Gentle Somatic Yoga classes in Salisbury + online, with Claire.
Somatic yoga is a type of yoga where you are encouraged to pay attention to how your body feels in the poses, rather than how it looks. The focus is on lovingly connecting to your body to tune in to its sensations, listen to what your body needs, release tension and use movement and breathing patterns to let go of stress. In these classes, we practice mindful movement; this may be different to other more physically demanding classes as you are encouraged to go at your own pace and really listen to what feels right for your body.
My classes combine peaceful and nourishing mindful movement, conscious breathwork techniques, learning postures and gentle flows, relaxation and guided meditations. We always end the classes with smiling, grateful hearts.
Held in St John's Place, Salisbury - a converted church with beautiful energy, sound (and underfloor heating!). If you are coming in person, I have mats, straps and blocks for you to borrow.
These classes are suitable for all abilities, many of my students had never tried yoga before joining my class. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.
About your yoga teacher:
I have been practicing yoga for over 12 years and trained in both Hatha & Vinyasa flow yoga in India. Like many, I started practicing yoga because I wanted a "yoga body", but I later realised this was not really yoga at all.
My practice shifted during my eating disorder recovery as I started to understand the true meaning of yoga as the union of the mind, body and soul.
My practice got slower, gentler and kinder and developed into what is now an accepting, kind and non-judgemental celebration of my body. I weave these themes into my classes to share with others the joy of self-acceptance and embodied living.
Please look at my FAQs for further info, or contact me with any questions.
Listen to my Savasana playlist:
Book on to a gentle somatic yoga class here:
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Who is this course for?This course is for people who want to learn the tools, techniques and practices to live a more peaceful life. It might be that you are finding your emotions challenging, struggling with otherthinking or facing burnout. It might be that you are seeking an effective way to manage stress, anxiety or pain. It might be that you are seeking a way to be more present, patient, less judgemental and to be kinder to yourself. Or perhaps you have been recommended by a doctor or other healthcare professional to practice mindfulness.
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How will I know if this course is right for me?If in reading through this page you are noticing a calling, a glimmer of hope, a curiosity or excitement...then I would suggest you take the next step on your journey with me - you won't be disappointed. The only thing I ask is that you are inspired to change and ready to put the work in for these 8 weeks. Mindfulness is like going to the mind-gym and I am your personal trainer - you can rewire your brain and retune your nervous system in these 8 weeks. Participants often notice changes in the way they think and feel in just a few weeks when they put in the work...it's incredible. It's not a quick-fix (spoiler: there are no quick fixes) but as long as you are ready to learn and practice...you really can change your life. There is plenty to keep you motivated. Not only will you attend weekly group sessions, you will also be sent weekly extensive interactive .pdf worksheets with all of the theory, many exercises, diagrams, links to videos, quotes, all of the latest research referenced, mini quizzes etc. In addition you will have a new set of audio practices each week. If you have specific health challenges or a history of trauma, please get in touch so we can arrange a call together (free of charge) to make sure the group program is the right choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch (contact details on the contact page of the main menu).
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Will this cure my *specific mental or physical health problem*?The British Psychological Society approved programme I teach is evidence based and has helped many people around the world with their health and wellbeing. However, I do not make any claims to treat or cure and specific mental or physical health issue. The information contained in this programme, or on this site, is not to be taken as medical advice and should not to be used in replacement of a mental or physical health treatment plan or prescription. You are encouraged to consult your doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information in this programme, or on this site, should be relied upon to determine health, or make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information in this programme and on this website is not intended as medical advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 999.
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Is this course certified/approved?This course includes the curriculum of a British Psychological Society approved mindfulness programme which combines Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction & Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. We cover this whole programme as well as material from other body-centred modalities such as yoga therapy, breathwork and somatics. This isn't a teaching certification (i.e. you will not be certified to teach this course on completion as this requires further training, to which I can sign post you onwards after completion) You will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
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I have a history of trauma - is this course right for me?If you are working with the effects of trauma, or have a diagnoses of PTSD or C-PTSD, I recommend we book a discovery call to discuss before deciding the best way to work together. I'm a trauma informed practitioner so am sensitive to the effects of trauma on the mind and the body, however, a group setting will not necessarily be the right setting for you. It might be that working 1-2-1 will be more appropriate to ensure I can give you my whole attention and co-create a bespoke programme that will ensure you feel safe throughout. You can find out more about 1-2-1 coaching and book a free 30 minute discovery call here.
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Will I get a certificate?Yes – you will get a certificate of attendance after completing the 8 week course (attendance at the live sessions or catching up on the video recordings is required). Please note this is an informational and educational course, not a certification programme.
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Do you do 1-2-1 work as well?Yes. I take on a small number of clients for 1-2-1 work either over Zoom or in-person in Salisbury. This is particularly useful if you are working with specific challenges or if you have a history of trauma, as I can adapt the programme to you and your needs. You can find out more about working together 1-2-1 please book a free 20 minute consultation call here.
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What qualifications & experience do you have?I am a licensed practitioner of the British Psychological Society approved Mindfulness Now programme. I am also a certified yoga teacher, have done additional training in meditation, yoga therapy, integrative somatic trauma therapy, counselling and trauma-informed practice. To see my full list of qualifications and experience please see the 'about me' page.
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How much does the course cost and how can I book and pay?The investment for the course is: £200 (before 31st July 2024) £220 (after 31st July 2024) To secure your space, please follow the booking links on this page. You will be prompted to fill out your booking form and health questionnaire and then to make payment of either a £50 deposit or your full fees.
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I can't attend some of the sessions - does it matter if I miss some?Usually there are a few people who have to miss some sessions, it is better to be at all of them, but you can still do the course with some gaps. I record all of the practices and also send comprehensive notes after each session, and anyone who misses a session I will be happy to have a catch up on zoom to make sure you are up to speed with anything missed.
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I've done mindfulness (with you) before - can I do it again?Absolutely, if you want to repeat the course as a catch up or to reinvigorate your practice, you are very welcome to. If you have done a mindfulness course with another teacher before, some of the content may be similar but I put myself into this course too so it is unique. If you have done 1-2-1 mindfulness sessions with me, it is likely we have covered most of the material together but you are welcome to join if you would like the group experience and practcie accountability.
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How much practcie do I need to do each day?The research tells us that 20 mins of mindfulness a day, for 8 weeks rewires our brain for greater wellbeing. Research also tells us that just 5 minutes of somatic breathing exercises a day can also enhance your wellbeing. So aim to do at least a few minutes of practice each day, or most days, and some longer practices as and when you are able to.
FAQs