A Practical Insight from a Real-Life complex case study.
When our students begin working with real clients during the practical part of the program, one of the first insights they report back as most valuable is this:
In yoga therapy, you don’t need to create complicated practices—especially for complex cases.
We often say this during training, but for many students it sounds like a cliché—until they experience it in real practice. That’s when the magic of “doing the same” becomes clear.
A Complex Case: Fibromyalgia
Let me share the story of Ingrid (not her real name), a young woman living with fibromyalgia—a functional disorder characterized by:
Widespread, persistent pain throughout the body
Fatigue and non-restorative sleep
Cognitive issues (memory, concentration)
Mood changes, including depression
The causes of fibromyalgia remain unclear, and treatment often includes medication, counseling, and physiotherapy. Progress is slow and unpredictable—good days and bad days come without warning, often leaving patients anxious and frustrated.
On top of this, Ingrid had a history of PTSD from childhood trauma and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, causing thyroid nodules, low blood pressure, and extreme sensitivity to physical sensations—even sound.
Our Approach: The Same Practice, Every Time
With Ingrid, I learned the real meaning of “Just doing the same.”
For two years, she attended weekly sessions. We never changed the sequence. It was simple, predictable, and safe:
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15 min: Gentle conversation
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30 min: Adapted Joint Freeing Series (seated, back against the wall)
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15 min: Fully supported “business-class” Savasana with abdominal breathing & 3 Magic Breaths
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15–20 min: Guided Yoga Nidra
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Closing chat and cup of tea
That’s it. Every session. Every week. For two years.
The power was in the predictability of the class. She knew what to expect. She didn’t fear being pushed harder or facing surprises. These were practices she trusted, that felt safe and familiar—likely the most predictable 90 minutes she ever experienced.
The Results were Slow, Steady, Profound.
We weren’t trying to make big changes. We trusted the process and each other. And then, gradually, transformation happened.
By the second year, Ingrid felt better. She became more vocal, more mobile, and made life-changing decisions—changing jobs, taking holidays, even joining an amateur theater group.
Recovery often takes place quietly and unseen.
When to Apply “Do the Same”
This tool is a hidden gem of yoga therapy. Use it in cases such as:
-Chronic pain
-Chronic disorders
-Degenerative disease
-Burnout and chronic fatigue
-Cancer treatment
-Anxiety and depression
-PTSD and CPTSD
-Any situation where the body or mind feels unsafe.
