Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes psychotherapist and yoga therapist Michelle Fury for an in-depth discussion on complex trauma, emotional healing, and the role of yoga therapy in mental health. Michelle shares her deeply personal journey, how yoga helped her navigate complex trauma, and how she now integrates yoga therapy into her work with children, adolescents, and families.

Michelle was a pioneer in the field, practicing yoga therapy before it was even a recognized profession. She discusses her time at Colorado Children's Hospital, where she worked alongside art and music therapists, supporting young individuals dealing with self-harm, eating disorders, and trauma. Michelle recounts how her journey led her to develop therapeutic tools, including the use of Optimal State emotional regulation charts, to help children and families reconnect with their emotions and sensations.

We explore topics such as:

• How trauma disconnects individuals from their bodies and emotions
• The impact of yoga therapy on young people in psychiatric care
• Differentiating between dissociation and embodied awareness
• How yoga therapy bridges the gap between mental health and somatic healing
• The process of guiding clients through self-awareness and emotional literacy
• The power of pranayama and mantra in deepening healing practices

Michelle also discusses her upcoming book Yoga Therapy for Complex Trauma, set for release in August, which offers an integrative approach to healing through yoga. She emphasizes the importance of teaching both yoga professionals and mental health practitioners how to incorporate yoga safely and effectively within their scope of practice.

If you're a yoga therapist, psychotherapist, or someone interested in using yoga as a tool for healing, this episode is packed with insights that will deepen your understanding of the mind-body connection.

Resources Mentioned:

• Michelle’s first book: Using Yoga Therapy to Promote Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
• Upcoming book: Yoga Therapy for Complex Trauma (August release)
• Optimal State mobile app for self-regulation and emotional tracking
• The Minded Institute’s Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Training

Learn More:

• Michelle Fury’s website (Launching February): www.rhythmyogatherapy.com
• The Minded Institute Training: www.themindedinstitute.com
• Optimal State Mobile App (iOS & Android)
• Connect with Amy Wheeler: www.theoptimalstate.com

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Follow Us on Social Media:

• Instagram: @optimalstate
• LinkedIn: Amy Wheeler Yoga Therapy
• YouTube: The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast

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• Want to be a guest on Season 10? Email Amy with your desired topic from the 8 Limbs series!
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