What is Yoga for Mental Health?

Yoga offers a somatic-focused treatment for mental health. It can be a preferred approach when one feels the physiological effects of stress, but does not necessarily: 1) have worries or stressful situations to work through in traditional talk therapy or 2) feel comfortable or ready to begin psychotherapy. There are many times when we are acutely distressed and cannot reason our way into feeling better. Learning strategies to promote greater control over our body to relieve pain, sooth, and calm can be the necessary coping strategies when rational thought is unavailable, or our uncomfortable body is completely overpowering our mind. Yoga may not cure our stress, but it can help us live better with stress.

Frequent Questions & Answers

What are Dr. Lisson’s qualifications or credentials to teach Yoga for mental health?

Dr. Lisson is a doctoral level, fellowship trained licensed clinical psychologist in the State of North Carolina. Her private practice for over 10 years has been devoted to working with clients with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, and coping with medical disease. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Kaivalya Yoga Method Academy and is registered with the Yoga Alliance. She has completed advanced yoga teacher training in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.

What are some medical conditions that benefit from Yoga?

• Depression and low mood
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
• Grief and loss
• Insomnia
• Chronic stress
• Addiction
• Eating Disorders

Is yoga experience necessary?

No yoga or meditation experience is required. Most clients that request this service have little to no yoga experience. The client is always in charge of what we do and what they feel comfortable exploring. Dr. Lisson is certified yoga instructor and will teach the client the breathing techniques, mindfulness, and poses, at a pace appropriate for that client.

Can this service be provided in-person or through telemedicine?

Yes, Dr. Lisson offers in-person private sessions following COVID-19 procedures or can provide this service via telemedicine in a Hippa-compliant portal or Zoom.