At the most recent Therapro Saturday seminar on November 7^th, Lori Fitzpatrick, OTR/L and Certified Yoga Instructor, presented: Yoga as a Therapeutic Practice:  Treating the Whole Child. Currently Lori is an occupational therapist in the Plymouth (MA) Public Schools System and also works as a yoga instructor with local social skills programs and special needs programs.

Lori’s review of the history of yoga and the different styles of yoga gave us a basis for understanding how and why yoga can be a wonderful adjunct to school-based practice by therapists as well as an effective practice for teachers to use in the classroom.  The audience included OTs, PTs, Teachers, Grad Students, and Parents who praised the workshop for offering yoga as a medium that can be used by everyone.

It was evident that Lori uses yoga in her school-based practice thoughtfully and in conjunction with more traditional therapeutic modalities. She reviewed the numerous physical and mental benefits of yoga for all children, including those with special needs. Lori explained how yoga creatively addresses many IEP goals including: body awareness, motor planning, bilateral coordination, directionality, memory, attention, etc. Lori recommended using yoga as a complimentary therapy for self-regulation programs such as Zones of Regulation and Social Thinking Programs. She included in her talk a discussion on how yoga benefits the classroom in countless ways. For example, yoga enhances attention and focus, improves listening skills, eases test-anxiety, decreases impulsiveness, improves posture for long periods of sitting, and creates a calm atmosphere and a non competitive environment where all students can experience success.

Audience members openly shared how they used yoga in the school setting. One therapist shared the Yoga Alliance website as a place to examine published research on the efficacy of yoga for children and adolescents. Several studies are highlighted that discuss successful use of yoga in the school environment with a variety of diagnoses.

Lori’s presentation style was interactive and open. She shared many beautiful videos of her group treatment sessions that clearly demonstrated what a gifted instructor/therapist she is in adapting the sessions to each student’s individual needs and strengths. She demonstrated yoga games that can easily be incorporated into the classroom daily routine. Some suggestions included creating “yoga stations” where a student can practice several poses before a scheduled activity or using yoga for “motor breaks.” Lori guided us through teaching children pranayama (breathing). Controlling the way we breathe is very powerful and is beneficial in helping reduce anxiety. Lori’s creative use of props such as LED candles, visualization, bubbles, help engage and focus students.

We all left the seminar with a new respect for an ancient practice that is quite meaningful in today’s school environment and is a powerful and effective modality for therapists and educators. The seminar concluded with all 50 attendees learning the yoga pose – “Breath of Joy.”

Take a look at some glowing reviews from attendees:

“This seminar was great! Lori gave a lot of practical ideas for how to use yoga in schools as a therapist or teacher.”   Amanda B., Occupational Therapist

“ Very informative – everyone can use it. Great suggestions for “tools” to use with kids. I really didn’t know the history of yoga.  I like the concept of “practicing” yoga instead of “doing yoga.” MJH, Teacher

 “Relevant to teaching children about their bodies and how to deal with stress, anxiety, body movements, exercise, breathing, & self awareness.” Laura P., Teacher

 “Enjoyed the practical applications to practice. Wonderful video clips – great ideas.”  Anonymous Occupational Therapist

 “Speaker was well versed on the subject.  Liked the user-friendly presentation and the interactive style of the presenter.”  Maureen M, Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Lori!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L