This is Yoga Therapy

This podcast is a venue for sharing topics in the field of yoga therapy today. Whether you are a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healthcare provider or individual with curiosity, this is the the place to learn about the latest ideas, personal healing stories, research and work that is cutting edge, and making a difference.

This is Yoga Therapy is a education podcast hosted by Michele Lawrence, with 164 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 83. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Michele Lawrence hosts This is Yoga Therapy, a education show with 164 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #32

  Neuroscience and Yogic Chanting with Dr. Gemma Perry

  Aug 17, 202642 minS6

  Can vocal chanting and intentional vibration measurably alter our neurobiology? In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with scientist, researcher, and educator Dr. Gemma Perry . Dr. Perry shares findings from her doctoral research on the physiological and psychological mechanisms of chanting—from vagal nerve stimulation and heart rate variability to stress reduction and social connection. We discuss: The Neurobiology of Vibration: What happens to the brain and autonomic nervous system when we chant. Combating Chronic Sympathetic Arousal: Specific physiological shifts that counteract modern corporate burnout. Translating Science into the Workplace: How Dr. Perry structures evidence-based sound and mindfulness programs for executive leadership and corporate wellbeing. Science Meets Soul: Why understanding clinical data deepens an embodied, therapeutic practice. The Future of Sound Therapy: Bringing integrative sound practices as front-line tools in healthcare, education, and mainstream institutions. Resources & Links: Explore Dr. Gemma Perry’s research, workplace programs, and workshops at drgemmaperry.com.au . Support the show Connect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com Website Instagram Facebook

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  Episode #31

  Somatic Presence: 40 Years of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy with Michael Lee

  Aug 3, 202636 minS6

  Long before yoga therapy was recognized by mainstream healthcare institutions, Michael Lee, MA, Dip.Psych, C-IAYT , was pioneering an internationally acclaimed method that bridged classical yoga, depth psychology, and body-centered awareness. In 1986, he founded Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy , establishing a lineage that uses the body as a direct gateway to emotional and mental liberation. In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with Michael to reflect on four decades of his work in this field. Together, they explore how integrating Rogerian person-centered psychology with yoga creates a powerful space for transformation—shifting the therapeutic goal away from "fixing" clients and toward heart-centered accompaniment. In this conversation, we explore: The Roots of Phoenix Rising: How Michael brought together behavioral science, psychology, and traditional yoga lineage over 40 years ago. Dual-Centered Awareness: Why the therapeutic relationship and non-judgmental presence are essential for deep, long-term growth. Shifting From "Fixing" to "Accompaniment": How yoga therapists can serve by shifting from trying to fix problems to holding space for the client's innate wisdom. Turning Stress into Bliss: Practical strategies from Michael’s book to move from chronic existential burnout into deep meaning and fulfillment. Resources Connect with Michael Lee: Explore Michael’s books ( Turn Stress into Bliss and Yoga Therapy and Integrative Medicine ), courses, and global events at michaelleeyoga.com . Learn About Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy: Discover programs and resources at pryt.com . Support the show Connect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com Website Instagram Facebook

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  Episode #30

  Nervous System Regulation in Clinical Practice with Meredith Phipps

  Jul 20, 202632 minS6

  When someone has experienced trauma, chronic stress, or progressive illness, their own physical body can start to feel like an unsafe environment. They often report feeling disconnected from or even "betrayed" by their physical shape. How do we help clients shift out of a constant, cellular state of survival and return to a state of safety, trust, and connection? In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with Meredith Phipps, C-IAYT , founder of Essentia Yoga Therapy . Meredith masterfully weaves together traditional yoga therapy, somatic practices, and polyvagal theory to help clients reforge a trusted relationship with their physical selves. Together, they explore the somatic architecture of trauma, how polyvagal-informed tools adapt seamlessly to changing and aging bodies, and why building a completely new relationship with the body is a radical—yet necessary—shift in clinical care. In this conversation, we explore: The Cellular Level of Survival: Why trauma alters a person's relationship with their body and why top-down talk therapy sometimes struggles to reach deep somatic holding patterns. Polyvagal Theory on the Mat: How to demystify complex nervous system states (fight, flight, freeze) so clients in heightened defense can practically track their state. Trauma Recovery & Aging: The surprising intersection between trauma-informed somatic tools and supporting individuals navigating progressive illness or changing physical capabilities. Personalized Inquiry vs. Fixed Shapes: How tailored, responsive yoga therapy alters clinical outcomes compared to standard, general studio classes. From Management to Awe: How practitioners can help clients shift away from viewing the body as "something problematic to manage" toward treating it as a sacred space of reverence and wonder. Show Notes, Resources, & Guest Links Connect with Meredith Phipps: Learn more about her clinical practice, telehealth sessions, and evidence-based workshops at EssentiaYogaTherapy.com . Support the show Connect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com Website Instagram Facebook

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  Episode #29

  Yoga Therapy in Mainstream Medical Care with Jen Peterson

  Jul 13, 202633 minS6

  After sustaining a severe back injury, yoga therapist Jen Peterson, C-IAYT, found herself completely ostracized by modern, fitness-based studio spaces that prioritized rigid, hyper-flexible physical shapes. That turning point sparked a lifelong vow: to champion the truth that the pose is meant to serve the body—not the other way around. In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with Jen Peterson, C-IAYT , an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Reiki Master, and the founder of Yoga Grace. Jen beautifully splits her time between her private practice and working as an integrated provider at the University of Vermont Medical Center’s Comprehensive Pain Program, treating patients with complex chronic conditions. Together, they dive into why physical poses only scratch the surface of true healing, what happens when you bring bottom-up somatic tools into an allopathic hospital setting, and how the clinical application of yoga therapy can change the landscape of modern pain management. In this conversation, we explore: The Injury Pivot: How feeling isolated by Western studio culture redefined Jen's clinical framework of what a "successful" practice looks like. Yoga in the Hospital System: The shifts that occur in patient outcomes when bottom-up tools like pranayama and gentle asana are woven into traditional medical pain management. Moving Beyond the Physical Layer: A multi-dimensional look at why long-term healing is impossible if we only address the physical body ( Annamaya Kosha ). The Intersect of Yoga & Ayurveda: How circadian medicine and lifestyle rhythms change the way we assess root causes like chronic insomnia, anxiety, and digestive unrest. Advice for Emerging Therapists: The single most critical mindset shift a fitness-focused yoga teacher needs to make to transition into safe, therapeutic work with complex populations. Guest Links Connect with Jen Peterson: Explore her virtual practice library, register for asynchronous recordings, and book private yoga therapy or Ayurvedic consultations at YogaGraceVT.com . Enjoyed this conversation? Please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Share this episode with a healthcare provider, yoga teacher, or anyone navigating chronic pain who needs to hear that if they can breathe, they can practice. Support the show Connect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com Website Instagram Facebook

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  Episode #28

  Sleep Simplified with Monica Le Baron

  Jul 6, 202632 minS6

  What if the secret to your next professional breakthrough isn't doing more—but mastering the art of the somatic off-switch? In a high-intensity culture that treats "the hustle" and sleep deprivation as badges of honor, ambitious women are facing a quiet epidemic of chronic exhaustion, nighttime panic, and the dreaded 3:00 AM wake-up call. In this episode of This is Yoga Therapy , host Michele Lawrence sits down with Monica Le Baron , MBA, C-IAYT , a globally recognized sleep expert, certified yoga therapist, and the bestselling author of Sleep Simplified . Monica beautifully bridges the gap between high-level business strategy and somatic therapy because she lived it. After climbing the corporate ladder while silently battling debilitating insomnia, chronic pain, and anxiety, she found her pathway out of burnout through yoga therapy. Today, her signature Sleep Simplified™ method helps hundreds of high-achieving women worldwide drop the stress of rigid sleep tracking and reclaim deep, restorative rest. In this conversation, we dive into: The Corporate Pivot: Monica's personal turning point from corporate exhaustion to somatic alignment. Stripping Away Bedtime Anxiety: The core philosophy behind her 4-step framework and why rigid sleep hygiene rules can sometimes fuel insomnia. Rest as a Foundation, Not a Reward: Re-framing rest as a non-negotiable metric for professional longevity, success, and leadership sustainability. The Neurobiology of Self-Love: How a lack of self-compassion keeps the sympathetic nervous system on high alert at 3:00 AM, and how to transition into a physical state of safety. Mind-Body Mechanics for Nighttime Panic: A practical, in-the-moment breathwork tool to down-regulate an anxious nervous system directly from bed. The Next Chapter: An exclusive sneak peek into the central message of Monica's highly anticipated upcoming book. 🔗 Resources, & Guest Links Connect with Monica Le Baron: Visit MonicaLeBaron.com to find her bestselling book Sleep Simplified , explore her guided audio practices on the Insight Timer app, and sign up for updates on her upcoming book. Deepen Your Training: Discover advanced modules and clinical pathways to bring mind-body tools into specialized care at Inner Peace Yoga Therapy . Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Share this episode with a high-achieving friend, colleague, or client who needs permission to put down the trackers and reclaim the courage to rest. Support the show Connect with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy Email us: info@innerpeaceyogatherapy.com Website Instagram Facebook

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