Therapeutic Yoga
Health care providers are referring their clients to yoga and meditation classes in order to address health challenges in record numbers; however, most yoga classes are not appropriate or safe for these specialized populations.  Therapeutic yoga is not just another “style” of yoga – it an approach to health and healing that skillfully blends the ancient teachings of Yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda with the wisdom embodied in much of today’s medical knowledge.  It is intended to empower each person facing challenge in their lives (physical and emotional); providing them with individualized programs that support increased function, ease and joyfulness. Therapeutic Yoga can either take place in private sessions or small group settings.  It can be a valuable and holistic complement to one’s current medical regime.

What can you expect in a private session?

You will meet with the therapist, who will talk with you about your medical history, level of function and goals for yoga therapy.  With this information in mind, the therapist will observe your movement and breathing patterns and will begin to create a personalized plan that is specifically created to optimize function and ease.  This personalized plan will include yoga postures, meditation techniques, breathwork, and/or the use of sound.  Your practice will continue to evolve as your body feels ready and as you build experience.  The ongoing relationship with your yoga therapist allows you to adapt your program based on your changing needs and goals.  Please note that you will see the best results if you use your personal practice plan at home between sessions.

The “goal” of yoga therapy is not to “cure” or “fix”; in fact, in many situations a cure may not be possible.  However, therapeutic yoga and meditation allow us to skillfully explore where potential is available and optimize well-being AS WELL AS meet that which is “unchangeable” with a lighter and more easeful heart.

How many sessions will it take?

In some cases, the sessions take place weekly for a few months; others might meet with the yoga therapist more intermittently (one or two times a month) over a longer period of time.  This depends on your level of ability, goals, general health and other factors.  Yoga Therapy is a process and a partnership between student and teacher; often it takes some “testing of the water” to develop your personalized practice. 

Faculty:

Jane McQueen, B.S. M.A. E-RYT 500, CYT

Seeking relief from lower back and knee pain, Jane's life was transformed through yoga over 11 years ago. “My personal experience with the potential healing power of yoga placed me on a path that has dramatically improved my overall health and happiness. As a breast cancer survivor my daily practice has brought peaceful relief in the midst of daily changes”. Jane McQueen is currently working as a yoga therapist, providing a complementary therapeutic support for individuals with a variety of issues and illnesses, physical, mental, and emotional. Her work empowers people to manage their current condition, reduce suffering and to attain optimal wellness.

Jane is also on the faculty at the Yoga and Polarity Center in Malverne, NY, teaching beginner/mixed level yoga classes as well as instructing students in the Teacher Training Program at both the 200 and 500 hour level.  Her accreditations include:  certified Yoga Therapist by The American Viniyoga Institute, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (500 Hour Level), B.S. in Physical Education, and a M.A. in Health Education.

Diana Slattery, OTR/L, E-RYT500, NDTA-trained (adults), CYT

Diana has walked for many years with one foot in the traditional medical model as an occupational therapist, and the other in the contemplative practices of yoga, Buddhism, and meditation.  She is passionate about learning how to intelligently blend the best of these “two worlds”, bringing a truly holistic, accessible and joyful approach to those she works with.

Diana is on the yoga teacher training faculty at The Yoga & Polarity Center at the 200- and 500- hour levels.  She is also of the teaching faculty and board of directors for the School for Compassionate Action, a non-for-profit organization in NYC that teaches yoga instructors and health care providers alike how to safely and effectively bring yoga and Buddhist meditation into underserved and untraditional settings, especially health care facilities.

Hours:
One on one sessions will be offered at the Yoga & Polarity center.
Mondays 4:00-5:30pm and Wednesdays, 2:00-4:00pm with Jane,
Thursdays from 12:00 - 3:00pm with Diana.
Other dates and times may be available to meet your needs. 
To schedule an appointment, call Jane at (516) 596-9308 or Diana at (516) 314-8604.

Therapeutic Group classes at the Prem Studio:
Wednesday 12:00-1:00PM
Check our Yoga Schedule for full details.