Testimonials

Anxiety

Kate Kniffen, Librarian

“I have been anxious for most of my adult years. Psychotherapy helped a lot but my anxiety was still depleting my energy and limiting my pleasure in life so I asked Paula for help. Using her years of experience, she has provided me with tools to relax myself from the inside out so that I am much more at ease with myself.”

Back Pain

Judy Mendel

“About ten years ago, after trying physical therapy for my back pain, I began to study yoga with Paula. After three weeks, I realized during a class that I had no more pain. With her knowledge of the body and her calm style, Paula encouraged me to explore and discover answers on my own, with the confidence that I would not injure myself.”

Back Pain from Injury

Clare LaPlante, Writer

“I came to Paula's classes with a back injury that often flared up in pain. Through her skillful teaching and deep intuitive understanding of the body, she has helped my back find its natural alignment and strength. The process has been as rewarding as the results, since each class is a practice in deep stillness and restoration. ”

Ann Mallow

“Paula has helped me considerably with severe back problems which resulted from an automobile accident many years ago. I learned postures from her which helped much more than anything done in physical therapy. These exercises have helped me to remain mobile and reduce my level of pain.”

Bunions, Hips, Neck/Shoulder

Kim Carter, Business Manager

“I have been practicing yoga with Paula for over five years now and there have been many amazing benefits. At Paula's recommendation I began wearing Yoga Toes® and was able to avoid surgery for my bunions and no longer have the excruciating pain that used to keep me awake at night. After complaining of severe hip pain my doctor referred me to a rheumatologist whose recommendation was to take a medication with the possible side effect of blindness! Paula has shown us so many hip-opening poses that I no longer have pain and certainly don't need medication! After waking up with extreme pain in my neck and shoulder, my doctor prescribed muscle relaxers. While that helped temporarily, I nearly had to cancel a vacation due to the ongoing pain. At my weekly yoga class with Paula she put me in a pose for one and a half hours and my pain was gone! I was able to go on vacation, and have continued to use this pose in my daily practice to keep the pain from returning. ”

Breast Cancer

Ronna Stamm, Breast Cancer Survivor

“I found my work with Paula during my recent battle with breast cancer to be an invaluable source of support. She was a critically important part of my healthcare "team." I met with Paula weekly during my chemotherapy, recovery from surgery, and radiation. Each week she assessed my level of energy and geared our session to just what I needed - from helping me to develop a meditation practice and handle my anxiety to helping me regain my range of motion and strength after surgery. Two years later I still work with Paula weekly to help maintain my flexibility, strength and sense of well-being.”

Anonymous, Breast Cancer Survivor

“I will forever be greatful to Paula for the restorative yoga that got me through extensive chemotherapy and radiation. Since finishing my treatment the program, that Paula specifically devised for my recovery needs, continues to strengthen my body as well as help keep lymphadema at bay. I am a physician and am constantly impressed by Paula's knowledge of the human body, and how she uses this knowledge to tailor one's practice to specific physical needs.”

Frozen Trapezius

Kate Kniffen, Librarian

“Before I began working with Paula, my shoulders and neck were always tense. I got temporary relief with massage but the tension would soon return. I assumed there was nothing I could do to fix it permanently. Paula analyzed the unhealthy habits I had developed and taught me to use my back, shoulder and neck muscles to achieve a permanent state of relaxation and support.”

Herniated Discs

Jessica Kaplan

“After several years of recurring back pain due to herniated discs, I went to Paula for one-on-one therapy and began feeling better before the end of our first session. Her calm demeanor and gentle approach are just part of the reason I loved going to her. For the first time I feel in control of my own healing and am no longer worried every time I get a flare-up because I know I now have the tools to help myself.”

Insomnia / Sleep Medication

Kate Kniffen, Librarian

“A few years ago, as a side effect of depression, I developed insomnia. My psychiatrist prescribed sleeping pills but, when I was feeling better and wanted to stop taking the medication, I found I'd become dependent on it. Paula worked with me to design a yoga practice that helps me relax and fall asleep naturally.”

Knee Problem

Sean McNeely, Musician

“I first tried yoga with Paula as an alternative to exercise when I hurt my knee a couple years prior. It wasn't a serious injury but it was enough to keep me from going to the gym. Little did I know that when I started those classes it would have such a profound impact on my life. Besides the physical benefits and physical awareness, I've gained inner peace, confidence and serenity from my practice.”

Neck Pain

Judy Steele

“When first I began working with Paula, I was suffering from years of very significant neck and shoulder pain - to the point that my movements were impeded and I was miserable. Conventional medical approaches had provided very temporary, short term relief - but no long term answers. To begin, Paula taught me some simple ways to relieve enough strain such that I could begin to find breathing space. I also gained an understanding of the long standing bad posture and movement habits that were combining with high stress levels to exacerbate the situation. With continued practice - I am retraining my muscles - gradually releasing a lot of negative energy and constantly discovering how to correct old habits and develop new and healthier ones. Perhaps the simplest but most telling difference? Six months ago walking was a necessary means to get from here to there; look down and get it over with. Today the journey is pretty dang interesting; look up and enjoy the view.”

Recovery from Surgery

Janet Alms

“When I was in my early fifties I had a hysterectomy which led to a period of inactivity and weight gain. I began doing yoga with Paula and slowly but surely the frozen, weak parts of my body began to strengthen and become more agile. At one time I couldn't walk without my legs and back hurting. Now I have no problem standing or even walking several miles. I'm in my sixties and feel much better in every way.”

Sylvia Tkalitch, Physical Therapist

“I was surprised after healing from abdominal surgery that I was unable to move easily; I was stiff and weak, and I had pain when walking. Being a physical therapist myself, I knew that I wasn't going to get better on my own and that I needed help. I decided to use yoga therapy to help me recover. Paula had me moving and gaining strength fast, her kindness and patience in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere allowed me to go beyond my limitations.”

Re-establishing Spinal Curves / Balance

Joyce Piven, Artistic Director

“Paula Kout is a profound healer but the "voodoo" comes from a deep collaborative effort and a sincere commitment to the process. It is a process that empowers and opens the body to space, breath and creativity. A rare remedy in a world of quick fixes and mechanistic solutions.”

Scoliosis

Cathy Williams

“I began working with Paula because of my upper thoracic scoliosis, which causes misalignments, malfunctions, and weaknesses in my back and surrounding areas. The movements Paula has developed, derived from yoga, are innovative and effective, allowing me to target problem areas passively and actively. She uses her knowledge of anatomy to answer my questions, since I like to visualize what is happening. We've also worked on destressing as well as strengthening the pelvic floor. Paula has written out our work, so I can do it myself and be independent. I am truly impressed with Paula's intelligence, depth of knowledge, and calm working style.”

Shoulders

Gary Joyce, Construction Manager

“I came to White Iris Yoga directly from the surgeon's office. My shoulder was a mess. The operation was imminent. Rehab would be intensive. I had multiple chronic injuries from motorcycle accidents, martial arts, tennis and construction work. The tears, the strains, pulled muscles were demanding more attention as I aged. One operation wasn't going to solve all this. I needed an alternative. I needed to commit the time necessary to regain health. The expectation for holistic healing seemed too great until I met Paula. The operation was averted. Much work remains yet miraculously the torqued and slanted figure of so many years has gradually become realigned. Paula's expertise has made all the difference. For this I am grateful.”

Rebecca Flanagan, Yoga Instructor

“For the past 16 years, Paula Kout has been my yoga teacher and friend guiding me through life's many transitions. Two years ago I injured my shoulder and developed a serious rotator cuff tear compounded by 3 doctors informing me that I "must" have surgery and drugs. After saying NO to those ideas, I immediately turned to Paula who spent countless hours working with me to deal primarily with the pain. As the weeks passed the pain subsided and I was able to begin therapy. Paula worked tirelessly with me to design a program to bring my shoulder back to a healthy functioning part of my body. As I reflect on that experience now, I realize she also did quite a lot of psychological work to convince me that I could heal my own body. Paula truly has the gift of healing, tremendous insight into the human body with a great and guiding spirit of dedication to her clients.”

Torn Meniscus

Kate Kniffen, Librarian

“I suffered constant pain from a torn meniscus in my left knee. I couldn't use Ibuprofen for relief after I developed an allergy to it so my orthopedist said surgery was the only option. Imagine my doctor's surprise and my relief when Paula was able to work out techniques to relieve the stress on my knee so that I now am pain-free.”

Traumatic Accident

Sean Rosemeyer

“I injured my leg badly, was hospitalized twice, and was very traumatized. One of the first things I had to face was just the fear of using my leg and stretching my body again. Paula's welcoming attitude, gentle guidance, concern and suggestions helped me greatly. The trauma didn't just happen to my leg. With her peaceful, intuitive instruction she has helped me on many levels.”