Yak to Yoga...

Hey there, and welcome to our "Let's Yak" format! We’ve crafted each section to bring you the best tips, tools, and support to help you rock your practice. "Let's Yak" stands for Learn, Encourage, Training, Services, Yearn to Earn, Action, and Kommunity Events—seven core areas we think are essential for success. Every week, you'll get expert advice, uplifting stories, must-know training opportunities, and actionable tips to help you grow both personally and professionally. We’re all about giving you what you need to thrive, so let’s yak and make your practice even more awesome! 🎉

The first 3 sections today are about PTSD, specifically some snippets from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. Dr. van der Kolk is a dutch psychiatrist, author, and researcher focusing on the brain body connection in the PTSD population. He has been a professor at Harvard, Boston University and founded the Trauma Institute in Massachusetts.

L - Learn

If you have not read “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk it should be in your queue. I am not an expert (yaks can’t read) but it really puts into perspective for non-therapists how trauma lives in the body and not just in the brain.

Physical symptoms and non-related events can lead to triggering events that are not in the control of the individual that is triggered.

A couple points from my reading (alright I listened to it) that stood out:

• The distinction that one of the foundations of PTSD is that the individual is stuck in the traumatic experience and cannot control it. One of the more relatable examples was a couple that got stuck in an extremely bad car wreck. He was able to show both the fight response and the freeze response by 2 separate individuals that experienced the same traumatic event. Their bodies encoded the experience on opposite ends of the spectrum but both were the body’s attempt to protect itself from the perceived danger.

• The analogy of fire alarms to explain how the brain reacts to trauma. He likens the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, to a smoke detector or fire alarm. Normally, this "alarm" helps protect us by alerting us to danger. However, in people who have experienced trauma, the amygdala becomes overly sensitive and can go off even when there’s no real threat—much like a smoke detector going off from burnt toast rather than an actual fire.

• Anyone reading the book should be aware that a lot of it discussed sexual molestation of kids. I skipped these parts once I got the picture.

• Alright that is enough for now. Obviously there is much more but I cannot do it justice.

E - Encourage

We are going to continue with the Bessel Bus. He appeared on the Feel Better, Live More podcast hosted by Dr. Rangan Chatterjee.

Included is the youtube video and apple podcast version. The podcast takes many twists and turns but overall Dr. van der Kolk gives a positive outlook and we all have a remarkable capacity to move, change, and heal.

T - Training

The Bessel Bus continues….YOGA. Dr. van der Kolk touts the mind / body connection of yoga.

Several reputable organizations offer trauma-informed yoga certification programs, combining yoga with knowledge of trauma to support healing. Here are some of the best places to consider:

1. Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) by the Center for Trauma and Embodiment

   • Trauma Sensitive Yoga - Developed by David Emerson and based on research at the Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, this program focuses on using yoga to help trauma survivors regain a sense of control over their bodies. It is one of the most well-known trauma-sensitive yoga programs.

2. YogaFit for Warriors

   • YogaFit offers trauma-informed yoga training under their Warriors program. It focuses on addressing PTSD, anxiety, and depression through yoga practice and is designed for instructors working with trauma survivors, veterans, and first responders.

3. Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM) Yoga Certification

   • This training focuses on integrating trauma-informed yoga into therapeutic practices for children, adolescents, and adults. It’s great for therapists who want to incorporate yoga into trauma treatment.

These programs emphasize trauma-awareness, body safety, and compassion, ensuring that yoga practice becomes a powerful tool for healing trauma in a supportive, non-triggering environment.

S - Services

• Market Research - When conducting market research for therapy practices we focus on finding:

  • Favorable niches in your area could be Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, or other niches.

  • Rate Research - Typical rates in the area, specialty therapy rates, and insurance reimbursement rates

  • Local competition and demand - Density of therapies, modalities, under-served niches, and group practice models.

  If you have any research you would like done check out our website schedule a call or send us an email at [email protected]

Y - Yearn to Earn

• Managing your finances doesn’t have to be a headache. With QuickBooks, you can easily track expenses, manage invoices, and stay on top of your practice’s cash flow—all in one place. Whether you’re handling taxes or generating financial reports, QuickBooks makes it simple to keep your business running smoothly. Try it today and see how it can streamline your practice management!

A - Action

• Renting offers flexibility, lower upfront costs, and less responsibility for property maintenance. It’s ideal if you want the freedom to move locations, scale your practice, or if you’re just starting out and need to minimize expenses. The downside? Rent can increase, and you don’t build equity in the property.

• Owning gives you long-term stability and the opportunity to build equity over time. You have full control over the space, meaning you can customize it as needed. However, it requires a larger upfront investment, and you’re responsible for maintenance and property management. Owning is best for those seeking permanence and long-term growth in a stable location.

Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your practice's needs, future goals, and financial situation.

According to report by Heard - 2024 Financial State of Private Practice Report renting is the 3rd largest expense for practice owners behind professional development and software costs.

K - Kommunity Events

• Got to a conference! The Yak went to his first counseling conference this week. It was wonderful! More Kommunity Events coming up!

P.S. If if if you have any topic you want to yak about, reply to this email and I will do the research and include in the next Yakity Yak!

P.P.S. - If you want to contribute a post reply and we can get you plugged in!

Head Yak Out

Get in Touch:

Have any questions or need immediate assistance? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our support me at [email protected]. We’re here to help you succeed!

Once again, welcome to Practice Yak. We’re excited to be a part of your journey to a more efficient and successful practice.

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Best regards,
Lane
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