About Melissa and Discover Yoga Therapy
"Melissa Valentine was my first serious introduction to the benefits of yoga. I have worked with her privately as well as in a group setting. What stands out to me is her sensitivity to the different needs of each participant and her calming voice and words as we work through the exercises. I am convinced that I have found the right instructor for my continuing study of yoga" 78 year old female with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, arm and spine fractures
"Melissa is the first yoga teacher I have encountered who has been able to speak “body” to me in a way that I can completely visualize what I am supposed to be doing. She seems to understand exactly what my body can and cannot do, should and should not do. I am finally hooked on yoga!" Eva Silver
"Melissa Valentine is connected. Connected to the patient. Connected to where they are in their therapy. Connected to their goals. We have never met anyone who connects like Melissa- from Day 1. We've had the privledge of working with Melissa for several months. The connection she makes with Gene is amazing. She is focused, thoughtful, and gives him immediate feedback. She observes, plans, then acts on what she sees. She is consistent in her approach and her methodology. Gene has made great strides in his stroke rehabilitation due to his work with Melissa. We are big fans of Melissa Valentine. You will be too!" Heide and Gene O'Connell (58 year old Stroke patient)
I have been taking yoga for a few years and Melissa is by far the BEST instructor I have ever had. I am 53 years old and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis last year in my hips. I took private sessions with her which was the best thing I could have done for myself. Melissa has helped me develop a personal program to maintain flexibility and strength. Her warm and caring heart combined with her impeccable instruction makes her a teacher you can trust and learn from. Melissa is a gifted yoga teacher. She has knowledge, insight, intuition and the capacity to motivate anyone to develop a yoga practice. Melissa’s physical therapy background combined with her yoga training, makes her in my opinion, one of most qualified instructors out there. I love her classes. I have brought many of my friends to her classes and they are “sold” on Melissa too. I always leave every class feeling well cared for, rejuvenated, more peaceful and balanced. Lori Weisman
"I've enjoyed taking classes from Melissa for over a year now. Her years of experience in different styles of yoga plus her knowledge as a physical therapist are evident in the way she carefully guides students through the poses, creatively modifying them as necessary to deal with our individual concerns." Allen Moore
As both a complete Yoga novice, and a person with a long history of back problems, I approached Yoga classes with some trepidation. It was my great good fortune that my first class was with Melissa, and I immediately felt that I was in good hands. In her classes Melissa combines all the calming meditational aspects of yoga with exacting attention to the body mechanics of the asanas. I always feel safe during her classes and I always feel better after them.
Linda Paros. Kirkland
About Yoga Therapy
"It (Yoga therapy) is especially useful in lengthening the short side of imbalanced paired muscle groups before strengthening the long or weak side. These movements are novel and may be helpful in breaking up unhealthy synergies as individual areas are strengthened. Motor self-image (through attention and feedback) may also be improved, and balance, yes, and rate of perceived exertion improves. Attention to breathing to lower the anxiety and retime the physiology of patients is important, as we eliminate reversed breathing, that is we stop, "compressing abdomen on inhale...Meditative practices including visualization help with goal-attainment"
"AYogic Evaluation which looks at the physical body (ROM, pain, alignment, etc.), the energetic body (breathing) sometimes includes physiology, the mental body-with attention to the self-talk of the patient, the wisdom body-based on teaching centering practices, and the bliss body-regarding "flow", i.e. what does the patient like to and want to do that may be included in their therapy-a search for real functional exercise/activities. The Yogic principles of attention and ease and comfort during the session will help with authenticity." Gerry Sanders, Occupational Therapist, Yoga Therapist