Yoga With A Mission: LifeForce Yoga Designed To Clear 'Blockages Of Energy'

 Dr. Deborah Lubetkin has been practicing psychotherapy for over 15years. But over these years, she felt there was something missing. "I had trained in and explored many other options including training in hypnosis and mindfulness-based stress relaxation. Yet, none of them ever really resonated with me or felt like a good or natural 'fit' with the therapy," Lubetkin said. She continued her search for the "body" component in the mind-body-spirit triad.

Lubetkin finally found her answer in spring 2008 when she was invited by Penni Feiner, a Kundalini-certified yoga teacher and the executive director of the grassroots not-for-profit organization Kula for Karma, to attend a LifeForce Yoga information session. Feiner and her Kula for Karma partner were looking to partner with psychologists. "I knew right away that this was something I had to explore," Lubetkin said. She later took a workshop with Amy Weintraub, founder of LifeForce Yoga and author of "Yoga for Depression," and then went back for certification in summer 2009.  "I plan to do the advanced training in spring 2011," Lubetkin said.   

What exactly is LifeForce Yoga? Lubetkin explained it as "a gentle, compassionate practice of yoga intentionally designed to help balance mood symptoms including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief, and trauma." The practice combines the use of pranayama, which is breathwork, meditation, sound, and asana—aka physical poses—among other methods, to bring healing and balance to the individual.

While neither Lubetkin nor Feiner live in Montclair, the town has fully embraced this practice. "Montclair is an area ripe with yoga studios and people who are interested in taking care of themselves in non-traditional ways," said Feiner, who sees many private clients in Montclair.

Lubetkin began seriously practicing yoga six years ago at a Montclair studio. "I ended up finding teachers that I truly resonated with. It was a transitional time in my life, and I found both the yoga and the time in Montclair served as a home away from home. I have always enjoyed the diversity of Montclair, and becoming a part of the Montclair yoga community has only added more of a sense of community over time," she revealed. Lubetkin now attends two different Montclair yoga studios on a regular basis. "I love walking through town and bumping into people I know. It's hard to get that feeling in other parts of suburbia!" she said. She is also an associate member of the New Jersey Center For Healthy Living in Montclair.

Both cannot stop raving about their experiences with this practice. "I was drawn to LifeForce Yoga to help many of my students who suffer with depression and anxiety. Some of my family members as well struggle with depression and I am anxiety prone. Implementing LifeForce Yoga in my work with private clients has been so rewarding. Transformation happens before my very eyes," claimed Feiner. One Montclair client said" "My friends tell me they like the new me!"

According to Lubetkin's Web site, LifeForce Yoga is based on the notion of "what is right with me … not what is wrong with me." It's also an "evidence-based practice that results in increased levels of 'feel-good' hormones, and decreased levels of stress hormones."

Lubetkin and Feiner have been leading LifeForce Yoga groups at the Integral Yoga Institute in Montclair for the past year. "In the groups, we assist the members in helping to create a safe home in their body, using their body to help treat the symptoms of the mind, and the mind to improve the functioning of the body," said Lubetkin. "We are able to tailor our groups to meet the needs of any specific population. Our groups are open to both men and women of all ages, and no prior yoga experience is required."

Lubetkin and Feiner will be leading an upcoming three-week workshop at the New Jersey Center For Healthy Living on Mondays, September 20, 27, and October 4 from 9:30a.m. to 11:30 am. The first hour will be Psycho-educational and experiential including lecture, discussion, breath work, meditation, and journal writing. The second hour will include the LifeForce Yoga asana practice. The cost is $195 for the series. Many insurance companies will reimburse so check your coverage. You will need to bring your own yoga mat but other props will be supplied. Please contact Dr. Deborah Lubetkin, Psy. D. at 973-276-1880 for questions and enrollment.