We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Townsend. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.
Julia, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?
I have been working on my practicum for my yoga therapy certification. I have learned so much in the process. I conduct yoga therapy sessions in my school’s free virtual clinic. I work with current students and alumni of their 200 and 300 hour yoga teacher trainings. Because these sessions are virtual, I have worked with clients all over the world. Most of the clients I meet with work through multiple yoga therapy sessions to meet their goals. However, as a yoga therapist in training, it is important for me to remember that not every client will feel like I am a good fit for them. I used to take it personally when a client would do an initial session and not be interested in scheduling another session. I know this is part of the process, and that the people that I’m meant to work with will find me.
I have also learned a lot about letting go of expectations or feeling like I have to do everything “just right” for a session. I’ve had some sessions where I felt like I was not clear enough or did not get a chance to work through the plan I had before the session started. But then the client would tell me that they really enjoyed the session. The beauty of yoga therapy is that is does not just have to be yoga postures or sequences. It includes so many other tools like mindfulness, meditation, Ayurveda, breathwork, and discussions on how to apply self compassion and self study. Each session is unique and I always aim to help my client feel supported. Some days, we may change the plan because the client needs something different. This is something I have learned from experience thus far in the yoga therapy clinic.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I wear many hats. I currently work as a preschool teacher in addition to teaching yoga and working toward my yoga therapy certification. I am also a NASM certified personal trainer. I find that I use the knowledge I have gained from all these areas to give myself a unique perspective. I have used principles of personal training in physical aspects of yoga therapy, and vice versa. Knowledge of breathwork and mindfulness helps me to encourage people who I am training. I also have recently started leading a kids yoga and movement class at the school where I teach.
I got into yoga and personal training because I love working out and practicing yoga. I love sharing this with others. Yoga is my first focus. I became certified to teach yoga in early 2021 and have now taught nearly 350 hours of yoga. My passion is teaching therapeutic yoga and mindfulness. I believe that the mind and body are interconnected and you must care for both.
Through my own personal experiences with disordered eating, anxiety, and neurodivergence, I have developed a passion for using yoga therapy as a tool for mental health. While I am not a licensed mental health professional, my services as a yoga therapist can complement other forms of therapy. I enjoy helping clients tume into the wisdom of their bodies. Often, the wellness industry can be full of harmful messaging around body size, food, and mental health. My goal as a yoga therapist and personal trainer is to help people develop a compassionate and authentic relationship to their body and find practices that are supportive, not harmful. I choose to take a non-diet approach to yoga and fitness.
I am also quite passionate about the neurodivergent community. I, myself, have ADHD and I am an Autism parent. I find that it is important for neurodiverse individuals to feel supported and encouraged, not made to feel that they must make themselves “neurotypical”. I find that yoga therapy is extremely beneficial for both children and adults who arr ADHD, Autistic, or otherwise neurodivergent. Yoga therapy aims to help the client connect with their innate wholeness and accept themselves for who they are. Yoga therapy is also beneficial for people who are caregivers to neurodiverse children or live with neurodivergent people. I believe that acknowledging neurodiversity as a beautiful part of our human experience will help create more inclusion and support for everyone.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have always felt that I am “different” and struggle with “fitting in” and making friends. This is something that still trips me up, even as an adult. I struggle deeply with Imposter Syndrome. However, despite these struggles, I choose to keep moving forward. There are many times when I have felt left out or like people do not take me seriously. Through my own personal yoga practice, and doing the work to care for my mental health, I have come to recognize that my value is not dependent on popularity or monetary success. I choose to look for the good when it seems hard to find.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I believe that my lived experiences have been extremely helpful for succeeding in my career pursuits. Through overcoming my own personal struggles, I have developed empathy and compassion for others. I think, too, that holding space for clients is extremely important. Practicing compassion, active listening, and empathy I believe makes me a better practicioner. I aim to meet clients where they are at, and creat a safe space for them to begin the work of self-discovery and healing.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.embracejoyyoga.com
- Instagram: @embracejoyyoga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracejoyyoga
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@embracejoyyoga9262?si=IOwB22XYdcANFqCB
Image Credits
Elli + Row Photography Aaron Moon