A softer approach
to working with the body
Moving from fear to confidence
I work with people who have been struggling with chronic tension, recurring pain, or persistent discomfort for a long time.
Some of my clients were once very active. Others have gradually stopped moving in ways they used to enjoy because their bodies feel unpredictable, painful, or easily overwhelmed. Many live with chronic pain, flare-ups, or conditions that don't respond well to being pushed or "worked through."
Over time, this can erode confidence. Movement becomes something to manage carefully, avoid altogether, or approach with fear of making things worse.
This work is for those who want to rebuild trust in their bodies -- whether that means returning to movement, moving differently, or simply feeling more at ease and supported in daily life.
Working with chronic tension and pain, gently
Chronic tension and pain usually develop over time. They are often the result of how the body adapts to stress, injury, illness, or long periods of strain.
When the body senses threat or overload, it learns ways to protect itself. These patterns of holding can show up as stiffness, pain, limited movement, or a constant sense of bracing. They are adaptive responses, even when they no longer serve you well.
The challenge is that these patterns can persist long after the original trigger has passed. When that happens, movement may start to feel unsafe or unpredictable, even without a new injury.
This is why pushing harder, stretching more, or trying to work through pain often leads to frustration or flare-ups. Without addressing the underlying protective patterns in the nervous system, effort alone can reinforce them.
My work focuses on understanding these patterns and helping the body feel safe enough to let them go. As that happens, tension can ease and movement can gradually feel more possible and reliable again.
I believe that a softer, rest-based approach that works WITH your body and your nervous system is the key.
My approach is soft, responsive, and guided by you.
We begin by understanding the stories behind the tension in your body that's keeping you braced. From there, we explore gentle practices that help release tension and restore a more supportive way of moving.
There's no pushing or forcing. We work within what your body feels safe in.
Overtime, you'll find that you're able to regain trust and finally feel at home in your body.
Elaine’s knowledge and her calm, easy demeanor made me feel relaxed and without judgment.
Elaine is patient, knowledgeable, and willing to adjust to your ability and needs.
About Elaine
Earlier in my own life, I lived in a body that was constantly braced, shaped by high standards, blurred boundaries, and a nervous system that rarely settled. While those traits once helped me function and succeed, they eventually took a toll on my physical wellbeing and my relationship with my body.
After many years of studying and practicing yoga, I eventually found my way to yoga therapy. There, I encountered a very different way of working with my persistently wound-up body and on-edge nervous system. Through my training and clinical work, I came to understand that what I needed, and what many of my clients need, is not fixing or forcing, but a clear, structured way to restore trust between the body and nervous system.
As a C-IAYT certified yoga therapist and E-RYT 500 yoga teacher, I draw on both traditional yoga and my background in the biological sciences to inform my work -- an alchemy where ancient wisdom meets modern science meets intuition.
Today, I work with people who have spent much of their lives bracing, often leading to chronic tension, pain, and uncertainty around movement. My role is to help them rebuild trust in their bodies, so movement can feel more supportive, easeful, and even enjoyable again.
Training + Background
Positive Neuroplasticity
Dr Rick Hanson, 2021
Pain Care Yoga Certificate
Pain Care U, 2020
IAYT 800hr Yoga Therapy Training
Stress Management Center, Larkspur, CA, 2018
- InnerBody Yoga & Yoga Remedies with Robin Gueth
- Spinal Release Yoga with Kaya Mindlin
- Viniyoga with Lynn Weinberger
- Ayurveda with Simone de Winter and Heather Gryzch
Certified Nutrition Consultant
Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition, Berkeley, CA, 2015
100hr Experiential and Functional Anatomy
Adarsh Williams, Monterey Yoga Shala, Monterey, CA, 2014
100hr Yoga and the Female Anatomy
Arielle Nash, Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand, 2013
100hr Advanced Pranayama
Sri O. P. Tiwari, Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand, 2012
200hr Foundational Yoga Teacher Training
Paul Dallaghan, Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand, 2011
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA, 2011
Ways to Work with Me
Whether you are just starting out, or needing more hands-on support, there's something for every need.
Free
A simple place to begin.
Take a free quiz and receive a recommended set of short practices to begin your journey.
Start for freeSelf-Guided
Explore possibilities within the library.
A curated, on-demand library of practices for your needs anytime, anywhere. Suitable for those who enjoy building their own routines.
Explore Self-GuidedStudio
Ongoing support and consistency.
Small group classes for those seeking therapeutic and restorative practices. A good fit if you're needing a space to slow down and rest.
Explore Studio1:1 Yoga Therapy
Personalized, structured care.
High-touch support for those navigating chronic pain and persistent health concerns. In-person in Eastside of Seattle or online worldwide.
Explore 1:1 SupportI immediately responded to Elaine’s quiet, informed presence. She exudes competence, cheerfulness, and pays close attention to my needs.
If something here resonates, you're welcome to begin here.
A no-pressure conversation to understand where you are, and what might feel like the right next step.