Mandy L Sergent

  Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy                    
"Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy is an holistic healing art. It invites presence and awareness, rather than prescribe treatments. Using age-old yogic approaches to deeper presence and awareness we are able to know ourselves more fully. Out of this knowing, we are more easily moved to embrace the opportunity for change, growth and enhanced well being in body, feelings, thought, and spirit."
— Michael Lee, Founder
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

 
What have former clients said about PRYT?


"It feels like pressing the fast forward button at a physchotherapists office - it's amazing what enlightenment will present itself to you."



"We all know what it is like to carry stress around in our bodies.  This is like an internal housecleaning, clearing out all of that held stress - both emotional and physical."



"I'm able to talk about whatever is on my mind.  I can't believe the things I say - things I'd never tell my friends or my husband. It is so nice to be able to say what you want without being judged or made to feel like you should change - to be accepted for who you are."



“Receiving Phoenix Rising sessions from Mandy has enabled me to make a deep mind-body connection that is difficult to attain on my own. When that has happened, I’ve been left with a calm, peaceful feeling and the ability to take an honest look at my life. I’ve left each session with a sense of direction and purpose—and hope.”



"One session with you was more insightful and valuable than all of the sessions I've spent with my therapist put together.  I was really impressed."
What is Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy?

Through assisted yoga postures, non-directive dialogue, and focused breathing, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (PRYT) offers clients the experience of connecting their physical selves to their emotional selves.  This connection is held and explored.  The practitioner helps the client to keep their awareness on the present moment, noticing and embracing everything that arises – thoughts, insights, sensations, images, memories, emotions.  The result is often a deeper understanding of oneself, a sense of release, personal growth, healing, and sometimes a profound relaxation.

PRYT is not a yoga class or a private yoga session.  In fact, no yoga experience is required.  It is a one-on-one practice between a practitioner and a client.

What does a session involve?  How much time does it take?

In general, sessions are roughly an hour and a half long, although the first session can last up to two hours.  Each session has the same general process: centering meditation, body scan, assisted yoga postures, integration meditation. 

Centering Meditation
This is similar to a centering in a yoga class (for those of you who are familiar with yoga).  I'll ask you to close your eyes and focus on your breath, your body and your life.  The centering meditation gives the client a chance to transition from their busy lives into more of an inward focus on themselves.

Body Scan
The body scan can be done sitting down or standing up and provides the client with an opportunity to more deeply explore what is happing in their body.  I'll ask you to bring your awareness into each body part and give you an opportunity to speak about what you notice.  

Assisted Postures
After the body scan, the client will be assisted into any number of yoga postures. Often the client can remain relaxed and let the practitioner move their body into postures for them.  The "assisting" of the postures is a combination of using props (folded blankets, cushions, straps) and my own hands and body, literally holding the client in the posture.

Once in a position, there is a process of dialog that takes place.  I'll ask "what's happening now?" and may repeat some of what you say.  Then I may ask you to "tell me more."  The dialog is both to let me know if you have reached your "edge" (a place where you are getting a stretch or other sensation), or if you are experiencing any pain, as well as to give the client a chance to speak anything else that is coming up. 

The theory is that we hold "stuff" (thoughts, fears, emotions, tension) in our bodies and by being supported in a yoga posture for a length of time, the body can relax and let go of these things.  

Integration Meditation
The session ends with another guided meditation for the client to reflect over what happened in the session, see what stood out, how that may relate to their daily life, and then form an action step to help support them in their journey.

What kind of stuff do people release?  Do they cry or laugh?

People experience PRYT in different ways.  Some just enjoy it like they would a massage or any other form of bodywork and the answer to "what's happening now?" may just be "I feel really relaxed and I'm getting a nice stretch in my back."  Others remember memories that they haven't thought about it years, and those can be scary or really happy and great.  Some people see colors of light, or feel vibration or shaking in their body (in yoga class we'd call this energy moving).  Others just make a stronger connection about things that are happening in their life on a daily basis, or how they have a habit of reacting certain ways.  It's totally open and there is no "right way" to experience it.  Sometimes, when I ask "what's happening now?" people even answer "not much."

Am I the right kind of client for Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy?

YES!  That answer is simple, because there is no "right kind of client."  A Phoenix Rising practitioner is trained to modify sessions so that they are appropriate for each client, regardless of the limitations they may think they have.

Where do you give sessions?

I offer sessions in my home office which is in Boalsburg.  I'll send you an email or letter, containing directions and other important information, about a week before your session.

How many sessions will I need to see results?

PRYT is very powerful so even one session will have some level of results.  However, many clients find that what they receive from each session increases the more they come.  As your body learns how to receive, it allows you to wonder less about the mechanics of the session and focus more on your internal experience.

Some clients receive a number of sessions while they are working through a particular struggle and then stop coming while others choose more of a "maintenance plan" and come for sessions on a regular basis, irregardless of what is happening in their lives. 

Where can I find more information?

It is completely understandable if you still feel like you need more information.  Phoenix Rising is new to the area, so most people know very little about it.  If you're looking for more information, you can look at the Phoenix Rising Center website.  Also on the Phoenix Rising website, you will find lots of helpful articles.  You can also feel free to contact me and ask any specific questions that you have.

How much does it cost?

Pay per session - $90
This fee applies to both the 2-hour long initial session and the subsequent 1.5-hour long sessions.  There is not an increased fee for the initial session, even though it lasts longer.

New Client Special – 2 sessions for $120
Because the first session often feels very different for clients than subsequent sessions, I really believe clients should try at least two sessions before deciding if PRYT is right for them.  So, I’m making it really cheap to do so!

Jump Start – 4 sessions for $320
While available to all clients, this package is particularly great for clients whom have a specific area or problem in their lives that they want to explore in more depth and are ready to jump right in.  All four session must be used within 2 months.

Tried and true – 12 sessions for $900
Ideal for those who have tried PRYT, are true believers, and want to receive regular sessions to keep themselves on track.  Receive one session a month for a year.

Student discount – 20% off any PRYT single session or package.  Discount applies to students of Penn State, Mt. Nittany Institute of Natural Health and the Central PA School of Massage.

Payment Terms
Full payment is due at the time of your session.  To receive the discounted package prices, the entire fee is due at the time of your first session.

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