Ali Rose shares her experience from the previous 1-1 training course with Kate Ellis. Ali shares the key takeaways from the course, as well as the framework and tools which were passed on. She also reflects on the significant influence it has had on her own teachings, her personal practice and much more…
How was your experience of the training?
I found the training to be ground breaking and inspiring! When researching 1-1 training courses, Kate’s course appeared to be unique in its offering, and I was not disappointed. A year on and I continue to assimilate Kate’s work, and her approach continues to unfold through me and into my teaching.
Kate has found a structure of language and skills within which ‘softer’ (but no less important) relational aspects of working with clients can unfold. Her ability to describe and teach this combination of relational and therapeutic practises should excite all yoga teachers! All importantly, during the training Kate and her assistants provide a completely safe and supportive environment within which this deeply therapeutic work is taught and practiced.
What were the key things that you took away from the training?
I have come away from the training with an immediately useful toolkit of techniques along with a framework, which in the longer term I am continuing to integrate into my practice and teaching.
I sought out the training as I felt unprepared by my own teacher training to offer 1-1 and was experiencing a growing despondency with group classes. I felt immediately liberated by Kate’s approach to working 1-1, clear that my role is not to ‘fix’ a problem, but to work with and empower a client to explore their practice. Working together in this way a client can experience how areas of the body may have fallen out of relationship with each other leading to pain or discomfort. The framework and tools which Kate offers are simple and, yet their effects are profound. This enables students/clients to experience an immediate physical/ emotional and intellectual response to Kate’s work, allowing insights to open new possibilities within their movement and practice.
How has it shaped and influenced your teaching since?
The 1-1 training course has had a significant influence, re-invigorating my practice and teaching, re-framing my approach to asana and re-establishing my connection to the people with whom I am working.
I am now not only confident to offer 1-1 yoga sessions, but greatly enjoy the opportunities this more intimate approach to teaching opens up. The course has also given me the confidence to make changes to group classes, leaving myself and my students significantly more ‘satiated’ by the yoga class experience.
How has it changed/affected you as a person coming to this work?
My own practice and consequently my teaching had reached a plateau and felt stale. To think one can separate personal practice, teaching and life is to place false barriers and limitations on Yoga, and the potential riches it has to offer. Kate’s approach has allowed me to de-construct and reframe my own yoga, offering me fresh insights into my practice, my life and my teaching.
It is my feeling that Kate’s work boldly restores a richness and depth to our modern day westernised practice, which on the whole has lost its way – her approach feels deeply relevant both personally and professionally to the times and culture in which we live.
Join Kate at triyoga Camden for the art of teaching one-to-one
Embodied relational yoga therapy
10th february – 15th april £495
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