Jesse Jones

Jesse Jones
Foundations + Advanced Program Graduate
C-IAYT Yoga Therapist
Manchester, NH

The Breathing Deeply Advanced Yoga Therapy program has completely transformed the way that I teach and practice yoga. In the years that I’ve been studying with BDYT, my knowledge and felt experience of yoga practices and philosophy have increased exponentially. I truly feel steeped in my practices and confident in working with my clients. This program has been nothing short of life-changing for me and the clients I serve.

When I enrolled in BDYT I had recently started a job as a yoga instructor in a medical center. I mostly taught group classes for well-being, but was asked to meet with patients individually, too. I wanted to be able to offer meaningful practices for these clients that would have a positive impact on their life, health, and personal agency. I felt called to study yoga therapy and, after researching online and speaking with other yoga therapists, BDYT was the clear choice for me. The ability to learn online at my own pace was important. And the live advanced modules also offered an opportunity to be face-to-face with teachers and students and dive deep into the material. There are multiple opportunities every week to speak live online with Brandt and other students and there is SO much to be gained from attending those calls. Breathing Deeply is more than just a school or a business; it is a community. On top of all of that, BDYT was also far more affordable than some other yoga therapy trainings that I looked at. And the fact that they’re accredited with IAYT was really important to me.

So much has changed for me since starting this program. I have improved my own health, well-being, and quality of life through the tools of yoga therapy. My mental health is in the best place that I’ve been in a very long time, thanks to regular pranayama, meditation, and study of yoga philosophy. I’ve managed osteoarthritis in my ankle and been able to return to running. I used to be in pain for days after running one mile. I’m now training to run the Chicago Marathon and successfully completed my first-ever 20-mile run a few weeks ago. I feel great when I run. Using yoga therapy to improve my own situation has given me greater confidence in my ability to help others.

During my practicum, I have a client with severe PTSD whom I’ve worked with for several years. He is a completely different person now than when I first met him, and even his other medical providers notice. He is now engaging in mental health therapy in a meaningful way, confidently using his yoga skills to keep himself grounded and present. He is attending yoga groups and is able to enjoy and socialize with others. His life outside of our sessions has expanded so much. Every time I see him, he has a story for me about being able to do or participate in something in a way that’s more comfortable and easy than it’s ever been for him before (whether it’s navigating a busy grocery store, staying calm in traffic, or socializing with other patrons at his favorite diner). This client has been battling PTSD for over 40 years. He had already tried everything. Yoga Therapy is what finally changed things for him and allowed him to engage in other complementary treatments in a meaningful way.

It’s impossible to choose just one thing that has been most valuable about my training with Breathing Deeply, but I have to say I am very, very grateful for the community and the fact that, even now that I’ve completed the advanced program, I can log in to a call with Brandt any time for guidance and insight as I continue working with clients. This ongoing support is an incredibly valuable part of Breathing Deeply!

Before enrolling, I had done my research and felt confident that I was making the right choice. Breathing Deeply absolutely delivered on all of my expectations. I think what surprised me the most was how much I got out of it personally, not just professionally. My own personal practice was transformed, and I was transformed as a result. If you are considering enrolling in the Breathing Deeply Program, I have to say that it is absolutely the right choice. Do it!

I am happy to say that I work full-time implementing yoga therapy into my group and individual yoga sessions at a medical center. As I begin to gain a reputation for my work, I am seeing more and more referrals to the yoga program from physical and mental health therapists. I’m able to help clients with a broad range of health concerns.