Why Yoga?
Despite being curious about yoga as a teenager, it wasn’t until I had a sports related injury in my 20's, that I really gave yoga any serious thought. My first foray in to yoga was a Barbara Currie video from Tesco in Halifax... in those days my toes were a v. long way away!!
But what started as a way of alleviating physical pain, quickly became a way of life, as I began to feel the positive effect on my mental health. As a survivor of domestic abuse and sexual violence, yoga gave me the tools and techniques to re-connect with my own body and to begin to address the effects of PTSD.
I can honestly say yoga has changed my life.
Claire Thomas
Yoga Teacher
I am passionate about bringing the ancient wisdom of yoga alive; to improve and enrich modern day life. I teach trauma informed yoga for all, with an emphasis on improving our physical and mental health.

I trained to teach in Northern Ireland, before returning to England in 2007. My original training was heavily influenced by Satyananda and Iyengar Yoga. On my return I visited the Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales and was inspired to explore the teachings of Satyananda Yoga in more depth. Initially I trained to teach Yoga Nidra and began my Satyananda Yoga Teacher Training in 2009. In the same year, I was given the spiritual name Kripa Devi by Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati during her visit to Harrogate. In the years since, I have continued my practice, study and training in this tradition. Whilst there are so many different paths we can follow in yoga - and it's important to explore until you find the one for you - I feel deeply connected to this tradition and it is for this reason I share the teachings as a student and teacher.
I teach, what I would describe as, a more traditional style of practice. My teaching style is slow and steady, with lots of attention to observing the body, breath and mind. It doesn't mean that there isn't a place for stronger, more dynamic practice, but this comes with experience. I feel passionate about making yoga an accessible and empowering experience and will encourage you to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and in doing so cultivate a quiet confidence in your own ability.
As a trauma survivor, good mental health has at times been elusive and it is through yoga I've learned to be kinder and more compassionate towards myself. With this in mind I teach trauma informed yoga, suitable for people with a variety of mental health conditions and PTSD. If this is something that affects you, please feel free to phone me if you'd like to join a class.

Teaching Qualifications
Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga Therapy & Training Centre, Northern Ireland - Teacher Training Diploma
Phil Xerri - Yoga Quests - Pranayama Foundation Course
British Wheel of Yoga - Teacher Training Diploma
Satyananda Yoga UK - Yoga Nidra Module
Satyananda Yoga UK - Teacher Training Diploma
Swami Pragyamurti - Meditation Training Course
Mandala Yoga Ashram - Kriya Yoga
Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training
Birthlight - Pregnancy Yoga Teacher Training
Birthlight - Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training
Birthlight - Rectus Diastasis CPD
Specialist Mental Health Training
Satyananda Yoga UK - Yoga for Mental Health Module
The Yoga Clinic UK - TC-TSY Trauma Sensitive Yoga Foundation for Complex PTSD
Satyananda Yoga Italy - PTSD & Stress
Ellie Grace Yoga - Trauma Informed Yoga Mentorship