This webinar explores the use of yoga as a therapeutic modality in its own right, as well as how it can be an accompaniment to a dance/movement therapy session. The presenter provides a description of the history up through the modernity of yoga; shares her own experiences from her nearly decade long yoga training in India; and offers methods to utilize yoga as a means to invite reluctant clients to feel safer in their bodies before exploring more expressive movement processes. Additionally, the presenter explains why yoga, as a distinct body-based practice, has found tremendous success and recognition in the treatment of many anxiety disorders, including trauma-related diagnoses, and shares how dance/movement therapists can incorporate these tools effortlessly into their own professional practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn how to incorporate aspects of the physical (asana or movement) and philosophical (meditative) practice of yoga into a dance/movement therapy group or individual session.

2. Participants will learn how to use yoga as an introduction to D/MT with clients whom are highly anxious and/or very reluctant to engage in movement as a personal expression. 

3. Participants will become aware of specific qualities about yoga practice that improve interpersonal relationships, increase sensory tolerance and enhance self-awareness/knowledge.

Continuing Education Credits: 1.0 ADTA CE, 1.0 NBCC CE, 1.0 NY LCAT CE

Presenter Bio:

Emma Barton, MA, LMHC, BC-DMT, E-RYT is a board certified dance/movement therapist and a licensed mental health counselor. She is also a yoga therapist, registered with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT500) and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Prior to completing her Master of Arts in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling at Columbia College Chicago, Emma spent eleven years in Asia studying and teaching yoga as a healing modality, and several years professionally practicing yoga therapy after returning to the United States. Since completing her Masters, Emma has designed and implemented several effective social service programs incorporating the skills of yoga therapy, dance/movement therapy and the Eastern concept of mindfulness. She has worked extensively in dually diagnosed/substance use disorders, trauma recovery, and severe mental illness and currently has a private practice in Newton, Massachusetts. In addition, Emma is an adjunct faculty member in the Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Department at Lesley University in Cambridge. She emphasizes the here and now experience and believes that the development of healthy interaction begins with a sense that the therapeutic relationship can be a place of authenticity and acceptance. Emma is an Albert Schweitzer Fellow and the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships, including the Marian Chace Foundation Award for Journalism. Her writing on this topic can be found on www.AddictionHope.com and in the American Journal of Dance Therapy.