Pranayama Practices for Anxiety and Depression
This workshop explores mental health and pranayama. You will learn about the positive effect pranayama can have on your client’s mental health, specifically in relation to anxiety and depression within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
As the primary role of pranayama is to influence the mind through the breath, it can influence the client’s emotions and their personality. Although Pranayama is a very subtle yogic tool, it can cause harm to the client if applied incorrectly. You will learn how to tailor safe, effective and specific pranayama practices for client’s presenting with anxiety and depression and learn how to progress their practice towards meditation.
More than 44% (or 8.6 million) Australians aged 16–85 are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder, affecting 17% of Australians, followed by Affective disorders (such as Depressive Episode) (8% of Australians.) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Mental health services in Australia.)
Module 1: Understanding Pranayama and How to Build Practices
You will learn:
- the process required to practice pranayama and gain an understanding of the methodology used to build practices.
- about the importance of the 8 limbs of Yoga to establish a strong foundation for pranayama practice for someone experiencing mental health issues
- the effects of pranayama and how it can benefit a person with mental health issues.
Module 2: Pranayama and Anxiety
You will learn:
- how pranayama can benefit a person experiencing anxiety
- how to work with people with mild to severe anxiety
- a structured practice with variations specifically for a client with anxiety
- how to incorporate mantra and mudra into the pranayama practice
- a case study will be included.
Module 3: Pranayama and Depression
You will learn:
- about the differences and similarities between anxiety and depression
- specific pranayama practices for depression and contraindications
- how to work with people with mild to severe depression
- how pranayama can benefit a person experiencing depression
- a case study will be included
Module 4: Moving from Pranayama to Meditation
You will learn:
- how to transition the client from pranayama to meditation
- considerations when putting together a meditation practice for clients with mental health challenges.
There is a wealth of knowledge that Louise shares throughout this course that ensures you are best supporting your client with anxiety or depression.
Louise Fairney, Yoga Therapist
Mental Health and Pranayama Workshop Schedule:
Each of the 4 modules will include:
- 1 hour 15 minute Presentation and Yoga Practice
- 15 min Q&A
Louise Godfrey shared her knowledge and taught each module of the Mental Health and Pranayama workshop series with precise information and understanding. It was easy to listen to Louise and appreciate her extremely sharing and caring nature. Being able to partake in the workshop was entertaining, mind-provoking, and expansive learning; something that I could easily take away and teach my own tribe. I have a book on the Sutras that I have never opened before, and this workshop encouraged me to open it and start to read it. A simple saying, we all know, and love is that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
Lorraine Furmston, Yoga Teacher
Thank you once again for establishing a wonderful opportunity, an intriguing, passionate and knowledgeable teacher and learning experience.
Who Should Attend the Mental Health and Pranayama Workshop?
- Yoga therapists, Yoga teachers and Yoga teacher trainees
- Medical doctors, health professionals and complementary therapists who want to use Yoga practices in their work
Benefits of Attending this Workshop:
- Learn from Louise Godfrey, experienced Yoga therapist and Yoga therapy educator, and Mental Health specialist
- Learn practical tools and techniques that you can apply immediately with yourself, and your students and clients
- Educate yourself about the safest and most effective ways to teach Pranayama to your students and clients experiencing mental health challenges
- Connect with a network of yoga teachers and therapists working in this field
- Deepen your knowledge of Yoga as a therapeutic practice
- This workshop is influenced by the teachings and philosophy of Mr. TKV Desikachar.
- Yoga therapists/teachers are eligible for 6 Continuing Professional Development points.
Mental Health and Pranayama Workshop:
Delivery: Available on demand now
Cost: $240. Prices include GST.
Hours: 6 hours of recordings are included
Remember, if you are unable to make the live class, it will be recorded and available to you for 12 months after the event.
You will need: a computer and stable internet connection.
