My name is Ryan. I started receiving treatment for PTSD (anxiety) resulting from a serious car accident. I was previously interested in yoga prior to my counseling. This is what brought me to Patricia Simpson as a therapist. While versed in yoga, I was self-taught.  This left me with a more physical understanding of the practice. My intent was to have Mrs. Simpson teach me the proper emotional and spiritual side of yoga/meditation.

When I received my evaluation and was diagnosed with PTSD. Mrs. Simpson instantly recognized how I learn, through books. She recommended several crucial texts on the practice of Viniyoga and the audio meditative practice of Yoga Nidra (iRest). These were to be my “first steps” in my journey to peace.

We started our sessions talking about what activities or thoughts affect me the most. Mrs. Simpson carefully listened and evaluated. She generously shared some of her own personal bouts with anxiety. To know you are not alone with this was very comforting as well and reassuring. We continued discussing the history of the yogic practices. This gave me a background and centuries of proof that this practice can work. Her knowledge of the subject was impressive. While open to holistic thinking, one can not rationally abide by that alone. Sensing my hesitation she immediately began to discuss the physiological aspect to my practice. Her explanations of the various types and functions of the nervous system was enough to convince the skeptic in me.  She explained the need for the body and the mind to work together being essential to a calm, healthy existence. She continued introducing various breathing techniques based on the yoga sutras. Like all new activities you wish to master, these required dedicated practice. Mrs. Simpson helped to guide me, assessing what made me frustrated or gave me difficulty and adjusted to suit.

After about a month of sessions she felt I was ready to start my physical training. She was kind enough to invite me to her personal practice studio to teach me. After a thorough sight evaluation of my posture and other physical structures we started with a general Viniyoga practice. She took great care to study the way I was performing the poses to insure I would be free of injury. I was corrected when I was improperly positioned.  This gave me confidence in her teachings. The next session, a week later I was given a personal yoga practice. I am to perform these poses for 6 weeks to see if I have any results.

With the help of Patricia Simpson and yogic/meditative practices I feel more in control of my anxiety and PTSD. This is not to say I found a simple cure because we all know this disorder is anything but simple. I have good days and bad days. The good days are more and more. Thanks to Patricia Simpson’s efforts and guidance I feel I am taking a step in the right direction.

In many ways I am stronger and more flexible. Space has been created within my body so I feel much better during the day. I am more aware of my posture and correct it when I feel myself slumping in front of the computer.

Yoga has been amazing. I am calmer and I was generally know as  a calm person before beginning practice. Before, I was sometimes anxious inside but was able to appear calm on the outside. Now I’m actually calm both inside and out. Things seem more in perspective so I don’t about the same things that I used to. I have more patience. I battle with depressed feelings sometimes and I am better able to rides these episodes out. The valve breath has been particularly effective for me.

Pat has encouraged me to seek other yoga experiences from other classes and instructors. Without the strong foundational work with Pat I don’t think I would be going to other classes and I would not be getting as much out of them. Pat has taught me that yoga really is your own practice and one should not be worried about others in the class but to focus on your own body and energy.

Kate

I am a seventy one year man who still enjoys golf and skiing. However, my flexibility is not what it used to be at fifty. I had Ms. Simpson design a yoga practice that would enhance flexibility specifically for golf and skiing. I started the practice in April and after just six months I have found that that I can bend and twist much better. The deep breathing techniques have increased my endurance, and the meditation has helped me to calm and focus.

Golf and ski forever.

Jerry

“I want to tell you how much your yoga classes have meant to me. As I practice yoga on my own, I miss your voice, and the company of the others.  Most of all, your guidance -it has been a godsend for me, and your presence in my life an absolute delight!

Most of all I just want to tell you what an incredible, wonderful, teacher and person that you are-
Such a joy, as well as teacher!  For the people who don’t “get it” like I did not at first, I wish and hope they have the patience to practice with you!”

 Loretta

“I have been practicing yoga for approximately 5 years and viniyoga for about 2 months.  I feel as though I am really beginning to understand and benefit from the idea of breath being connected to movement and breath- work being used as a means to affect mood, specifically anxiety and depression.   The small group classes, private sessions, and individualized plan have been very helpful.  I have been following the home practice developed specifically for my condition (chronic neck pain/degenerative disc disease )  3-4 evenings per week. When I make time to do my practice along with using the IRest  CD I feel more relaxed and sleep more soundly.  I appreciate the emphasis on doing your own practice and listening to your own body rather following what everyone else is doing.  Also, I am drawn to spiritual nature of Viniyoga. I feel like I am taking care of my whole being.”

Megan

“Pat Simpson has designed a therapeutic yoga class that has been gentle enough to accommodate my injury but focused enough to improve my flexibility and breathing.  I always feel calm and relaxed after one of Pat’s classes!”

Pam