Exploring Complex Trauma, Yoga Therapy, and Emotional Healing with Michelle Fury

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The Yoga Therapy Hour, host Amy Wheeler welcomes psychotherapist and yoga therapist Michelle Fury for an in-depth discussion on complex trauma, emotional healing, and the role of yoga therapy in mental health. Michelle shares her deeply personal journey, how yoga helped her navigate complex trauma, and how she now integrates yoga therapy into her work with children, adolescents, and families. Michelle was a pioneer in the field, practicing yoga therapy before it was even a recognized profession. She discusses her time at Colorado Children's Hospital, where she worked alongside art and music therapists, supporting young individuals dealing with self-harm, eating disorders, and trauma. Michelle recounts how her journey led her to develop therapeutic tools, including the use of Optimal State emotional regulation charts, to help children and families reconnect with their emotions and sensations. We explore topics such as:How trauma disconnects individuals from their bodies and emotionsThe impact of yoga therapy on young people in psychiatric careDifferentiating between dissociation and embodied awarenessHow yoga therapy bridges the gap between mental health and somatic healingThe process of guiding clients through self-awareness and emotional literacyThe power of pranayama and mantra in deepening healing practices Michelle also discusses her upcoming book Yoga Therapy for Complex Trauma, set for release in August, which offers an integrative approach to healing through yoga. She emphasizes the importance of teaching both yoga professionals and mental health practitioners how to incorporate yoga safely and effectively within their scope of practice. If you're a yoga therapist, psychotherapist, or someone interested in using yoga as a tool for healing, this episode is packed with insights that will deepen your understanding of the mind-body connection. Resources Mentioned:Michelle’s first book: Using Yoga Therapy to Promote Mental Health in Children and AdolescentsUpcoming book: Yoga Therapy for Complex Trauma (August release)Optimal State mobile app for self-regulation and emotional trackingThe Minded Institute’s Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Training Learn More:Michelle Fury’s website (Launching February): www.rhythmyogatherapy.comThe Minded Institute Training: www.themindedinstitute.comOptimal State Mobile App (iOS & Android)Connect with Amy Wheeler: www.theoptimalstate.com Listen & Subscribe: Find The Yoga Therapy Hour on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram: @optimalstateLinkedIn: Amy Wheeler Yoga TherapyYouTube: The Yoga Therapy Hour Podcast Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps bring these important conversations to a broader audience!   Connect + Take Action:Want to be a guest on Season 10? Email Amy with your desired topic from the 8 Limbs series!Explore Amy’s offerings at TheOptimalState.comSubscribe and leave a review if this episode touched you.Support the show by sharing this episode with a friend or colleague in the healing arts.