715 Florida Avenue South  
Suite 307  
St. Louis Park, MN 55426  
Office: 952-544-6806  
Hours: Monday -Thursday 8 AM - 9 PM   Friday 8 AM - 4 PM  

Choices Psychotherapy is pleased to announce
Choices Yoga
"Integrating Body & Mind"
 

Yoga promotes flexibility, strength and posture. It allows for an increase in concentration as well as a decrease in stress and blood pressure. The practice of yoga has a positive effect on energy, sleep and balance. Those who practice yoga may notice its calming effect on the mind and body. With yoga comes choice- it can be restorative, meditative, relaxing and a focus on breathing.

Choices Yoga is pleased to offer weekly classes specific to anxiety and depression where breath will be united with specific postures. These classes are designed to promote:

• Breathing- find the ability to lengthen and control one’s inhales and exhales, learn how to actively breathe in daily life, use breath awareness to slow down heart rate and lessen anxious thoughts.

• Body Awareness- engaging yogic practices which help participants better understand their body.

• Anxiety Reduction- helps a person become centered, allows one to be thankful for the present moment and focus on breath.

• Depression Reduction- helps a person think about something outside of their problems, leaving their thoughts and feelings on the mat.

Class size is limited to six participants and is eight weeks in duration. Participants will need to register in advance. The cost is $200.00, which is due at the time of registration.

It is recommended that participants engage in individual therapy during the eight-week practice. The yoga practice, while designed to promote calmness and mindfulness, may evoke emotion that needs to be processed with a therapist. An initial screening is required prior to the first group for all participants. For the initial screening, a $25.00 fee will be assessed to those participants who are not Choices Psychotherapy clients.

Yoga for Anxiety is offered:

• Mondays 6:00pm-7:00pm (women)
• Fridays 2:00pm-3:00pm (women)
• Fridays 3:15pm-4:15pm (men)

Yoga for Depression is offered:

• Mondays 7:15pm-8:15pm (women)
• Thursdays 1:45pm-2:45pm (men)

Classes will begin the week of February 6th. Please call 952-544-6806 to register.

Classes will be led by Blake M. Ortquist, MA Marriage and Family Therapy, Certified Yoga Instructor.
For more information about Blake and her background, please view her page: Blake.
 

“Yoga is an effective treatment for anxiety” - Harvard 2009
“Yoga, Meditation and Tai Chi are helpful practices in intervening with anxiety
and depression” - Mayo Clinic 2009