"Research has long proven the connections between mind/body/spirit and there are many practices that help to incorporate the healing of all three, one of which is the practice of yoga. The teachers at Ahava Collective have helped me to bring a mindful, compassionate and gentle approach to my own health and wellness by supporting my practice of attunement and awareness to both my inner and outer self. I appreciate the smaller, more intimate classes and personal, compassionate touch each teacher I have worked with brings to each session."

— Jimmy Tunstall, MAEd, LCMHCA, CADC

“Ahava is more than a yoga studio, but a true opportunity to build community! The yoga teachers are thoughtful and sincere and so welcoming “

— Mollie B., student

There is some good science behind why yoga is good for mental health. Yoga leads to positive neuroplastic brain changes; studies on yogis' brains have shown increased gray and white matter in the brain. This means better connection between the two hemispheres of the brain (integration of emotion and logic) and better nervous system regulation (things like respirations and blood pressure are more regulated). And when this is the case, the mind can more easily believe that things are ok, aka that we're not in fight or flight mode. 

As a mental health provider, I have started recommending Ahava Collective to my clients and everyone I know. Ahava has created a safe, trauma-informed space that is more aligned with traditional yogic values than what we see in most fitness-oriented yoga studios today. Of course, you can still get a good workout if that’s what you’re looking for, but you can also expect to be treated with dignity, understanding, and acceptance, and have options at Ahava that will deepen your spiritual and mental health journey. 

Traditional talk therapy has its benefits, and at the same time, movement accomplishes things that talking doesn’t. Yoga offers tools like bilateral and cross lateral movement, and attunement to your body’s inner experience that help to accomplish that nervous system regulation. Some of the same principles of yoga are used in evidence-based treatments like EMDR, a highly successful treatment modality for people in recovery after trauma. I’ve seen more change in myself and in clients that incorporate movement and meditation into their routine than those who don’t. Move your body, move your brain! 

— Susan Porter, LCSW, RYT200

“I have had the PRIVILEGE of practicing with what I know to be the best yoga mentors, teachers and instructors in the triad. But I have been SPOILED with experiencing the evolution of Nicole's impression on our yoga community. She is undeniably the most inviting and compassionate teacher I have practiced with.”

— Josh F., student

As a mental health professional who works with others' mental health stressors every day, I have found yoga and meditation to be a tremendously helpful form of self-care. I began attending the gentle and restorative and foundations classes at Ahava Collective last August, and I have seen a noticeable decrease in the amount of stress that I take home with me in the evening. I have also been able to use the breathing and stretching techniques that I have learned in yoga classes to alleviate stress during the course of my day at work. I would highly recommend yoga and meditation to anyone who does this work but also, specifically, the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere at Ahava Collective that has supported and encouraged me in my wellness journey.

— Sarah Lewis Yow, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

“I have worked with Nichol as both a professional colleague and a yoga client and have always had a productive, fulfilling and positive experience working with her! As a partner at a Lifestyle Medicine clinic, I have worked with Nichol to establish beginner-friendly yoga programs for patients who need to start yoga for physical and/or mental health. All of our patients love how gentle, encouraging and compassionate Nichol is as an instructor. She provides a very comfortable way to introduce our patients to the many benefits of yoga! Then, I have also taken several yoga classes personally with Nichol. As someone who has always been physically active but is new to yoga, I like that Nichol meets you where you are - she doesn't overindulge in advanced yoga techniques (although she has quite the skills) which could make someone new feel incompetent, but also encourages everyone to "play" and "try new things" to enhance their yoga experience while not putting undo pressure on them to "look a certain way" while they perform the positions. Overall, Nichol has a gift to make yoga accessible, doable and enjoyable for all levels!” 

— Leah Hazelwood, Triad Lifestyle Family Medicine

After being a yoga practitioner for about ten years now, I have met many other students of yoga that, like myself, sought out the practice originally in search of physical benefits. What often begins as an initial desire to gain strength or improve balance and flexibility soon evolves into a path of self-discovery and an often unexpected healing journey. While sufficient empirical research is still unfolding to highlight the numerous health benefits of yoga, I have been able to observe from many clients and fellow practitioners how yoga improves nervous-system functioning and emotional regulation. The wider mental health community is still learning more about how trauma lives in our bodies and the ways that somatic practices such as asana, breathwork, and meditation can have immediate positive impacts on our brain/body connection and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Having the privilege to offer weekly classes to youth experiencing homelessness and fleeing unsafe situations, I am able to witness the ways the mat can represent a sacred space for security and belonging. Yoga encourages a practice of surrender, a letting go of false control, and develops trust in the self as a wise inner teacher. For those that walk through the world with paralyzing fear, shame, and negative self-worth, practicing yoga and meditation in a supportive environment can help to rewrite false narratives and enhance skills of compassion for self and others. Ahava Collective is passionate about making yoga and meditation accessible to those in our community that have many barriers to receiving its benefits yet could benefit the most from its impact. As a mental health professional, I support and am grateful for a space like Ahava that believes in allowing students to show up authentically, regardless of identities or abilities, and find a safe space to land and evolve.

-Olivia Wilson Smith, LCSW, RYT-200

“Nichol is an awesome yoga instructor for our children. She always creates a calm, beautiful, and judgement free environment. Her classes are fun and engaging, however most importantly they are developing a healthy way to handle stress. My goal for yoga is not only for physical strength and coordination, but also for mindfulness. Nichol is phenomenal at making sure to focus on both areas. She personalizes the class based on their needs and abilities, which as a parent I truly appreciate that. We are very thankful for Nichol and cannot wait to watch our children continue to grow in their yoga practice.”

— Tiffany Allen of TLM