What are your qualifications?
I am a person with an addiction who got sober after many attempts. I used to call myself a “chronic relapser” until things finally started to click in recovery. Additionally, I have the following credentials:
CYT-200 from Chi-Town Shakti Yoga & Meditation
Certified Meditation Teacher (Level 1) from Konalani Yoga
Certificate: Yoga for Trauma (32 hours of continuing education) from The Center for Yoga and Trauma Recovery
In progress: 1,000 hour IAYT accredited Yoga Therapist Training from Pranayoga Institute
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of IL*
*Disclaimer:
The information and content on this site are for educational purposes only and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.
Are you against AA and other 12 step programs?
Absolutely not! My own recovery from substance use disorder started with participation in a 12 step program. However, I noticed a lot of resistance within myself to some of the ideas and the 12 steps–particularly the Higher Power aspect. Moreover, the original literature is from the 1930s, and I think it’s important to recognize that culture and norms change. As a result, some folks may find the language in original texts to be dismissive, exclusionary, or simply hard to understand.
These days I have a lot more patience and tolerance in general, and I’m able to see the positive aspects of 12 step recovery (especially since it can also be applied to behavioral addictions, like gambling or sex addiction). In fact, I don’t think the concepts are that much different from other programs of recovery! My main hope is to promote awareness of the many different options available, so that people feel empowered to choose the type of support that is most helpful for them.
What if I’m not flexible, can I still do yoga?
You do NOT have to be flexible or have a certain body type to do yoga. In fact, yoga postures (asanas) are just one of EIGHT different aspects (limbs) of yoga. In additional to a physical practice, yoga is a spiritual practice, a philosophy, and a lifestyle that advises adhering to certain ethical principles. If you’re worried specifically about the postures, please be assured that there are infinite ways to modify any pose. That’s part of what I think is so cool about yoga! The goal is to apply the pose so it fits your body, rather than trying to force your body to fit the pose. YOU get to decide how to practice yoga depending on how you’re feeling in any given moment, because YOU are the expert on your own experience.
What if I’ve never meditated before, or I’ve been taught a different way to meditate than what you’re doing?
Please feel free to show up and give meditation or yoga a try, even if you’re brand new to it! I try to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and not take things too seriously. There are many different types of meditation, and I think the best way to approach any of them is to remain open to whatever experience comes up for you. You may really dislike mantra at first, and then grow to love it! Or, you may enjoy lovingkindness (metta) meditation for a long time, and then decide you need to switch it up! I will give cues during practice, but that doesn’t mean there’s a distinctly “right” or “wrong” way to meditate. If you have specific questions, feel free to send an email or use the “contact” form and I’ll get back to you.
Do you teach in-person classes at a studio?
I teach on Saturday mornings at Chi-Town Shakti Yoga & Meditation, a lovely neighborhood studio in Edgewater. This class is NOT recovery specific, so anyone is welcome to attend either in-person or online.