Welcome. I am an experienced yoga therapist, yoga teacher, meditation, mindfulness, iRest & breathwork teacher. I am also a yoga teacher mentor.
How I can I support you? Simon
Yoga & Meditation for everybody
"Whether you're a beginner or experienced, I tailor practices to your specific needs. I can support you in building resiliency, strength, flexibility and help you to reduce stress, anxiety, improve sleep and (re)connect to your inner calm."
What is yoga therapy?
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"Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga" International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
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“Yoga therapy is a self-empowering process, where the care-seeker, with the help of the Yoga therapist, implements a personalised and evolving Yoga practice, that not only addresses issues in a multi-dimensional manner, but also aims to alleviate her/his/their suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner. Depending upon the nature of the issue, yoga therapy can not only be preventative or curative, but also serve a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.” TKV and Kausthub Desikachar (Contemporary definitions of yoga therapy, 2022)​​​​
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Private 1-2-1 Yoga Therapy
I draw on a combination of evidence based practices drawn from movement techniques including yoga , breathing practices, mindfulness techniques, the latest neuroscience and psychology and other tools to empower you towards improved health, alleviate symptoms, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing and cope with life's challenges.
It can help you to develop skills that improve nervous system resiliency, build a greater sense of agency and safety within, increase emotional regulation skills and create a more positive relationship with yourself. Anybody can benefit from yoga therapy and you do not need any prior experience in yoga or mindfulness to benefit.
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My areas of specialisation for individual yoga therapy are adults with anxiety, depression, stress, lower back pain, chronic pain, migraine/headaches, COPD, osteoporosis, Parkinsons & supporting prostate health.
Each session may include:
Joint freeing movements
Breath led movements / yoga postures
Breathing practices
Mindfulness
Meditations
Guided relaxation practices
Lifestyle suggestions / suggestions around self care.
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Yoga therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including the following:
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Mental health conditions
Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Eating disorders, Post - natal depression, ADHD, PTSD
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Physical conditions
Joint pain, Back pain, Neck pain, Muscularskeletal issues, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis,
Sciatica, Asthma, Diabetes, Parkinsons, COPD, IBS, Insomnia, MS, ME, High blood pressure, HIV, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, Cardiovascular issues, Stroke, Cancer, Digestive issues, Respiratory issues, Menopause, Crohn’s disease, Chronic fatigue, Auto-immune diseases
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For further details or to book a session please contact me Simon Hoten at 07984613826
or email me at: simon@yoga360.co.uk
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FAQ
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What can I expect the sessions to be like?
- On the phone prior to the first session we’ll discuss your unique needs and what brought you to yoga therapy.
In the first session I will likely complete some breath and body assessments and we will do some breath, movement, mindfulness and relaxation practices, and set therapeutic goals. We will also come up with a preliminary plan of a daily home practise, based on your goals, as well as your available time and energy. In subsequent sessions we’ll review your response to the week’s practice, do movement, breath & mindfulness practices, then set a new practice related to your goals.
Yoga therapy sessions are always tailored to your individual needs.
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What will I need?
- You’ll need comfortable clothes that you can move in. In most cases you’ll do the session in bare feet, but socks with grips are OK. I have any recommended equipment i.e. mats and props, so you won’t need to bring them.
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How long are sessions?
- One-to-one sessions usually last 60 minutes, though the first session is often 75-90 minutes. depending on what we discuss.
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How many sessions would I have?
- You may wish to have just one and then reflect on your needs.
I usually recommend a minimum of 3. Sometimes people with stress see me for 3 sessions in a row and then ask for a session every now and then when they are feeling overwhelmed, have a flare up, or lose motivation to practice. Three sessions also works well for people who are experiencing temporary grief or loss. Most people find 6 sessions to be about right. Those with mild anxiety and depression, as well those who are managing heart disease, can find some relief in that time and learn the tools they need to manage their condition. If you are recovering from trauma, an eating disorder, or PTSD, or if you are managing a condition like cancer, HIV, lasting effects of Covid, cardiac event recovery, or autoimmune disease, then it’s likely that you will book sessions for longer.
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How often would I have a session?
- Most people find that once a week works well. After each session you’ll have a new technique to practice at home, so it’s best to have at least a week between sessions.
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Do I have to practise yoga to benefit?
- No, not at all. All the practices are tailored to your body and your needs and many clients have not practised before.
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Is yoga therapy only for those who are suffering or unwell?
- No, not at all. Some people don’t have a mental or physical health condition but just want to feel more embodied, experience more joy, or connect with themselves on a deeper level. Doing 3 to 5 sessions can be a great way to recharge, to feel more motivated, find a new direction, or to come home to oneself.
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Does yoga therapy replace medical treatment?
- No, not at all. In fact, many of the people yoga therapists work with have often been referred by a physiotherapist, a psychotherapist, or a physician. Some clients are on medication for their condition and/or following a course of treatment by another provider. Yoga therapy is a holistic therapy that works on physiological and neural pathways that not only won’t interfere with your other treatment but will likely improve your ability to heal from or manage your condition and increase your quality of life. It’s an ideal complementary therapy. That being said, yoga therapy has the potential in many cases to reduce the amount of time and money spent on acute medical care by improving overall health and encouraging preventative practices.
If you’re in doubt, contact your doctor / medical provider about the benefits and risks of yoga therapy for your condition. I’d be happy to provide more information to you and your doctor about the specific breath and movement practices we are likely to do.
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Where are private yoga therapy sessions held?
- Usually at my home practise in West Hampstead or online. We can discuss holding sessions at your home or at another venue in certain circumstances.
