Embodied Presence is a mindfulness based yoga practice designed to allow men to become more present in life and attune with their body through meditation and breathwork. EP includes both evening and morning sessions. Embodied Presence takes place in what looks like a traditional group yoga class. But what we focus on is a more trauma informed method of yoga that creates safe space and uses interoception (or being able to feel their bodies internally) and choice making (moving in ways that support their own bodies) so that clients can learn to connect to and trust their bodies again.
Embodied Presence is a mindfulness based yoga practice designed to allow addicts to become more present in life and attune with their body through meditation and breathwork. EP includes both evening and morning sessions. Embodied Presence takes place in what looks like a traditional group yoga class. But what we focus on is a more trauma informed method of yoga that creates safe space and uses interoception (or being able to feel their bodies internally) and choice making (moving in ways that support their own bodies) so that clients can learn to connect to and trust their bodies again.
Active addiction disconnects people from the sense of their bodies and Embodied Presence helps to re-connect them. EP allows clients to become more comfortable in their own skin and more present in their own lives. And when people can be more present for themselves, they can be more present for others. They learn that they can positively affect their lives in ways that not only keep them sober, but allow them to live more fully and more authentically – with themselves, with the people they love, and in community.
• Reduced Anxiety & Depression
• Increased Sense of Well-Being
• Increased Concentration
• Mindful Awareness
• Increased GABA Production
Yoga therapy for addiction is an ancient holistic healing practice that integrates physical movement, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques to support individuals recovering from addiction. It goes beyond traditional yoga by tailoring practices to address the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges intrinsic to recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. This specialized form of therapy acknowledges the interconnectedness of the body and mind, helping people heal and achieve lasting sobriety.
Addiction often triggers a profound disconnection from the self, leaving individuals feeling estranged from their bodies and emotions. Yoga therapy addresses this disconnect by creating a safe and nurturing space for participants to explore and recalibrate their relationship with themselves. Unlike conventional fitness routines, yoga therapy focuses on interoception—the ability to sense and understand internal body states. This helps people develop self-awareness and improve emotional regulation.
One of yoga therapy’s core benefits is its adaptability. Practices can be modified to meet each individual’s physical capabilities and emotional needs. Gentle stretches and breathing exercises can help those in early recovery manage withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, more dynamic poses may support individuals in later stages of recovery who are rebuilding their strength and stamina.
Yoga therapy also promotes a sense of empowerment by encouraging participants to take an active role in their healing process. This approach contrasts with the feelings of helplessness that often accompany addiction. Individuals can regain control and autonomy by listening to their bodies and making choices that align with their well-being.
Beyond this, yoga therapy enhances the ability to cope with cravings and emotional triggers. Techniques such as focused breathing and grounding exercises can be used outside therapy sessions to manage moments of stress or temptation. Over time, these tools become second nature, providing a reliable method of self-soothing and emotional regulation.
The communal aspect of yoga therapy creates a supportive environment where participants can connect with others on similar recovery journeys. This shared experience reinforces the importance of community in healing and reminds individuals that they’re not alone in their struggles or triumphs.
Yoga therapy for substance abuse may involve a trauma-informed approach – more on this below. Addiction is frequently linked to unresolved trauma, and yoga therapy provides healing without re-traumatization. This consists of offering movement choices, ensuring safety, and guiding participants to work at their own pace.
This ancient Eastern practice extends beyond physical flexibility and strength, promoting mental resilience and emotional balance. By learning to manage stress, process difficult emotions, and cultivate mindfulness, individuals in recovery can gain powerful tools to support sustained sobriety. These practices help set a foundation of trust and self-compassion that’s central to long-term recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism.
Through yoga and addiction recovery, individuals discover that long-term sobriety involves more than overcoming substance abuse—it is about building a healthier and more connected relationship with life itself.
Kathy DuVernet, M.S., E – RYT 500, CYT, is the founder of Breathing Room Yoga for Recovery. She is an advanced yoga teacher (E – RYT 500) and a certified yoga therapist (CYT) with a master’s degree in counseling psychology and over three decades of experience in the healing professions and movement arts. She holds certifications in Kripalu Yoga, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and Y12 SR – The Yoga of 12 Step Recovery.
Active addiction disconnects people from the sense of their bodies and Embodied Presence helps to re-connect them. EP allows clients to become more comfortable in their own skin and more present in their own lives. And when people can be more present for themselves, they can be more present for others. They learn that they can positively affect their lives in ways that not only keep them sober, but allow them to live more fully and more authentically – with themselves, with the people they love, and in community.
• Reduced Anxiety & Depression
• Increased Sense of Well-Being
• Increased Concentration
• Mindful Awareness
• Increased GABA Production
Yoga delivers numerous benefits that directly address the challenges intrinsic to addiction recovery.
Yoga combines deep breathing and mindful movement to calm the CNS (central nervous system). This helps individuals manage stress, which is often a significant trigger for substance use.
Through consistent practice, yoga helps people recognize and regulate their emotions more effectively. This is extremely useful for those dealing with the highs and lows of recovery without being tempted to resort to substance use.
Many individuals in recovery struggle with sleep issues. Yoga promotes relaxation and improves sleep patterns, making maintaining a healthy daily routine easier.
Active addiction leaves many people feeling disconnected from their physical selves. Yoga encourages gentle, intuitive movement, allowing participants to rebuild a positive relationship with their bodies.
Group yoga sessions create a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This can be especially valuable in recovery, where isolation is a common and frustrating challenge.
Yoga has been shown to increase the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. This natural boost in brain chemistry supports mental well-being during recovery.
Yoga teaches participants to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about the future. This mindfulness helps individuals stay grounded and aware, enabling them to make healthier choices in their recovery journey.
Recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism extends beyond mental and emotional healing. It should also involve rebuilding physical health. Yoga strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances overall fitness, helping individuals feel stronger and more energized as they progress in their recovery.
Yoga introduces breathing techniques and relaxation methods that participants can use outside class to cope with cravings, stress, or overwhelming emotions. These practical tools empower individuals to manage challenges and stressors in everyday life after rehab.
Yoga encourages self-compassion, gratitude, and a sense of accomplishment. As individuals progress in their practice, they often notice improvements in their mood and self-esteem, contributing to a more positive outlook on recovery and life.
By integrating yoga into addiction recovery, individuals access a robust, holistic tool that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, setting the stage for a balanced and fulfilling life.
At Tree House Recovery, yoga therapy plays a key role in helping young men heal from addiction. Our EP (Embodied Presence) program is a unique mindfulness-based yoga practice specifically designed to support men in recovery. Unlike traditional yoga classes, EP adopts a trauma-informed approach, prioritizing safety, self-awareness, and personal choice.
EP yoga sessions at Tree House Recovery offer morning and evening classes, creating a structured yet flexible environment. Each session incorporates meditation, breathwork, and mindful movement, allowing individuals to reconnect with their bodies and process their emotions in a supportive setting.
Here’s what sets yoga for addiction at Tree House Recovery apart:
Kathy DuVernet, M.S., E – RYT 500, CYT, is the founder of Breathing Room Yoga for Recovery. She is an advanced yoga teacher (E – RYT 500) and a certified yoga therapist (CYT) with a master’s degree in counseling psychology and over three decades of experience in the healing professions and movement arts. She holds certifications in Kripalu Yoga, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and Y12 SR – The Yoga of 12 Step Recovery.
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