About Emily
I am a lover of movement and that which involves giving voice to the experience and expression of the body both artistically and therapeutically. Originally from London and of English-Japanese descent I have a background as a contemporary dance artist. I have been teaching yoga since 2011 and since 2015 I have been a practising yoga therapist, mainly working with people to support mental and emotional health, using yoga as a therapeutic practice to support grounding and stability in the body-mind.
To support the work I do as a yoga therapist I am currently training to be a Somatic Experiencing® practitioner (body oriented trauma therapist) so I can work more specifically with trauma, PTSD and complex trauma, which over the years has been a presenting factor in many of my clients. I have also recently taken modules in developmental movement and authentic movement with the IBMT (Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapies) on the first year of thier diploma course which integrates principles from three core areas of practice and theory: The Discipline of Authentic Movement, Body-Mind Centering® and Somatic Psychology.
In the field of somatic practice I have found space for the many facets of my more marginalized identities to exist and the hidden voices of my body to emerge and move into expression. Through the practice of both yoga and somatics I find more spaces where I am free to meet the moment as it is, as I am. Both practices support me in finding a sense of home, relief, ground, belonging, creativity and liberation in my body, when it hasn’t and doesn't always feel this way.
As both a mixed race and queer identifying woman I have experienced living with marginalized identities and seek to create spaces which are inclusive, diverse and welcoming to all. You can join me in classes, one - to - one sessions, workshops and courses both in person and online here at The Soma Shala in Devon, on retreat and with the Devon School of Yoga where I am a faculty member teaching on the foundation course, teacher training course and the yoga therapy course.
And most importantly and what provoked me to try and resolve some of my own trauma; I am a mother to three gorgeous children.
Below are a list of my qualifications.
“‘Movement in all it’s variety of forms is an expression of life and is essential to the continuation of life. As I live, I express my life-force in movement; as I move I feel my aliveness.’ ”
Qualifications
1st Class BA Hons Degree London Contemporary Dance School ~ 2004 - 2007
Post-Graduate Performance Diploma Transitions Dance Company LABAN ~ 2007 - 2008
Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga Life in Dharamshala India ~ 2011
Two Year Post-graduate Holistic Yoga Therapy Training and Pregnancy Yoga with the Devon School of Yoga ~ 2013 - 2015
Accredited Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training - with Susi Wrenshaw, Trauma Therapy Manchester - 2021
Modules in Developmental Movement and Authentic Movement and Therapeutic Presence with the IBMT Sep 2024 - June 2025
Somatic Experiencing® Professional Training with SOSI - May 2025 - November 2027
Relevant Professional Courses & CPD
Yin Yoga with Norman Blair ~ 2015
Well Woman yoga therapy teacher training with Uma Dinsmore Tuli 2017
Yoga Skills for Working with Anxiety CPD with Heather Mason, The Minded Institute 2020
Trauma Centre, Trauma Sensitive Yoga 20 Hour Foundation Workshop - Delivered by The Training Faculty, The Centre for Trauma & Embodiment, Alexandra Cat (The Yoga Clinic, UK) 2021
Yoga as a Trauma informed practice CPD - Trauma training for yoga teachers - with Susi Wrenshaw, Trauma Therapy Manchester 2021
Foundations of Embodiment CPD (somatics, somatic experiencing principles, buddhist mindfulness, embodiment, trauma informed) - with Gemma Malloll and Marcela Wakeham 2022
Explorations in the Elemental Body (somatic movement, dance, yoga, butoh, mindfulness, ecosomatics) - 2023/2024 Gemma Mallol
“Emily is a gifted teacher and the benefits that I reap from her yoga class impact through my whole life. Not only does my body have a good stretch, I leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and put back in touch with myself. Her style is clear and compassionate and it helps me to be more gentle with myself. Like many people I’m allergic to quasi-spiritual yoga b****cks, yet with Emily I wholeheartedly embrace the wisdoms and questions that she shares through the physical practice. I can take it from her because of her permission giving and down to earth approach to what it is to be a human soul in a body. I love Emily’s classes, it’s yoga for the whole person. ”