Bess Abrahams

Bess' approach to sharing yoga is based on two overarching philosophies: that the student is already perfect and whole, and that the student and teacher are both unlimited in their ability to heal. Her classes are influenced by her personal practice of Ashtanga Yoga (a vinyasa method developed by Sri. K. Patabbhi Jois and his teacher T. Krishnamacharya) and various yoga therapy styles, in particular an approach called Integrated Movement Therapy (IMT). Bess's classes whether for "special needs" populations or not will involve some repetitive breath based movements, appropriate challenges (with modifications) and plenty of time to rejuvenate and relax through restorative postures, Meditation and/or other yoga-based techniques that aim to quiet the mind so the inner Self will also be explored.

Bess has received certifications from: The Jivamukti Yoga Center, Next Generation Yoga for Kids, Yoga for the Special Child and Integrated Movement Therapy (on-going/current). She is also a certified in Thai massage, a Haitian dance and drum enthusiast and excited and honored to be a part of The Breathing Project.

Bess has a particular interest and expertise in sharing yoga with individuals along the autistic spectrum, pervasive developmental delays and the mentally ill. She is currently studying the IMT approach to work with these populations that was developed by a Speech Pathologist and yogi. Bess' classes to these populations focus on developing structure and continuity, physical stimulation, social interaction, language stimulation and self-calming (attention/concentration/focus) and direct self-esteem building. Bess' work with special populations is also influenced by the work of Sonia Sumer, who developed the Yoga for the Special Child program via the Integral Yoga School and her own experiences with these populations.

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