YOGA FOR CANCER

Why yoga for Cancer?

Due to the high statistics of cancer diagnosis, I knew that pretty soon one of my students would be faced with the challenge of a cancer diagnosis. I wanted my sessions to be inclusive so my students could continue with me and that prospective students could begin their yoga journey.

Can yoga be a companion to my diagnosis, treatment and recovery?

My aim is to support people who are facing the difficult times that cancer can bring. Clients come to me having experienced high levels of stress and anxiety from increased levels of correspondence around appointments, loneliness due to increased time at home, relationship struggles, financial difficulty, not to mention the physical impact on the body. Many come feeling unheard, disconnected and oftentimes passive on their journey with cancer due to communication challenges.

I need to find relief and understanding?

I create a safe compassionate, fun and accepting space for people to express themselves and their emotions, to feel heard, cared for and to lay their body down to rest and digest in the parasympathetic nervous system while their treatments go the work.

What can I expect from a class?

Since qualifying as a yoga teacher, I have been drawn to slow mindful yoga that allows people to retreat within and become acquainted with their unique mind/body connection. Expect a gentle class with focus on soft breathing and minimal but deep movement with modifications suitable to your diagnosis and treatment. I encourage autonomy and empowerment by giving full permission to not do the class or to opt out of any movements or rest for the hour in a restorative position. I find that that yoga philosophy greatly complements the journey of cancer.

What do I have to do before I come to a class?

Firstly you will need clearance from your medical team that you are able to partake in a yoga session then, you will need to fill in a yoga intake form detailing where you are on your journey with cancer and what you hope to achieve from a yoga session. You can opt to have a free 15 minute call with me to connect and let me know any details about your requirements. I advise clients to come to a session one or two days after their treatment so they can maximise the benefits.

I can’t afford a class or one to one session, how can I still do yoga?

I have created a free 30 minute video to practice at home if you can’t make it to class or are facing financial difficulty. You can even do it with a family member or friend as many times as you like.

I’ve decided I want to try yoga, where can I work with you?

I provide these services on a one to one or group capacity both online and in person in London & Cork. Sessions can be booked on my website, email or what’s app.

What are your qualifications?

Having been a professional opera singer for the past 24 years in leading venues all around Europe, I am no stranger to the high stakes stress of performance and have learned to harness the healing power of the voice, breath and movement as an antidote. In fact, it’s become a passion that has led me to become a qualified 300 hour yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga, a Yoga for Cancer Teacher with Jenni Stone and the Yoga for Cancer Academy validated by the Yoga Alliance, an IAM Yoga Nidra facilitator and an advanced certified and accredited EFT practitioner. I won the Opera Bear Award for Magnanimity with a voice meditation class during lockdown called Good Vibrations and the inaugural Jane Anne Rothwell Award for my meditative voice installation, All That Is Sound at the Cork Midsummer Music Festival. I regularly host sold-out women-only Yoga and Sound Day Retreats in both London and Ireland. In 2025 I will become a Breathwork Facilitator with Rebecca Dennis of Breathing Tree.