This post, part of our “how yoga therapists work” series, is about how a physical therapist (PT) and current yoga therapy student recognized yoga’s healing potential and became determined to share it with others.
By Jayme Nagle
I began yoga through asana, or physical, practice at college and a Rodney Yee VHS tape from my mom. After college, I became a licensed PT and the spouse of a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, which took me on a 15-year worldwide journey. Although my PT career was inconsistent because of frequent moves and my role as the primary caregiver to our children, the experience provided me with the opportunity to observe the benefits and challenges of allopathic medicine and has been an integral part of my path to yoga therapy.
Starting on the path
After a transformational emotional response in a yoga class, I started to go deeper into the practices, with breathwork, meditation, and philosophy. This discovery of yoga’s reach beyond the physical plane, combined with inspiration from yoga teachers in my life, led me to become a yoga teacher myself. In 2016, I attended a yoga teacher training course that explored the neuroscience of trauma and mental health and how yoga can support these common human challenges. At the time I had been struggling with generalized and social anxiety. I found it empowering to become aware of the neurobiology of my struggles and to realize that there were practices that could nurture me, and—most importantly—that I was capable of healing.
Building awareness
As I continued my yoga training, I developed a more nuanced awareness of my inner sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I started to identify patterns that I could, with this new understanding, influence. Although I began to discern, I still reverted to older patterns—making fear-based choices and masking my deeper emotions and thoughts. I put on my mask and pretended to enjoy situations I felt trapped in, resorting to alcohol to suppress my discomfort. I lost confidence in my skills as a PT and resorted to choosing jobs that felt safe.
When we relocated in 2019 I knew in my core that this move was not the best choice for us. Still, I followed my pattern of suppression. However, I also continued my yoga studies and meditated daily. I was eventually able to speak my truth to my husband, and we returned to Maryland, where I began a master’s degree in yoga therapy at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH).
My studies at MUIH have been profound and life changing. I now recognize that much of my anxiety is related to mental conditioning to avoid discomfort and that I tend to over-analyze and make decisions to please others. My studies have challenged me to sense, articulate, and act toward greater alignment with my true self—without apology or explanation, but with compassion and kindness. I have learned to say no to social functions and set boundaries with people. I have shifted my relationship with alcohol. I prioritized my values of self-study and service to others, acknowledging that this level of personal understanding is imperative for supporting others to heal.
Coming full circle
I look forward to graduating and sharing yoga therapy with women in all stages of life, including military spouses. I know that struggles similar to my own can cause suffering across the lifespan and have the potential to manifest as health challenges, so I will continue to expand my knowledge and application of psychoneuroimmunology (the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems). With my lived experience and education, I hope to guide women in particular to remembering their wholeness, inner truth, and authenticity.
Jayme Nagle, PT, RYT-500, is a candidate for a master’s degree in yoga therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She currently teaches yoga and meditation in Bel Air, Maryland, and aqua yoga at Harford Community College.
Jayme,
I never click on bios but I’m happy to have clicked on yours! Thank you for sharing about your journey. You are an inspiration.
I completed my YTT 200 hrs in 2017 but do not teach yet. Some things in life have caused me to feel that I’m still not ready. Would love to continue my training to become a yoga therapist before I’m too old! I am currently 61!
Thank you- all the best!
Jen
Jen,
Thank you for sharing. My heart feels so happy that this story inspired you; that is why I went out of my comfort zone in sharing: to inspire. I hope you find a way to start teaching and follow your heart in yoga therapy training. I have learned that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and share your gifts. I am supporting you! With gratitude, Jayme
You are never too old until you think you are. I am 66, an E-RYT yoga teacher and back care specialist, trained in subtle somatic practice , yoga for depression, cancer , anxiety , pain and trauma , I am currently training to be an IAYT certified yoga therapist. “What you do or dream that you can , begin it, boldness has genius power and magic in it”-Goethe
Alison,
Thank you for your share! This is very inspiring and I wish you well on your journey.
Hi Jen, just wanted to jump in and let you know that there is no age limit for yoga therapy practitioner. You will serve at the point you are asked to serve. I am 71 and don’t plan on retiring ever, or at least soon, and continue my Svadhyaya and studies and learn more every day.
Hi! I’m a PT student currently questioning her path. I’m pretty inconsistent with my own asana practice but I love the intersection between movement and healing, that’s what drew me to PT in the first place. What are your recommendations for someone considering shifting their focus from becoming a physical therapist to a yoga therapist?
I am a PT and a RYT (200 hour) and have blended the two backgrounds seamlessly. They are so interrelated and complementary to one another. Not all of my PT clients are interested in Yoga but they don’t realize that my yoga background is informing my PT skills and their own growing awareness of their bodies. I would say finish that PT degree, go to a trauma informed YTT, then find a setting that allows you to do both.
Becky,
This is great you have found a way to blend your passions to support clients! It is a true testament that yoga is beyond the poses.
~Jayme
YES!
Emma,
Thank you for reading and your share. All paths can feel overwhelming at times.
My recommendation is to take time to turn inward. Do you have a current meditation practice? This is what helped me to turn in and find answers and become empowered to take action. Perhaps use this time to consider your why.
I have also learned that all paths are challenging and a learning opportunity. Your PT journey will inform your yoga therapy journey if that is what you choose to pursue, but yoga therapy does consider a person beyond their physical movements.
I also see PTs exploring integrative and holistic approaches.
If you decide to pursue yoga therapy, I hope you take the time to research the programs to find the right fit, depending on your why!
Have you been to a yoga therapy session? This also might be useful as you explore your path.
Best wishes and thank you for sharing!
~Jayme
Hi Emma, being a YTT 200 and now C-IAYT, working on as a yoga instructor and a Yoga therapist, I would like to share …. It will surely a merge for you of a PT and a Yoga therapist. You will be able to utilize your PT skills in the latter profession with great confidence. And bringing that smile to the clients will be your gift from them to you! Hope this helps.
Always great to hear another PT/yoga’s story Jayme. Used to have our big dinners out and get haircuts in Bel Air when we were stationed at Aberdeen PG down the road in the mid 80’s. Have fun in your new chapter and reach out if I can be of support.
Matthew,
Thank you for your comment!! How fun that you used to spend time in Bel Air!
Thank you, I have been inspired by your work and appreciate the offer. I will definitely connect.
~Jayme
Love this! It is nice to see other PT’s finding the yoga path. So nice to find kindred spirits. Blessings in you future endevors!
Thank you, Sara! You as well.