laura-psychotherapist

A little bit more about me

How my yoga journey began

As a teenager, I loved practising sports from rowing, football, cycling and more. This gave me mental headspace, a community of friends and physical fitness.

After I moved to London for university and later full time work, finding time and a place to play sport became harder.

I stumbled into yoga at my local gym to 'fill the hole' that used to be filled with sports. It became a coping mechanism for the daily stresses of working life and living in a huge international city. With dedication and repetition, I found that the practice helped all aspects of my life. These showed up as:

  • physical strength
  • increased focus and attention
  • resilience
  • a calmer mind
  • and more...

After dabbling in Bikram, Ashtanga and Hatha, the flowing nature of Vinyasa resonated the most and I was hooked.

My practice now

I practise many forms of the physical practise of yoga including vinyasa, mandala vinyasa, yin and meditation.

Yoga is all about connections and being in nature is where I feel most connected to myself, the world and others. I take my yoga practice outside as much as I can: to the garden, the beach, hilltops and more.

The styles of yoga I teach

I teach vinyasa flow, flow to restore and yin classes. My flow classes stem from the "Ashtanga 8 limbs of yoga" whereas yin classes are rooted in Taoist philosophy.  

I have a deep passion for science of the body having studied Natural Sciences at university where I specialised in neuroscience. My classes are rooted in both the science (anatomy / physiology / neuroscience) and philosophy of yoga, both of which I am passionate about. 

More information about my classes and what to expect

Outside of yoga

Alongside yoga, I work part-time for health companies and charities who are aiming to improve the health of the UK. At the moment I work with the UK government on a portfolio of mobile apps for healthy living. Before that, I worked at Our Future Health, the UK's largest health research programme.

On weekends, you'll find me exploring the Brecon Beacons, Gower, Pembrokeshire and occasionally Eryri/Snowdonia. I love exploring on foot, bike and in the water.

My experience and credentials

Further training

Since my foundational training, I've added 90 more hours of training.

1. The Science of Teaching Yoga for Athletes with Hayley Winter and The Institute of Yoga Sports Sciences (40HR)

Modules include:

  • Yoga applied to different sports
  • Athletic performance needs & breathing techniques for athletes
  • Practical biomechanics, physiology, anatomy and sports psychology
  • Sequencing for athletic needs
  • Common sports injuries and yoga as a preventative intervention

2. Yin: The Art of Letting Go with Austin Ince and Yogarise London (50HR)

Modules include:

  • Taoist philosophy
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine and Meridian Theory
  • Applying Yin & Yang to our tissues
  • The importance of our connective tissue/the fascia matrix
  • Understanding anatomical movement, our physical limitations + working with them
  • Cognitive functional therapy