Welcome!
I’m Claire and I’m the founder of Eastern Hope Yoga.
After completing a degree in psychology, and post-grad study in the fields of both clinical psychology and education, I took some time out to home educate my 2 children. Then, when it felt time to start some part-time work, I found what felt like my true calling – teaching group exercise classes. I’d worked in the fitness industry – and loved every second of it – for several years when I suffered an injury that changed everything for me. Failed surgery exacerbated the problem and I was left feeling like I wasn’t me anymore, that I had nothing to offer anyone. I didn’t recognise my body, had very limited mobility, and for a long time my self-esteem took a nosedive.
These days I still do a double take when I see myself in the mirror sometimes, I still need my wheelchair whenever I go out, and I still live with chronic pain – but it’s not as bad because I’ve learnt techniques to keep it manageable. And now I can go out, I do have something to offer, and I can do things that I love just as much as those things I had to leave behind. There are even things that I’ve been able to go back to – like my yoga practice. It may not look quite the same as it did before but it’s mine and it still feels incredible! I’ve finally rediscovered the courage and the strength to believe in myself and to be myself again – and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.
Yoga, in conjunction with meditation, breathwork and other approaches, can enhance your life as it has mine. I’m still a work in progress – I think we all are – and if you can identify with my story in any way, why not get in touch. I know how challenging – and terrifying – it can be to walk into a group exercise class for the first time – and if you’re someone dealing with health, disability, or mental health issues, there isn’t always a suitable class available. I offer custom-designed plans and all the dedicated attention that you deserve to help start you on your journey to becoming the you that you want to be.
Qualifications
- RYT500 Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (initial 200hr teacher training plus a 300hr advanced teacher training)
- RMT200 Meditation Teacher
- Yin Yoga Teacher
- Accessible Yoga Teacher – I’m also proud to be an Accessible Yoga Ambassador
- 200hr Kundalini Yoga Teacher
- iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Teacher
- Yoga Nidra Therapy Facilitator
- Certified Breath Coach
- Warriors At Ease Teacher (Yoga & Meditation for Veterans and Serving Military Personnel) Teacher
- Love Your Brain Teacher (Yoga & Meditation for Brain Injuries and Neurological Disorders) Teacher
- Brain Longevity Specialist – a research-based holistic program for managing and preventing symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other types of Dementia
- Restorative Yoga Teacher
- Chair Yoga Teacher
- Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
- Ayurvedic Specialist
Also –
- Thai Foot Massage Therapist
- Thai Yoga Massage Therapist
- Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist
- Yoga Trapeze Teacher
- Aqua Yoga Teacher