Clare Thetford

Yoga Teacher

Background
I previously worked as an academic, working with healthcare providers (including the NHS) and social services, conducting research into health and social care issues and services. My research included a wide range of conditions, with diverse groups of people.
I have lived experience of special educational needs and disabilities, and have completed training in SEND Law; and supporting children, young people and adults who are neurodivergent.

I have always dabbled in the physical aspects of yoga, but it was when I reached a point of burnout several years ago that I began to really explore what it offers. Yoga has played a fundamental role in my recovery. I continue to explore it further personally, as well as teaching others.

Aims as a teacher
Ultimately my aim is to make people feel better – physically, mentally and emotionally by providing them with the tools to live their lives (rather than to escape them) through yoga. I love teaching people who think yoga is not for them and dispelling the many myths and stereotypes about what yoga is and who can do it.

My classes provide a safe space which are inclusive, accessible, non-judgemental and welcoming.

What are my classes like?
My Yoga Teacher Training (200hr) was in vinyasa yoga, though my classes draw upon several different styles of yoga which I practice personally. Generally, my classes are a ‘slow flow’, involving movement and breath at a steady pace. I encourage you to practice according how you feel today, which might mean taking it easy; but there is always opportunity and guidance for different kinds of challenges for those who want them.

Yoga is thousands of years old, but the key principles and philosophies are still relevant today. These are woven into classes in a way that is relevant to our lives today.

My classes are very relaxed. There is no pressure, expectation, performance or comparison. We focus on how things FEEL, rather than how they look. You are encouraged to experiment in a safe space, to allow you explore, observe and connect with your body. Whilst we always have a laugh, equally there is always space to just breathe, enjoy a moment of quiet, let go and generally re-set.

Training and qualifications
Below is a brief selection of my qualifications – I am always doing more training and workshops!

• Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training 200hr (The Mill Studios, Bolton, UK)
• Yoga Asana Analysis for Yoga Teachers 15hr (Jenny Rawlings)
• Sound Healing Practitioner (Tom Webster Sound Healing Academy, New Earth Holistic Sounds)
• Reiki Level 1, Creative Calm, Prestwich
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) SEND (Special Education and Disability) Law Levels 1& 2
• Supporting children, teenagers and young people with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Level 3. Positive Autism Support & Training
• Parenting children, teenagers and young adults with Pathological demand Avoidance (PDA) Level 2. Positive Autism Support & Training
• PhD Demography, National Australian University, Australia
• MA (Hons) Population Studies, University of Liverpool, UK
• BA (Hons) Geography, University of Liverpool, UK