the form below or reach out to us directly at 412-856-WELL. We’re here to assist you on your wellness journey.
Upcoming Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation, and Sound Healing Workshops
Pink Moon Workshop: Awaken Your Power
DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 2024
TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
LOCATION: 2539 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville PA 15146
PRESENTED BY: Samantha Lalama, MS, NCC, Trauma-Informed RYT-200
COST: $35 + $1.05 processing fee per participant
WORKSHOP SIZE: This workshop is limited to 10 participants so book early to reserve your spot!
Meaning: The pink moon signifies a time to shed old skin and emerge as a more empowered and authentic version of yourself.
Themes: transformation, manifestation, empowerment, inner wisdom, growth, self-reflection, clearing out stagnant energy, shedding old skin
Workshop Description
Experience the magic of the pink moon, a celestial event steeped in symbolism of renewal and empowerment. As it graces the sky in the enigmatic sign of Scorpio, known for its depth and intensity, the pink moon invites us to shed old layers and emerge as our most authentic selves.
Join us as we harness this potent energy through guided meditation, cleansing breathwork, and reflective journaling. Together, we’ll release outdated patterns and let go of what no longer serves us.
As we bask in the lunar glow, we’ll seal our intentions with a soothing sound bath, solidifying our manifestations for the journey ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to tap into the transformative power of the pink moon and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Break Free From Old Patterns—Secure Your Spot Today!
Register for Pink Moon Workshop: Awaken Your Power
Special events are refundable up to 24 hours in advance less merchant processing fees.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or failure to attend without canceling will result in loss of payment.
Questions? Call Us! 412-856-WELL
Why Choose Yoga Therapy and Somatic Therapy Workshops With a Mental Health Counselor?
Yoga Therapy is a powerful tool for healing, but it can also evoke strong emotions and memories, particularly for those with a trauma history. At the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, our Manager of Somatic and Integrative Services, a Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor and mental health counselor, leads our team of yoga instructors who are also trained mental health counselors. This dual training ensures that you receive the support and guidance you need to navigate your healing journey safely.