Yoga is not solely a physical practice-it's also a profound tool for nurturing your mental health.
This book, written by a yoga teacher and clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience, is packed with information on how to make an impact on your students' wellbeing.
With a staggering 79.4% of yoga students reporting practicing yoga for mental health reasons, teachers must be equipped to support them in an appropriate way. This book serves as a roadmap for empowering yoga teachers to help their students to navigate the intricate landscapes of varying mental health issues, from depression to anxiety and trauma.
Once you are done with this book, you will be confident to lead a practice that is safe, nourishing, and transformative. You will learn how to avoid common pitfalls such as overstepping boundaries, body shaming, non-consensual touch, misinformation, and discover the best yoga practices to teach (and what to avoid) for mental health. This is the perfect read for all yoga teachers as well as teachers in training.
Industry Reviews
I love the way Lauren presents complex ideas in such a simple and relatable manner! The book is an easy read with everything you want to know on the subject, well referenced and presented in a lucid manner. I especially found the pointers to look for in a classroom relating to different conditions and the compassionate reflection guide interesting and useful. I highly recommend this book for all serious yoga teachers who want to make yoga accessible and most beneficial for themselves and their students. -- Saraswathi Vasudevan, co-founder of Yoga Vahini
Mental Health Aware Yoga offers teachers the knowledge and confidence to identify psycho-emotional states and guidelines for meeting the students "where they are" with appropriate practices that lead toward balance, self-regulation and, in yogic terms, a sattvic state. You will find practice gems to meet and manage mood, and equally important, you'll understand what practices and language to avoid. If you teach yoga, this book belongs on your bookshelf! -- Amy Weintraub, author of Yoga for Depression, Yoga Skills for Therapists, & the Yoga For Your Mood Deck
This work is a beacon of light, masterfully guiding yoga practitioners and teachers through the intertwined paths of mental wellness and yoga with warmth and wisdom. Lauren's deep expertise shines in her practical approach to the six pillars of Mental Health Aware Yoga, rooted in decades of clinical and personal experience. This book is an invitation to a community of growth, and a testament to the power of yoga as a tool for healing. Join Lauren's transformative dialogue and become part of a movement towards holistic health and compassionate teaching. -- Richard Miller, PhD, Founder and Director of the iRest Center and developer of Integrative Restoration iRest Meditation. www.iRestCenter.com
Mental Health Aware Yoga is a ground-breaking book that every yoga teacher needs to read, whether they are just starting out on their teaching journey or have been teaching for decades. With so many people turning to yoga for mental health reasons these days, it is essential that yoga teachers have solid mental health knowledge. This easy-to-digest book will help you to compassionately and confidently support your students, and will change the way you teach yoga. Mental Health Aware Yoga is destined to become a classic and a staple in all yoga teacher training courses! -- Stephen Cope, Bestselling author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, and Scholar in Residence at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
This book is a vibrant exploration into the healing power of yoga through a somatic lens. It's a compelling invitation to deepen our understanding of the body-mind connection and a truly powerful tool for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. -- Dr. Scott Lyons, Founder of The Embody Lab
