DCPA Wellness Series:

As mental health professionals, we know all too well the impact of persistent stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, especially during the public health, mental health, racial, and social justice crises over the last two years.  We also are often the first to neglect our own self-care. The DC Psychological Association would like to honor the work that our members have been doing for our community by investing a small-token of appreciation in return for your work with this Wellness Series.  

DCPA is providing the following wellness sessions in March and April: Morning Meditation, Evening Yoga Nidra, and Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. These sessions are open to the public and we encourage all mental health providers to join us. We hope to see you there as we create these moments of healing for ourselves.

Class description:

Atha Panou’s 70-minute yoga class will combine Vinyasa flow and Yin yoga. Beginning with Vinyasa flow or the “yang” portion of class, she will warm our bodies up as we combine breath with movement. During the second half, Atha will settle us into our Yin practice by providing restorative poses. In Yin yoga, poses are held longer, working on the fascia connective tissue of surrounding muscles in the body. Modifications will be provided throughout the class. During your “Hatha with Atha” session and in all yoga sessions: Honor your magnificent bodies. 

For class, please wear comfortable clothing - if you aren’t barefoot, you are overdressed. Bare feet keep us safe on our yoga mats.

Materials needed:  Yoga mat, pillows, or bolster.

Optional Materials: Yoga block, strap or belt. Props are primarily used for the Yin portion of class. Not to worry if you don’t have these materials, modifications will be provided.

About the instructor:

Atha Panou is a 200-hour Anusara-trained yoga teacher and has been teaching yoga for over 5 years. Atha moved from Chicago to DC in May 2021. In Chicago, she has led “Hatha with Atha” sessions throughout Chicago bringing Zen to studios, schools, fitness centers, nature and the workplace. Some of these venues included teaching at: the Yoga Kids Club at Greenbrier Elementary School, adult and family yoga classes at Foglia YMCA, and Yin Yoga at Pulsation yoga studio. Atha specializes in arthritis relief yoga classes in a heated pool, and she also taught yoga on the beach through Lake Zurich Park District and multiple solstice events.

Currently, Atha is exploring teaching yoga classes in various studios DC and also provides zoom and in-person private lessons. Atha applies her yoga principles on and off her yoga mat, leading with her heart and with her breath in all aspects of her life. If you'd like to learn more about private yoga sessions, email info@dcpsychology.org and we will connect you with Atha.