My name is Autumn Benedetti.  I am a local Montanan and have a deep love and appreciation for the community here.  I am Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker, and a graduate of Smith School for Social Work where I earned my MSW.  I hold a BS in Community Health and Human Development from Montana State University Bozeman.  I have worked therapeutically with people of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and empowerment, grief and loss, and transitional life stressors. My experience includes 15 years of facilitating yoga, in addition to health and life coaching.  I am trained in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, and I often bring elements of trauma-sensitive movement and somatic, body-based practices into my clinical work.

Therapy is a way for individuals to identify and heal what is and what is not serving them in their lives, moving past limitations and blocks towards becoming their most integrated selves.  I work carefully, thoughtfully, and with compassionate focus, tailoring treatment to meet clients’ specific needs, goals, and circumstances.  I utilize a supportive, strength and relationship-based approach to therapy to encourage the development of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and self-awareness.  

Modalities

CLINICAL

Integrative Wellness Coaching and Therapy

These modalities offer support, accountability, and guidance to assist individuals in creating a sustainable vision for their lives, and achieving positive and lasting results based on their goals, intentions, and aspirations.  These may be mental, spiritual, emotional and/or physical hopes and dreams aimed towards developing a healthy mindset, healthy habits, and healthy relationships.  By recognizing and utilizing their own inner strengths and abilities, individuals may begin to dismantle unproductive patterns that no longer serve them, becoming more empowered to engage in meaningful and sustainable life changes.  This process has the potential of creating the necessary and transformative groundwork for greater personal and relational health.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

This modality is an empirically validated, clinical intervention for complex trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to yoga, it has foundations in Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory, and Neuroscience. The methodology is based on central components of the hatha style of yoga, where participants engage in a series of physical forms and movements. Elements of standard hatha yoga are modified to maximize experiences of empowerment and to cultivate a more positive relationship to one's body. Unlike many public yoga classes, TCTSY does not use physical hands-on adjustments to influence a participant's physical form. Rather, TCTSY presents opportunities for participants to be in charge of themselves based on a felt sense of their own body.  Although TCTSY employs physical forms and movements, the emphasis is not on the external expression or appearance (i.e. doing it"right"), or receiving the approval of an external authority. Rather, the focus is on the internal experience of the participant. This shift in orientation, from the external to the internal, is a key attribute of this modality as a complementary treatment for complex trauma. With this approach, the power resides within the individual, not the facilitator.  Further, by focusing on the felt sense of the body to inform choice-making, it allows participants to restore their connection of mind and body and cultivate a sense of agency that is often compromised as a result of trauma.   

NON-CLINICAL

Yoga

If you are seeking group or private yoga classes outside of the clinical scope, you are welcome to reach out to me directly about that. I offer the following styles of practice in addition to Trauma-Sensitive Yoga. Please visit the Retreats page for information on current and upcoming offerings.

Vinyasa Yoga

This modality will explore the union between breath, body and mind as we burn through blocked, stagnant energy. "Vinyasa" is defined as "flow," which refers to the connection of breath with movement.  Vinyasa yoga incorporates  dynamic movement from one posture to the next using the rhythm of each inhale and exhale. Classes typically begin with sun or moon salutes to warm the body, then continue with standing posture sequences to build strength and balance, followed by inversions, seated postures, backbends and surrender postures. Advanced postures may be offered for practice in this class.  The muscles will likely warm quickly,  helping to prevent injury and possibly producing a detoxifying sweat. A towel and a bottle of water are recommended. 

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is intended to be simply that - restorative.  This modality aims to create a sense of centering breath and body - aligning the physical and mental by practicing stillness or gentle movement for extended periods of time. Props may be used to assist with helping  to hold poses longer with the least amount of effort, in order to create the possibility of calming body and mind, in order to be fully present. With each breath we recognize the impermanence of the physical and emotional experiences as they ebb and flow. This is very much a meditative practice.

 Yin Yoga

This practice focuses on supporting the body in EACH posture for at least 5 minutes in order to move deeply into the connective tissue and fascia.  The effects of this calming, deep and restorative practice can be profound, and may offer an excellent balance for our more typical Yang Hatha Practice and for active individuals or athletes.  Emphasis is placed on the body's chakras, meridians, and complete musculature release.

Partner Yoga

In partner practice, partners rely on each other’s support to keep the body and mind aligned, balanced, and focused in a posture. In feeling physically supported, we may experience the yoga postures differently while building on trust, strength, support, compassion and patience in our relationships.