Yoga Therapy for Mental Health
“The distinction between mind and body is an artificial dichotomy … based far more on the peculiarity of intellectual understanding than on the nature of things.” - Carl Jung
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Lectures
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Class 1
In this first class, we will explore the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Health and Illness and how our physical body, thoughts, emotions, relationships, environment, and sense of meaning all influence our wellbeing. We will introduce the yogic concept of the Koshas and explore how yoga therapy supports healing across the layers of body, breath, mind, wisdom, and spirit.
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Class 2
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness—it is our capacity to experience joy, navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, adapt to change, and feel connected to ourselves and our lives. In this class, we will explore the foundations of mental wellbeing and how yoga therapy practices can support self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience, and a more compassionate relationship with ourselves.
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Class 3
Yoga Psychology explores the nature of the mind, the roots of suffering, and the possibility of transformation through awareness and inner development. In this class, we will examine how our beliefs, conditioning, and habitual patterns influence our emotions, relationships, and experience of life. Through yogic philosophy and practices, we will explore pathways toward greater self-awareness, flexibility, and freedom from limiting patterns of perception.
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Class 4
In this class, we will explore the yogic practices of abhyasa and vairagya as pathways for breaking cycles of suffering and cultivating greater awareness. We will examine how self-judgment, habitual patterns, and conditioned responses influence our wellbeing, and how compassionate self-inquiry can help us develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. Through yoga therapy practices, we begin creating space for healing, resilience, and transformation.
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Readings
Meet your instructor
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Meet your instructor ✳
Nicole Marcia
MA, MC, RCC, C-IAYT
Registered Clinical Counsellor & Yoga Therapist
Nicole Marcia has over 10 years of experience in trauma-informed yoga therapy and counselling. She holds a Master’s degree in Yoga Therapy from Lesley University (2009) and a second Master’s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle (2024).
Nicole founded Fine Balance Counselling & Yoga Therapy to create a space for connection, care, and healing during times of transition.
What you’ll learn
Understand the Whole Self
Explore the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Health and Illness and how the interconnected layers of body, mind, relationships, environment, and spirituality influence our wellbeing.
Bridge Perspectives
Discover how modern psychology and yogic philosophy offer complementary perspectives on mental health, human suffering, awareness, and the pathways toward healing.
Explore the Nature of the Mind
Learn how Yoga Psychology understands the mind, including the patterns, conditioning, attachments, and limiting beliefs that shape our experience and contribute to suffering.
Cultivate New Patterns of Being
Explore yogic practices such as abhyasa (cultivating supportive patterns) and vairagya (letting go) to develop greater self-compassion, resilience, and freedom from habitual cycles.
Integrate Through Practice and Reflection
Use mindfulness, movement, breathwork, contemplation, and journaling practices to deepen self-awareness and bring these teachings into embodied, meaningful change.
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In yoga therapy, curiosity is a non-judgmental awareness that helps us explore our inner experiences. Cultivating curiosity allows us to notice sensations, emotions, and patterns with openness, helping shift the nervous system from stress to calm. This mindset creates space for healing and transformation, honoring the wisdom of our bodies and minds.
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In yoga therapy, empowerment comes from reconnecting with your body’s wisdom and resilience. Through breathwork, mindful movement, and self-awareness, you gain tools to support your nervous system and handle stress with ease. Healing is something you co-create, step by step, reclaiming your ability to feel calm, grounded, and in control of your well-being.
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Embodiment in yoga therapy is reconnecting with your body in a safe and compassionate way. It involves being present with your sensations, emotions, and movements, supporting nervous system regulation, grounding, and healing. This practice helps cultivate wholeness, resilience, and peace.
Course FAQ
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4 × 75-minute therapeutic yoga classes that include lectures and practice.
1 interactive workbook filled with weekly readings, podcasts, and journal prompts.
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You will have lifetime access to the recordings.
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All sales are final, as we are not able to offer refunds on the course once you have purchased it.
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This is a self-paced, unsupervised course. If you have questions, you can reach out to me at nicole@fbcounselling.ca.
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Yes! If you wish to continue your yoga therapy journey you can contact me to book a 15 minute consult call or book a session by clicking here.