Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that seeks to integrate the mind and body to create a harmonious whole. Through a series of physical movements and breath patterns, yoga encourages the release of physical and emotional tension while focusing your mind on the present moment. A highly versatile therapy, yoga has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a broad spectrum of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. There are concrete biological reasons for this: as you move through the practice, your brain releases oxytocin, a chemical that creates a sense of inner peace, bonding, enhanced social connectivity, and stability. Serotonin, dopamine, and endorphin production also increases, enhancing mood, relieving depressive symptoms, reducing anxiety, and generating feelings of well-being. Research suggest that yoga releases trauma that is held in the body, while improving distress tolerance and self-esteem. Bridges to Recovery offers yoga instruction for our clients, to allow them to experience its positive effects and integrate their practice in their larger, multidisciplinary treatment plans.

Yoga at Bridges to Recovery


The compassionate yoga teachers at Bridges to Recovery create a safe, supportive space to explore yogic practice regardless of fitness level or previous experience. Included in your cost of treatment are 2 or more weekly yoga sessions, where you are encouraged to listen to your body, recognize your physical and emotional limits, and work within your comfort level at all times. Mindfulness is incorporated throughout yoga sessions, creating a truly integrative mind-body therapeutic process that improves your awareness of your somatic and psychological sensations and responses. As you move through postures and breathing patterns, you begin to develop the skills necessary to thoughtfully regulate your emotional state and decrease reactivity. You may also gain a new appreciation for the capabilities of your body and an improved self-image as you master both physical and psychological challenges. Yogic practices need not be confined to a therapeutic setting; you can use the movements and breathing exercises independently as part of your ongoing recovery journey, empowering you to heal yourself and process emotional distress with confidence.

Benefits of Yoga


  • Increased physical strength, flexibility, and endurance
  • Enhanced ability to regulate emotions
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Improved self-awareness and mind-body integration
  • Better ability to live in the present moment
  • More restful sleep
  • Strengthened immunity

We invite you to contact us with any questions you have about the treatments available at Bridges to Recovery and how we can relieve the suffering you or your loved one is experiencing.