Information for Clinicians & Providers

Welcome to the clinician’s page, a page devoted to medical doctors, and mental health counselors who are curious about Yoga Therapy and how it can help your patients and clients. When working with your patients, I also work with you to ensure that care plans are aligned and in the best interest of the patient’s overall health.

Below are some of the effects that practicing yoga has shown in scientific literature.

  • Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression

  • Reduce symptoms of PTSD

  • Reduce markers for inflammation

  • Increase GABA

  • Increase HRV

  • Reduce Blood Pressure

  • Improve cognitive functioning

  • Decrease Stress and Allostatic load

  • Decrease Sympathetic Nervous System response to stress

  • Down-regulate the HPA Axis

  • Improve emotional regulation

  • Increase Parasympathetic activation

  • Increases gray matter in parts of the brain

  • Increases compassion

WORDS FROM TRUSTED CLINICIANS

Blake Floyd, CADC-I – Program Developer, The Healing Collective

“Liz is one of the most authentic people I have ever worked with. I've known Liz for a few years now, and have had the pleasure of seeing the impact she has had with clients who are early in their recovery process. Her ability to guide an entire room of individuals through their healing process is nothing short of remarkable, and incredibly powerful."

Laura Seth, MD – Senior Physician, Atrium Health

“Liz has provided many of my patients with yoga therapy over the years...with tremendous results. Her therapy has allowed several of my patients to reduce their blood pressure and anxiety medications significantly. She has helped them improve their overall fitness and health. She is fabulous!”

Patty Montagnino, MSW, LCS – Accelerated Resolution Therapy

"As a therapist specializing in trauma, I often see clients struggling to connect with their emotions their bodies. Liz combines her knowledge of yoga and mental health to create a safe and accepting place to heal. She uses her gifts to help clients move past their pain, access their truth and create a purposeful life."

Dr. Melinda S Harper – Chair/Professor of Psychology-Queens University of Charlotte, Clinical Psychologist-Charlotte Psychotherapy & Consultation Group

“I have had the pleasure of seeing Liz in action in a variety of settings. In addition to being a regularly invited guest lecturer at the Queens University of Charlotte, I have also referred clients to her for instruction in yoga and other mindfulness/meditation-based experiences. Her empathic and thoughtful style coupled with her expertise and delivery of instruction and guidance provides each client with an incredibly positive and enriching experience. 

FAQs & FURTHER STUDIES

What is yoga therapy?

The International Association of Yoga Therapists defines it as “The process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga.” It is not to be considered a treatment or a cure. However, the practice of yoga can help to improve a variety of conditions, as stated below. It is different from going to a group class, as it is tailored to meet the individual’s emotional, physical, and mental needs.

What practices do you offer?

Hatha yoga, or slow movement through the yoga postures with awareness of breath. Restorative yoga, meditation and mindfulness, breathwork, and philosophy– which helps people to look through a new lens at their life choices.

Additionally, I utilize my decades of experience as both a personal trainer and health coach to assist my clients with keen attention to safety and alignment, as well as guiding them toward healthy solutions to improve their overall health and well-being.

Do you work with your clients’ providers?

I feel that communication between the care team is important for the progress of the client. I often work with other members of my clients’ care team which may include medical doctors, mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, physical therapists, and chiropractors.

Harvard neuroscientist: Meditation not only reduces stress, here’s how it changes your brain

Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, was one of the first scientists to take the anecdotal claims about the benefits of meditation and mindfulness and test them in brain scans. read more

Effects of yoga on the autonomic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and allostasis in epilepsy, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder

According to the proposed theory, the decreased PNS and GABAergic activity that underlies stress-related disorders can be corrected by yoga practices resulting in amelioration of disease symptoms. This has far-reaching implications for the integration of yoga-based practices in the treatment of a broad array of disorders exacerbated by stress. read more

Yoga for Substance Use: A Systematic Review

Seven out of 8 studies showed significant results and improved primary outcomes such as anxiety, pain, or substance use. Seven out of the 8 studies showed significant positive outcomes using yoga in conjunction with other pharmacological treatment modalities like opioid substitution therapy. read more