Why I Love Flowing Before Therapy.

Imagine it the first time heading into session.

You walk in (or login).

You're tight.

You're tense.

You're feeling vulnerable, but also not open.

There's a sense of guardedness that you just can't shake, even though you signed up to be there and you know that connection is important.

Sometimes we just can't override our brain being alert and on guard in new environments and with new people.

Inviting the body to participate in the process can unlock a wide range of helpers baked right into a recipe for relational success.

First hand experience in my studios opened me to the magic, and studying phenomena during my clinical counseling program convinced me that movement was the secret ingredient for better care and connection.

When I owned my brick & mortar studios I began to assemble opportunities for people to experience life groups, like monthly womens groups led by amazing teachers on my staff, as well as peer-led support and recovery groups led by local organizations supporting folks in the community embarking on a sober journey.

Similarly when I lead Yoga Teacher Trainings and retreats now I (almost) always start sessions with an invigorating flow before we dive into lecture and learning.

The setup in each of these opportunities - all designed to support wellbeing and personal growth in their own way - focuses on movement first, often even before names and introductions, and then talking, learning, and connection.

What I’ve witnessed through these experiences, and also see in my clinical practice, is that folks who move a little bit before session (and sometimes at the start of session) have more than just the appearance of being relaxed. They’re more socially open. They speak more openly about what they’re going through, have greater willingness to make eye contact, and feel more apt to accept friendliness.

Movement + connection.

Of course this isn’t always a quick change, available for everyone, or universally true. But for many this recipe slaps.

Research demonstrates that movement does offer an edge on forming bonds. As humans we are wired to be more cooperative with people in motion, especially in shared motion. But moving solo prior to connection still has profound effects. In fact 30+ minutes of moderately intense movement ( think power walking, a jog, or you guessed it, a Yoga flow) not only promotes the release of endorphins - which are the body's natural pain killers- but it also stimulates dopamine which with motivation, serotonin which supports an improved mood, and the endocannibinoid system which promotes endurance and social connection.

The work of Dr. Myer of UW Madison and the WellEx lab goes a step further showing that people who participate in movement prior to therapy actually build rapport faster than those to don't.

Simply put clientd who move prior to care are more open and primed to receive support.

So how can you take this wisdom and make it your own?

Well the easiest way is to simply make space to flow (or engage in your preferred method of exercise) before you kick off a session with a new therapist. As rapport builds perhaps this becomes less important. However if you’re socially clammed up, don’t sit still and breathe, MOVE and breathe!

In a time strapped world, perhaps that sounds impossible. I get that. But given that so much hinges on a secure, honest, and open relationship in therapy - the extra effort at the outset could save you time and accelerate the process in the long-run.

Perhaps you can't squeeze in the full 30 minutes as some studies set up. But even 10-15 minutes of preparation through yoga or walking can help you not only feel calmer, but also feel more willingness to meet a new person and form a relationship that supports your wellbeing.