I’m Caitlin Doherty (she/her) - a therapeutic yoga and movement instructor.
I identify as a white, small-fat, neurodivergent, mentally and chronically ill, cis-gender, queer woman with PDA (pathological demand avoidance). I love birding, the natural world, asking questions and creating art.
I often find myself asking, "how can those of us with unique brains, bodies and experiences care for ourselves in a world that isn't set up for us?" I love exploring this question with individuals to support them in supporting themselves better.
I find myself creating capacity for joy and awe despite living in this broken world (I believe we can hold these along with the pain, all at the same time).
I have managed and continue to manage some dark and heavy stuff regarding my mental and physical health, neurodivergence and growing up disconnected from myself. The natural world, cycles/seasons, and astrology influence my work, and grief, liminal spaces and the dark places we find ourselves in have a special place in my heart.
I am committed to learning, listening, messing up, repairing and learning some more, and creating spaces that are kinder, gentler, trauma-informed, more inclusive and less violent for all beings.
I specialize in serving folks that are:
My training/certifications/work:
Lived experience:
Guides/teachers I've learned a lot from:
I love Kelly Diels' note about crediting folks - which I echo. "Important to note: just 'cuz I mention someone's work does not mean we know each other. It doesn't mean they even know I exist nor does it mean that they like me or approve of my work. Nor does it mean I endorse them unequivocally or that they endorse me. It means that there's a particular cultural thing that I'm trying to talk about and an idea or project of their's is relevant and I want to give credit where credit is due."
I identify as a white, small-fat, neurodivergent, mentally and chronically ill, cis-gender, queer woman with PDA (pathological demand avoidance). I love birding, the natural world, asking questions and creating art.
I often find myself asking, "how can those of us with unique brains, bodies and experiences care for ourselves in a world that isn't set up for us?" I love exploring this question with individuals to support them in supporting themselves better.
I find myself creating capacity for joy and awe despite living in this broken world (I believe we can hold these along with the pain, all at the same time).
I have managed and continue to manage some dark and heavy stuff regarding my mental and physical health, neurodivergence and growing up disconnected from myself. The natural world, cycles/seasons, and astrology influence my work, and grief, liminal spaces and the dark places we find ourselves in have a special place in my heart.
I am committed to learning, listening, messing up, repairing and learning some more, and creating spaces that are kinder, gentler, trauma-informed, more inclusive and less violent for all beings.
I specialize in serving folks that are:
- Fat and large bodied
- Queer
- Neurodivergent / disabled
- In eating disorder recovery
- Chronically / mentally ill
- Sensitive and weird
- Looking to add a more body/somatic based approach to their healing and processing work vs cognitive work alone (I do not replace work with a therapist)
My training/certifications/work:
- Improv Level 1 and Musical Improv Levels 1-3 (2018)
- 200 hour yoga teacher certification program - RYT 200 (2020)
- Accessible Yoga certification (2020)
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) (2021)
- Yoga teacher in accessible yoga studio setting, in person and online (2021-2022)
- Intro to Somatic Experiencing (2022)
- Embodying Racial Justice, a somatics based course (2022-2023)
- Person Centered Thinking Training (2023)
- Yoga therapist in PHP and RTP eating disorder settings for teens and young adults (2023-2024)
- Reiki Level 1 certification (2024)
- Improv for Anxiety (2024)
- From Survival to Stability: An Introduction to The Resilience Toolkit (in progress, 2024)
Lived experience:
- Diagnosed ADHD in late adolescence/early adulthood. Late identified self diagnosed autistic and PDA adult. Experience with navigating a long list of co-occurring chronic/invisible illnesses intertwined with autism - PMDD, anxiety, depression, eczema, GI disfunction, allergic rhinitis/sinus infections, POTS, MCAS, hypermobility, eating disorder (BED), insulin resistance. Individual counseling and therapy since 2016. Personal mindfulness meditation and yoga/movement practice since 2016. Couple's coaching and counseling with life partner. Embodied Emotional Support work with a somatic depth psychology practitioner. Family system of emotional neglect and narcissistic abuse (lineage with physical, emotional and sexual abuse). Cycle breaker. Personal somatics and self attachment practice since 2022. Participant of Creative Care for Neurodivergent Folks series (group based art therapy).
Guides/teachers I've learned a lot from:
- adrienne maree brown
- Carmen Spagnola
- Dara Silverman
- Heather Walker
- Kelly Diels
- Mary Oliver
- Nkem Ndefo
- Prentis Hemphill
- Shauna Kaendo
- Tracee Stanley
I love Kelly Diels' note about crediting folks - which I echo. "Important to note: just 'cuz I mention someone's work does not mean we know each other. It doesn't mean they even know I exist nor does it mean that they like me or approve of my work. Nor does it mean I endorse them unequivocally or that they endorse me. It means that there's a particular cultural thing that I'm trying to talk about and an idea or project of their's is relevant and I want to give credit where credit is due."
© 2023 Caitlin Doherty Wellness, LLC. All rights reserved.