WELLBEING – Transformational Yin Yoga for Mental Health – Tracey Sondik

This presentation explores how simple and accessible body-based yoga practices in general—and yin yoga in particular—can be an integral part of a larger holistic approach to reducing emotional pain and improving quality of life for those suffering from mental health issues. We will discuss the principles of these yin yoga practices, in combination with different mindfulness and therapeutic techniques, to assist in the treatment of specific mental health conditions, such as stress-related anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance mis-use, as well as other severe psychiatric and persistent organic brain disorders.

Tracey Sondik, Psy.D., E-RYT 500, C-IAYT Licensed Clinical Psychologist, certified yoga therapist, advanced yoga teacher. Tracey loves teaching therapeutic yoga including Yin, Restorative, and Yoga Nidra for groups and individuals. Tracey is an endorsed Insight Yin Yoga teacher under Sarah Powers. She leads nationally recognized mindfulness programs and retreats, and Yin Yoga Teacher Training Immersions for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and mental health professionals. Tracey has a strong background in brain /behavior, working as a neuropsychologist with an expertise in neuropsychological assessment, trauma-informed therapies, and integrative medicine.

She has authored several publications and book chapters around holistic behavioral treatment for different mental health conditions, yoga for addiction, and is currently writing a book on yin yoga and mental health that is set to be published in 2020. Tracey is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University Department of Psychiatry, and adjunct faculty member at University of Hartford Graduate School of Professional Psychology in Hartford, CT and Maryland University of Integrative Health Master’s of Science Yoga Therapy program in Laurel, Maryland.