ma·ven

/ˈmāvən/

noun: an expert or connoisseur

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Joanne Spence

B.S.W. M.A. Certified Yoga Therapist

Welcome to my website. I am so glad you stopped by. Mine is an unlikely story. If my offerings look surprisingly simple, it is because they are - I'd like to share how gentle movement and breathing practices have changed my life physically, mentally, and spiritually. I would like to show you how yoga and contemplative practices can be part of your everyday life. I sometimes call my practices my non-drug intervention! If you have a history of - or current challenges with - trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or insomnia, let me show you how yoga can help heal your body and unwind your mind in simple, practical ways that are accessible to anyone who can breathe (read - you do NOT have to be flexible to do yoga - not my yoga, anyway; I promise). If you would like to know why I do this and the details of how it has changed my life, you can read more in the "Backstory."

Backstory

Services

My areas of expertise: trauma, chronic pain, ADHD, depression, anxiety and insomnia,

contemplative Christian spirituality.

Adults of all abilities

Children from age 5 of all abilities

Payment

Cash, all credit cards, checks payable to Urban Oasis Pittsburgh, PayPal

Sliding scale fees available upon request based on need and scholarship availability.

I am committed to my services being available to you regardless of your ability to pay.

Let's think creatively.

One-on-one therapy

$85/per 60 min. session

This is a private yoga class customized to meet your needs. It begins with you completing an intake form giving some background information about your health in general. It is an opportunity to work on something specific or learn or explore what sort of yoga practice would benefit you. You will be seen and heard.

Group yoga therapy

$120-$200 (2-8 people) per 60 min. session

For 2-8 people for people who prefer to be in a group setting, bring your friends - the class will be tailored to your group. Times available according to studio availability and your schedule.

DVD Absolute Beginner Yoga

$11 (includes tax and shipping)

Click on the Buy Now button to the right.

Start your home practice right away with this simple, easy-to-follow resource.

The DVD includes a 15 minute chair practice, a 20 minute standing practice and several other practices to get you started on your own.

Workshops

$40-$100 p.p. (depending whether 2-4 hr)

Signature Workshops:

An Introduction to Trauma-informed Yoga:

What is it?

Basics of teaching trauma-informed yoga.

Beyond Burnout: Recognizing Secondary Trauma when working with 'At-Risk'Populations

What is secondary trauma?

Tools to recognize and mitigate secondary trauma

Yoga Skills for Clinicians:

In this workshop you will be introduced to 4 types of gentle movement and 3 breathing exercises that you can practice for yourself

and teach to your clients.

Yoga for Mood Management:

In this workshop you will be introduced to the LifeForce Yoga Chakra Clearing Meditation and its application for stabilizing one's

mental health.

Contemplative Practices for the Christian Journey:

What is a Rule of Life?

How to have your own Rule of Life

Including embodied practices in Rule of Life

Customized Workshops to Meet Your Organization's Needs

Trainings & Certifications

$200-$650 p.p. (depending whether 1-3 days)

Chair Yoga for Clinicians - 1 day training

Chair Yoga Teacher Training (for yoga teachers) - 2 days

Yoga in Schools Yoga Teacher Training (K-5th Grade)

InHabit Curriculum: Contemplative Practices for Middle School

Embodied Spiritual Direction

Sliding Scale Fee $35-65 per session

In person or online (Zoom, Skype)

Retreats

Theme-based retreats on yoga and spiritual practices.

Call for pricing.

Mentoring

$75/per 60 min.

I offer mentoring for yoga teachers, counselors, therapists, psychologists who are interested in getting their Level I certification with the LifeForce Yoga Institute.

I also offer ongoing mentoring to professional counselors interested in integrating mind body practices for themselves and their clients.

Articles, Essays, Book Chapters

My new book:

Trauma-Informed Yoga Toolbox: Practices to Rebalance the Nervous System (in press), PESI Fall 2020

Books I have contributed to:

Best Practices for Yoga in Schools, 2015. Atlanta: YSC-Omega Publications.

Stories from School Yoga: Narratives from the Field, 2019. Albany: SUNY Press.

Yoga Playgrounds: Yoga Power Curriculum

Resources

Amy Weintraub - founder of LifeForce Yoga

Kristine Webber - founder of Subtle Yoga

Jill Miller - founder of Yoga Tune-Up Fitness

Contact Me

When you call/email/text for an appointment, you will get a real live caring person - me! If I am with a client, simply leave me a message and I will get back to you within 2 business days. I am also available for coaching via Skype, FaceTime, Face Book Messenger.

6818 Simonton Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15208