Tessa

About Tessa

I started going to yoga classes when I went to university and was feeling overwhelmed by being away from home. I realised that moving my body led consistently to a feeling of well-being. Having taught for 20+ years now, I particularly enjoy using movement and breathwork to support people’s nervous systems – the practices can be used to calm or energise and being able to teach someone how and when to use these tools for themselves is so exciting. My aim is to support clients to understand their bodies and feel more able to have agency to make the right choices for themselves. I bring a feeling of curiosity to the sessions where we use the practices as an experiment to see what works for you as an individual: there are no right or wrong ways of doing them, but through the process of having a go, you’ll learn something about yourself.

My Approach

Using a person-centred approach is essential to using movement and breathwork in a way that supports the individual where they are in the present moment. I bring 10+ years of experience of a Yoga for Trauma approach to my practice where trust and agency is created through being consistent, using invitational language and encouraging feedback to the practices shared. Sessions are tailored to the individual according to what would support their nervous system – calming or energising – and supporting learning step-by-step how to do this for themselves when they are ready.

Holistic & Mind–Body Perspective

An integrated approach to mind, body and spirit is essential to the way that I work. Movement and breathwork provides a bottom-up approach to creating a feeling of safety and well-being for the whole person. Teaching about how the nervous system functions can be pivotal to an individual learning how to work with their body and mind in the context of the world around us.

What a session with me is like

A 1-2-1 session is one hour long and starts with a brief check in. Details of what has happened are not necessary to be able to participate in the session. I guide the client with gentle movements, where I demonstrate how to move and they can follow along. This can be standing, sitting or lying down depending on what the person is comfortable with. Simple breath practices can also be shared, always getting feedback to see if the client is comfortable with them and finding them beneficial. Relaxation may also be a part of the session, sitting or lying, with eyes open or closed as your prefer, with no long silences but gentle instruction. Realistic, small home practices are given.

"People are often surprised how simple movements and gentle breathwork can transform how they feel. I bring curiosity and expertise to discover with you what will bring balance for your mind, body and nervous system."

Tessa