Therapy

One-to-one · Personalised · Transformative

Yoga therapy
with Susie

Yoga therapy goes far beyond a one-to-one yoga class. It is a personalised, therapeutic process — using yoga practices to address your specific physical or mental health needs, at your own pace, in a safe and supportive space.

Book a free introductory call What to expect
Defined by TKV Desikachar
Yoga therapy is a self-empowering process, where the care-seeker, with the help of the yoga therapist, implements a personalised and evolving yoga practice, that not only addresses the illness in a multi-dimensional manner, but also aims to alleviate suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner. Depending upon the nature of the illness, yoga therapy can not only be preventative or curative, but also serve as a means to manage the illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.
— TKV DESIKACHAR · Viniyoga lineage

Understanding the difference

More than a
yoga class

Yoga therapy is a distinct discipline — quite different from attending a yoga class, even a small or personalised one. Where a class offers a shared practice to a group, yoga therapy is a one-to-one clinical process, shaped entirely around you.

It is suitable for people dealing with a wide range of physical and mental health challenges — from chronic pain and fatigue to anxiety, poor sleep, and recovery from illness. It works alongside, not instead of, conventional medical treatment.

A 2017 research review found strong evidence for yoga therapy's effectiveness across a range of conditions. But perhaps the clearest way to understand it is simply this: your practice is built around your life, not the other way around.

Class vs therapy

C
A yoga class
Offers the same practice to everyone in the room, adapted where possible. Excellent for general wellbeing, fitness and stress relief.
T
Yoga therapy
Individually designed for you — your health history, goals, and current condition assessed and woven into every session. Each session looks more like a consultation than a class.
→
You can do both
You don't have to choose between the two. Students can attend group yoga classes and one-to-one yoga therapy alongside each other — the personal, focused work of therapy and the shared rhythm of a weekly class complement each other beautifully, and together they support your practice on every level.

Evidence-based benefits

What yoga therapy
can help with

Research published in 2017 demonstrated yoga therapy's effectiveness across a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most well-evidenced areas.

1
Stress, anxiety and depression
Regular yoga therapy practice has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and provide practical tools for managing anxiety and low mood day to day.
2
Sleep and fatigue
Breathwork and relaxation practices help regulate the nervous system — making it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake with more energy.
3
Mind-body balance
Yoga therapy works with the whole person — not just the symptom. Over time it can restore a sense of integration between physical sensation, breath, and mental state.
4
Joint pain and back pain
Gentle, adapted movement improves circulation, reduces tension, and builds functional strength — without the strain of conventional exercise programmes.

Further conditions

Chronic illness & cancer support
Injury & illness recovery
Neurological conditions
Heart disease & blood pressure
Digestive issues
General prevention & resilience
Research note: A 2017 study into the therapeutic effects of yoga provided evidence for effectiveness across a broad range of physical and mental health conditions. Yoga therapy works alongside — not instead of — conventional medical treatment. Always consult your GP or specialist for medical advice.

The practices

What yoga therapy
draws on

Each session draws on a combination of practices, chosen and adapted specifically for you.

i
Physical postures
Asana
Carefully chosen movements adapted to your body, your condition, and your energy on the day. Never forced — always purposeful.
ii
Breathing techniques
Pranayama
Breath is central to yoga therapy. Specific techniques regulate the nervous system, build energy, or bring calm — depending on what you need.
iii
Meditation & mindfulness
Dharana
Practices to settle the mind and cultivate awareness — particularly valuable for anxiety, stress, and conditions with a significant mental health component.
iv
Relaxation & body awareness
Deep rest practices that work at a level beyond ordinary relaxation — helping to restore the nervous system and release held tension.
v
Yoga philosophy
When relevant
Occasionally, principles from yoga's philosophical tradition — including lifestyle and diet guidance — can support the wider therapeutic process.
+
Home practice
Between sessions
You'll leave every session with simple, practical tools you can use at home — so the benefit of each session extends into your everyday life.
“

Yoga therapy can not only be preventative or curative, but also serve as a means to manage illness, or facilitate healing in the person at all levels.

— TKV Desikachar · Viniyoga lineage, Chennai, India

Your first session and beyond

What to expect

Every session is different because every person is different. But here's how the process typically unfolds.

1
Free introductory call
A short conversation to find out what brings you to yoga therapy, what you're hoping to achieve, and whether working with Susie feels like the right fit. No commitment required.
2
Initial consultation
Your first session begins with a conversation. Susie will take time to understand your health history, current situation, and goals — before any physical practice begins.
3
Your personalised practice
A gentle practice is built around you — movement, breathwork, and relaxation at your own pace. You'll always be given tools to take away and use between sessions.
4
Ongoing sessions
Your practice evolves as you do. Sessions are adapted as your condition, energy, and goals change — always working progressively and at a pace that feels right for you.
Susie Galley, yoga therapist
Your therapist

Susie Galley

Susie worked as an Occupational Therapist (with people who experienced mental health issues) prior to training as a Yoga Therapist. Her experience in this area is brought alongside her additional training as a Yoga Therapist.

She completed her 600 hour Yoga Therapy training in 2025 and continue to work closely with her own yoga teacher, attend CPD and maintains a daily practice.

  • 500hr yoga teacher qualification · Sadhana Mala, 2019
  • 600hr yoga therapy qualification · completed 2025
  • CNHC registered yoga therapist
  • Occupational Therapist (mental health) · NHS career to 2020
  • Viniyoga lineage · Desikachar / Krishnamacharya
The calm, light-filled yoga therapy room at Cornerstone Studios

Where sessions are held

Cornerstone Studios

1 Addington Square, London SE5 7NZ

A calm, light filled room to practise.

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The practical details

How does it work?

Yoga therapy begins with an initial assessment, followed by a series of regular sessions and a personal home practice designed around you.

  • 1
    It's advisable to have at least 6 follow-up sessions after the initial assessment, usually spaced every 3–4 weeks.
  • 2
    Your self-practice is designed to be done ideally as a daily practice, or at least as often as is possible.
  • 3
    No prior experience of yoga is necessary. Susie will demonstrate the postures if needed and guide you through your individual home practice in the session.

Cost

Initial assessment + 6 follow-up sessions
£510
the complete package
Initial assessment £100
Follow-up appointments £75

Booking the assessment and six follow-up sessions together offers the best value. Get in touch to arrange your initial assessment.

From yoga therapy clients

Real experiences,
real results

“

Susie always listens very carefully and clearly explains her recommendations. She has a calm, professional and empathetic manner — I have learned a lot that will genuinely help me, from Lion's Breath for just letting it all out, to gentle practices I can do quietly at my desk at work.

C
Client
Working mother of three
“

I had been through some major life changes, including loss of my partner and a serious cancer diagnosis. Susie has given me simple, healing practices that have very well addressed the issues I've raised. She listened really well and has been kind and supportive — I greatly value her pragmatic approach. Some underlying issues have definitely improved, and I would certainly recommend Susie.

A
AM
Yoga therapy client
“

Susie is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind. She has helped me so much with both my physical recovery and the mental side of healing — a truly holistic approach.

S
Shannon
Health recovery
Read all testimonials →

No commitment · Free first call

Begin with a
free introductory call

A short, relaxed conversation to see whether yoga therapy with Susie feels right for you. No pressure, no obligation.

Book your free call Explore group classes
07730 435 503 info@yogawithsusie.co.uk Cornerstone Studios, SE5