Schema Yoga
Schema Yoga is a healing modality that parallels the successes of cognitive behavioral therapy and yoga. Schema Yoga is the result of a holistic approach to healing experientially based on the studies of its creators Jena Mastronardi-Fredrick and Jackie Sumell.
Schema Yoga has been developed specifically as a supplemental healing modality for those who are working with Schema Therapy. Schema Yoga helps link the cognitive and emotional aspects of Schema Therapy to the physical realm. Breath, intention and movement help to identify specific schemas and then offer physical antidotes to change these maladaptive life patterns. Schema yoga provides the client with a deeper physical-emotional connection which helps facilitate the healing and change phase. Through specific asana (physical movement), pranayama (breath exercise), vinyasa (linking of breath and movement) and meditation, schema yoga provides a physical method (especially for those who may be emotionally detached) to heal one's schemas. Physiologically, Schema Yoga addresses primal energetic memory reserves in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system as a means to "re-experience" certain life moments and safely practice processing them through breath and consciousness.
Schema Yoga classes are intimate (1-5 students) and grouped specifically accordingly to schemas and prior yoga experience. The classes address the change phase progressively and collectively. The 12-week course was designed to provide a progressive supplemental healing modality and attendance should be paralleled in importance to your Schema Therapy. The schema therapist and yoga teacher meet once a week in order to discuss client progress and structure classes accordingly, therefor a waiver or information is required. Schema Yoga is a very intimate and challenging journey both emotionally and physically, the space used to practice is sacred and should be respected as such. Clients are encouraged to be open to emotional shifts and express them accordingly- it is very important to respect these changes with people you may be sharing the space with. Also, Schema Yoga sessions are private and with respect to therapeutic privacy, what happens during a particular Schema Yoga Session should not be discussed out side of the space.
Instructor: Jackie Sumell
Since 2006 Jackie Sumell has studied with several yoga teachers; first under the tutelage of Angela Caruso &
Swami Bua (who passed in 2010 at 120 years young!) Her practice was greatly expanded through Dana Flynn, Jasmine
Tarkeshi & Laughing Lotus in NYC. Her work with prisoners at Angola brought her more permanently to New Orleans
in 2008 where she completed her teacher training with Michele Baker & Keith Porteous. Jackie received a BS in Allied
Heath from the College of Charleston, a Post Baccalaureate from San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA in Fine Arts
from Stanford University. She is currently expanding her education through the Delgado Nursing program and looking forward
to a BSN in nursing.
