Our Sensory Yoga programmes have been evolving from our Hastings studio, across Hawke's Bay schools and in residential settings over the past 6 years. We celebrate neurodivergent children and young people and have had the pleasure and privilege to roll out yoga and mindfulness sessions that are inclusive, accessible and where our students can truly 'be'. 

​

Sensory Yoga is set in a structured physical environment designed to reduce overstimulation and sensory 'noise', allowing us to work through the lens of all eight senses to regulate the nervous system. We scaffold skills to support the development of proprioception, coordination and gross motor movement through adapted yoga postures, we approach breath work using props and games to make mindfulness techniques accessible and we create space for experiential relaxation to encourage interoception and down-regulation for the nervous system.

​

Sensory Yoga is for children and young people who have ORS Funding in the High or Very High category and/or attend a specialist education setting, and may have additional health/medical needs. In addition, they may work with an expressive vocabulary in the range of 50-100 words or less (possibly with access to an Augmented and Alternative Communication system) and some may require support with self-care skills and learning to be independent.

 

Sensory Yoga also offers sensory-sensitive individuals without a formal diagnosis to access pathways to support the nervous system and encourages the development of coping tools and mechanisms to navigate high-stimulation spaces such as the classroom and the workplace. From February 2024, we will offer a weekly Sensory Yoga class for adults, too.

 

When designing group or individual programmes, we look at needs through a developmental rather than chronological age lens. In addition, we develop programmes for adults to increase their access to the beautiful practice of yoga using an approach that takes into account every client's superpowers as well as challenges.

​

Paula has worked as a Specialist Teacher in the education sector for over 20 years in the UK, Auckland and Hawke's Bay and her training and experiences have provided her with the knowledge and expertise to work with neurodivergent individuals, and the ability to meet their needs effectively and with the utmost compassion. She developed Sensory Yoga in 2018 and has ever since been working in both group and one-on-one contexts, using yoga and mindfulness techniques to help her clients navigate the barriers to equitable, successful and independent living present in their environment. Over the years, Paula has had the ultimate honour of observing the incredibly positive impact these specialised Sensory Yoga programmes have had on her clients' ability to build body-mind connections, regulate the nervous system and feel at ease with themselves, others and the world around them.

​

Sensory Yoga KIDS

Mondays

3.30  -  4.30PM

(back in Term 4)

​

Sensory Yoga ADULTS

Fridays

11AM  - 12PM

​

Sensory Yoga one-on-one

(enquire for free consultation)

​

Sensory Yoga Schools

(enquire for more information)