Jemma Schwartz, psychotherapist and yoga instructor, joins Courtney on the show to discuss how our nervous systems and emotions become dysregulated, and what we can do about it! Jemma's work focuses on the mind-body connection and the role of movement in helping to alleviate distressing emotions and nervous system activation.

We are, in many ways, delicately attuned creatures, and we live in a world that frequently results in prolonged exposure to provocative stimuli. Jemma's work, and explanations here, help us learn to recognize and compassionately respond to this activation thoughtfully and physically. It's a tough world out there, kids, and Jemma's helping us all move through it with increased ease.

About our guest, from Jemma: I am a licensed clinical social worker and registered yoga instructor. I graduated with a BS in Psychology and Disaster Studies in 2006 from SUNY New Paltz, then completed the Master’s in Social Welfare program in 2012 at the University at Albany. I have gained rich experiences working in mental health clinics, home visiting programs and doctors offices, lending me to be skilled in treating clients with a wide age range and need in areas of mental health, substance use, maternal mental health, and chronic illness management.

I promote healing by tailoring interventions to the person sitting in front of me and the moment they are in. Through skilled and compassionate interventions, I aim to assist people in increasing self awareness of their thoughts, emotions and physical experiences. My passion centers around using the body to heal the mind. Such practices increase internal awareness, decrease stress, shift unhelpful patterns, and ultimately promote empowerment and wellness so that you can be the version of yourself you want to be in the world. I am trained to offer you Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Open Dialogue, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving Therapy, and Mindfulness modalities.

As a hungry life time learner, I earned my 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2019 at The Living Seed after years of personal practice. As of 2021 I am a Licensed TIYT Clinical Facilitator with Sundara Therapy, offering their brilliant Overcome Anxiety Clinic. I am also a trained doula and have been blessed by being able to assist four mama’s in bringing their little ones into the world. My self care bag of tricks include spending purposeful time with husband, daughter & loved ones, my rescue pups Rubah and Rylee, practicing yoga and meditation, day dreaming about travel, traveling, music and cooking.

Resources: https://www.sundarayogatherapy.com/yoga-therapy-evidence-based-programs

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/487827 is the listing for information to work with Jemma individually, whether for therapy, yoga therapy or accelerated resolution therapy.

As always, send future topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions and feedback to courtney@shineandsoar.com. Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you may be listening and don't forget to share with a friend. They may love this content as much as you do!