[4-D] Yoga Therapy for Lasting Change – Applying the Phoenix Rising Method for improving adherence and empowerment in yoga therapy interventions to support lifestyle change. (with Michael Lee) In our modern world many of the leading causes of death are preventable. In many cases, the could be prevented with relatively simple lifestyle change or adjustment. And as simple as that may appear, is it is very difficult to implement because we don’t yet seem to fully understand how to apply the science and psychology of behavioral change in ways that produce lasting results. Adherence rates are very low even in studies done on highly effective interventions. Thirty-one years ago, Michael Lee developed the Phoenix Rising Method, an approach to yoga therapy that shines some light on this dilemma. As a behavioral scientist and a yoga therapist, he has synthesized an approach that draws from elements of the ancient wisdom of yoga, mindfulness, and modern psychology. Many of the elements he will discuss are now supported by neuroscience research. In this presentation he will discuss the change process in general and how these elements apply and will lead workshop participants in a brief embodied experience to demonstrate the approach.
Toshiro Miura C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, L.Ac. Since 1981, Toshiro began teaching yoga and opened an acupuncture clinic. He began feeling limitations in teacher-student/clinician-patient relationships, and started questioning the tendency for dependency and hierarchy. He was deeply moved by the emphasis on awareness in Kripalu Yoga and on the client-centered focus in Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. In the 1990’s, Toshiro studied and was certified in both these schools, enhancing his work as a yoga teacher and therapist. As a director of Kriplu Japan, he currently conducts both Kripalu Yoga teacher trainings and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy trainings in Japan.