Betty Conroy, PT
When I began my MTY journey during the onsite M8 module, I was hopeful to learn how to integrate my passion for yoga into patient treatments and to gain competence in teaching yoga classes....
Professional Yoga Therapy Program “Cracked Me Open”
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Our stories are important. They are incredible profiles in courage. In forging a new path in integrative rehab should be shared.Â
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This is a story for all mothers or fathers who may be struggling to forge a creative, new path in rehab amidst the often rigid, failing biomedical model.Â
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Gratitude and thanks to Paige for her authenticity, presence, and generosity in sharing her story. So many fellow cohort members have these traits in abundance, as does Paige – what a fantastic family Paige and her cohort members have become!Â
Paige Raffo’s Story…
My PYT Certification journey:
This program has been an absolutely life changing experience for me. Initially, I was drawn to the program in hopes of gaining more knowledge on how to manage clients, particularly the chronic pain population, in a more holistic manner. The concepts made sense to me and re-enforced my current approach. Also, I wanted to be more precise in my use of yoga postures therapeutically. All of these superficial goals were achieved after the first onsite module, then it evolved into something much more.
The PYT program came to me at a time in which I personally needed everything that we were learning. I have been able to learn about myself on an elemental level, use techniques to help manage my stresses, both physical & mental, and truly use experiential knowledge to help my clients manage their specific issues. I am still neck deep in my own self-discovery and management, but now I feel that I am more in control of how I respond to my circumstances and how to be more fluid and present.
I have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with amazing women in my field and participate in research that I don’t think I would have done otherwise. The women in my Cohort are now my friends for life and the best professional resource I could ask for. Within this group & PYT I have discovered a passion for women’s health that I did not realize was so strong. I am still trying to find my voice and improve my self confidence. When I started PYT, I was a part-time working, wife and mom of 2 tiny children, unsure of who I was & where I fit in. One year later, I own and run my own practice am gaining respect as an expert in my community and am still a wife and mom of 2 small kids. This would not have happened without PYT & Ginger.
My dharma is still a bit unclear. I do want to work more within the field of women’s health and improve the current standard of care for chronic pain, pregnancy and postpartum. I would also like to be involved more in professional education of PT students, peers, and allied health professionals, including fitness instructors. I am using meditation and am being open and receptive to people and opportunities that come my way.
Side note….I have immersed myself in the material from Level III, formerly M15 and am using what I now know about my constitution to better manage myself. I feel so much better and capable of handling my load.
Thank you Ginger for having the compassion to ask how I was doing. It cracked me open, but lead to self realization and healing that I needed.
Seattle-based clinician and therapist, Paige Raffo PT, PYT, CPI
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