Hi, I'm Sonya
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That’s when my transformation began. I started yoga nearly a decade ago. It didn’t take long before it helped reduce my anxiety and depression. Meditation was the best: For the first time in my life I felt what it was like to be relaxed!
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I became aware of my victim mentality and that I had to stop blaming others for my misery. With tough love and encouragement from yoga teachers and mentors I examined every aspect of my life. While I couldn’t change others, I could change myself.
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As I did the inner work, I began to drop the negative false perceptions that I’d held onto for so many years. As I healed physically, emotionally and spiritually, it became clear that my adversity had a purpose – that my mission in life was to help others heal.
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I give much of the credit to Yoga Therapy, which helped me release the emotional pain trapped in my body. Through this therapy I came to see trauma as a bodily experience. While we tend to think of trauma in terms of thoughts and emotions, it’s actually a felt sense.
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Overtime, I’ve dropped 70 pounds, weaned off medications, let go of harsh self-criticism and learned to cope with anxiety, depression and CPTSD. Now when I’m triggered, instead of reacting with rage I just sit with the sensation and give it conscious, loving attention. At least I do most of the time. I’m not perfect, but I’ve come a loooong way.
My Journey
I get it. I understand the fear and vulnerability you might be feeling as you consider taking Yoga Therapy to help you become your true and best self. I empathize because I’ve been there, too.
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I have complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) having grown up in crime-ridden neighborhoods where violence ruled inside and outside my home – that is, when we actually had a home.
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Growing up with a father who was a violent, raging alcoholic, I lived with domestic violence and in constant fear of mental, emotional and physical abuse.
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My childhood environment was like a war zone: I was held at gunpoint several times before I finished high school.
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It’s no surprise then that I grew to become an angry, defensive woman who struggled with intimate relationships. I was so unhappy and depressed that I often stayed in bed for weeks on end.
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This began to change when my oldest daughter got the courage to tell me I was mean. She was right. As dysfunctional as I was, I knew I had become an aggressive, sarcastic smartass. I was turning into my father. My daughter deserved better.
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My Credentials
While my experience of trauma may be extreme, everyone's experiences are valid and deserve recognition and care. As a Yoga Therapy facilitator who brings love, tenderness and compassion to the journey of self-discovery and healing,
I can help you stay the course. I’m right here with you. You are not alone.
My professional training includes:
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200-hour CYT (certified yoga teacher)
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I AM Yoga Therapy: Yoga Body Psychology
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I AM Yoga Nidra
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I AM Yoga Posture of Consciousness Intensive
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Professional life coaching certification
In addition to my private sessions, I teach yoga, Yoga Nidra and Yoga Therapy classes.
