Hello, I’m Lisa and I’m studying Transpersonal Counselling with The Ikon Institute. As part of the course we are required to complete Placement hours and so I’m pleased to sayI will be offering free counselling sessions at YogaSol.

What opportunities does this create for the YogaSol community?

This means thatI will be available to meet with clients on a one to one basis at YogaSol to share the knowledge and skills I have gained through my studies. Participants are invited to meet with me to talk about personal issues or to explore areas of their life in a safe and confidential space.

 

What is Transpersonal Counselling and how might it differ from other styles of counselling that we may have experienced in the past?

Transpersonal Counselling is about integrating the mind, body and spirit.  It is very client-centred.  It goes beyond the persona and taps into the unseen parts of you that may hold the key to your healing. It begins with talking therapy in a safe and secure space where you can talk about your feelings and concerns and explore ways to find meaning, healing and peace.  Whilst some therapists give advice and direction on what the client should do to fix their problems, Transpersonal Counselling is about meeting the client where they are in their journey and helping them find their inner wisdom.  This is done through honouring the client’s story with empathy and respect.

It sounds like there may be similarities to the yogic path. Does Transpersonal Counselling enhance yoga and meditation practice?

Yes, I believe it does. Along with allowing people the space and time to explore their conscious world through speaking their truth, Transpersonal Counselling incorporates areas of meditation, chakra work and other body wisdom processes. Therefore this kind of counselling adds another dimension of self-exploration to a yoga and meditation practice and so they complement each other.

What is your background and what lead you to Transpersonal Counselling?

I’m from New Zealand originally. I have university qualifications in Arts and Education including courses in Psychology and Counselling. I have always been interested in other cultures and I have travelled fairly extensively. I worked in international education for many years as a teacher of English as a Second Language.  A few years ago I realised that I needed a career change and decided to follow my heart and study Counselling. I had received help with my own journey from a wonderful counsellor who used Transpersonal methods and so I knew this was the kind of therapy I wanted to learn more about in order to help others.

What is it that appeals to you about Transpersonal Counselling and how has it helped you?

Firstly I think that counselling is a very individual thing and you have to find what resonates with you. There is much to be learned from a wide range of therapeutic styles and paradigms, but I believe all effective counselling begins with respect, empathy and being truly heard. The Transpersonal approach appeals to me because it recognises that we are really spiritual beings having a human experience. I believe in honouring all cultural and spiritual beliefs and acknowledge that your journey is unique.  I also believe that even though we can strive to grow as individuals we are all connected ultimately. The Transpersonal style honours each individual’s story. It incorporates processes that expand our consciousness and allow us to find meaning and truth.This kind of counselling has helped me understand my own personal journey and explore my story whilst honouring my truth. It has helped me expand my awareness physically, mentally and spiritually and find new ways to access my inner wisdom.

How long will you be at YogaSol and will the sessions always be free of charge?

I have a set number of hours to complete in my Placement hours and I will be working at other locations as well as YogaSol.  I’m expecting to be at YogaSol until June 2018, but it may be longer. Whilst I am offering sessions as a Placement student the sessions will remain free of charge.

Lets have a quick chat to the Guy that is bringing us Yoga For Blokes see what he says about Yoga ….. and Blokes

Hi Shaun
Welcome to Yoga Sol.
We are so happy to have you on board with our Yoga For Blokes class.
Hello Claire
Firstly let me say thank you to you and the team at Yoga Sol for the opportunity to teach at your wonderful centre. I will try and answer your questions as best possible
1)Why do you think Yoga for Blokes is becoming more and more popular?
With yoga becoming more widely used, by sports teams and as a great way to stay both physically and mentally healthy, I think more guys are ready to see what its all about.

2)What makes Yoga for Blokes different from any other class?
The difference form your normal class is that this is designed specifically for guys. Guys bodies are different to women.I will be organising the class around those in the room and what they need on the day.

3)What sort of blokes are coming to Yoga at the moment and what sort of blokes do you think will be coming to a specialised class just for men?
The great thing about yoga is that it does allow everyone to be part of the class, I have taught classes to Doctors, Police Officers, Tradies and stay at home Dads. I hope that this keeps happening.

4) Yoga has been dominated by women in our modern day western yoga studios for such a long time that it is seen as something for girls, but now we see the AFL and NRL are both employing Yoga Teachers as part of their core team for looking after the Health and fitness of their players. Do you think this will be something that influences the choices that Men are making in seeking out Yoga?
With anything we do, if we can’t connect with the people around us we don’t enjoy it. For some guys having another guy teaching the class so you’re not the only one in the room full of ladies can make a big difference.

5)If we look at the statistics for suicide, we can see the overpowering evidence that men are struggling with strong emotions and maybe not being able to connect with others for support or mate ship, Is this something that you think Yoga can help with?
Definitely. I know for myself yoga has made a huge difference in the way I see things and how I mentally cope with things.

6)Having spent many Years working in the mens prisons you would of seen many men in a desperate situation. Do you feel helping men connect to Yoga is maybe a direction for you?
Helping anyone connect to yoga and themselves is what drew me to teaching.

7)After leaving the prisons and staring to teach Yoga did your personal self change? By that I mean. The way you look at yourself and others. the way you deal with life situations?
Yoga had an immediate impact on me. I remember being in my first class and feeling my mind start to relax. I knew form that class that yoga was going to be a part of the rest of my life. I continued to work in the prison system for another 3 years and it definitely helped me do my job. Occasionally working in high stress situations with people and being able to remain claim to resolve issues.

8)Making these observations about yourself would you say that your external environment has a big influence on your internal environment?
Not really, I feel that through my practice I have learnt to stay calm in most situations regardless of my surroundings.

9)Any advise for all the blokes out there that are thinking of starting Yoga and can’t find a Blokes or Broga Class near to them?
DO IT is all I can say.

Thank you for your time shaun.