SPFPP 356: Yoga Therapy for People With Herpes: Navigating Stigma and Emotional Wellness
Living with herpes comes with emotional challenges that extend beyond the diagnosis. For many of us, the stigma can be heavier than the physical symptoms. When I was first diagnosed with herpes, I struggled to process the emotional weight it carried, which is why I began exploring alternative ways to manage my mental health. That journey led me to Yoga Therapy, and it’s changed how I approach emotional wellness—not just for myself, but for others in this space too.
Yoga Therapy is about more than just the physical movements we associate with traditional yoga. It’s a holistic practice that addresses the mind-body connection, using breathwork, mindful movement, and emotional reflection to help you heal. For people living with herpes, this can be a powerful way to manage emotional stress, which we know is a key factor in triggering outbreaks. According to our data at SPFPP, 15% of people report that emotional stress is a precursor to their outbreaks. So, what can we do to help minimize that stress?
The Power of Yoga Therapy in Emotional Wellness
Yoga Therapy differs from traditional yoga because it’s entirely personalized. Each session is designed specifically for you and your needs, focusing on how your emotional and physical health interact. Whether you’re struggling with herpes stigma, managing chronic pain, or in recovery from addiction, Yoga Therapy offers tools that help address these issues holistically.
While talk therapy focuses on working through emotions by talking about them, Yoga Therapy allows us to process those emotions through the body as well. We combine breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to release the stored tension and stress that talking alone might not fully resolve. It's a practice that teaches you to be present in your body, which can be incredibly healing when you’ve been dealing with stigma or emotional pain for a long time.
Why Work with Me as Your Yoga Therapist?
If you’ve followed my work with Something Positive for Positive People (SPFPP), you probably already know that I’m no stranger to vulnerability. I’ve been open about my herpes diagnosis and my own journey navigating stigma. That transparency has always been at the core of my work, and it’s no different in how I approach Yoga Therapy. I believe that being open about my struggles helps others feel safer to explore their own.
As a Yoga Therapist in training, I’m held to different standards than a traditional mental health therapist. This allows me more freedom in how I connect with clients. There’s a familiarity and comfort that comes from knowing I’ve been in your shoes—whether it’s herpes stigma, emotional overwhelm, or the mental toll of navigating chronic pain or addiction recovery. We’re in this together, and I approach each session with the same curiosity and openness you’ve seen in my podcast interviews, minus the audience.
By working with me, you get a space to:
Release emotional stress related to herpes stigma or any other personal challenge.
Reconnect with your body in a positive way.
Develop practical tools like breathwork and mindful movement to manage stress and emotional triggers.
Yoga Therapy is donation-based, meaning you choose what you can afford, because accessibility matters. My goal is to provide tools that empower you to take control of your emotional wellness, in a way that feels doable for you.
How Yoga Therapy Helps Beyond Herpes Stigma
Although my primary focus has been supporting people navigating herpes stigma, Yoga Therapy offers a range of benefits for anyone dealing with emotional challenges. Whether you're working through addiction recovery, chronic pain, or just need tools to manage your emotional health, this practice is for you. We all have different stories, but Yoga Therapy meets you where you are, with a customized plan that fits your needs.
Unlike talk therapy, Yoga Therapy engages the body and mind together. It's an opportunity to get out of your head and back into your body, helping you manage the stress that so often triggers emotional or physical symptoms.
Interested in a Session?
If you're ready to explore how Yoga Therapy can support your emotional wellness, fill out our intake form at www.spfpp.org/yoga-therapy. I’ll get back to you within 48 hours to schedule a session. This is an opportunity to take control of your healing journey with the support of a Yoga Therapist who’s been where you are before.
The earlier you start, the better you’ll feel. Let’s work together to create a plan that fits your life and helps you move forward with confidence.
*Content created with the use of ChatGPT
