Testimonials —
“For 15 weeks I lied in bed unable to move because of sciatica. When I had to stand up, I was literally only able to stand at a 90 degree angle, but even then the pain was severe. My treatments began with acupuncture. I then added a form of rolfing called structural integration. When I was ready to do more, I met Laurie Angress and began private sessions of yoga therapy.
I had decided before I even met Laurie that anyone I worked with had to be compassionate and kind. I was able to check those two off the list immediately. Laurie is even more than that—she’s soothing to the soul.
On Saturday mornings for 8 weeks, I arrived at Laurie’s home and we retreated into her private yoga sanctuary. As soon as I entered the doorway, everything melted away and I could feel an immediate calm take over.
Laurie understands anatomy and was prepared with the stretches that would help me, but there were times that my body was just unable to do what she prepared. No worries, Laurie knew how to adjust poses so that I could receive the benefits of each stretch. Whether it was her touch, blocks or belts or even blankets, Laurie had necessary tools on hand to make the poses more possible and comfortable.
Most important of all was Laurie’s voice. Laurie is peaceful and gentle in a way that is only possible with sincerity and that comes through in her voice. My mind is always on the go, but each week I looked forward to the quiet place I could go with Laurie. At the end of every session she would position me in a relaxing pose and take me to the most calming and tranquil place so that my mind and body could be at peace.
Believe me, in those days, in the kind of pain I was experiencing, it was so hard for me to find peace in my body, but Laurie had the special, magic touch. I don’t know if it was 10 minutes or 30 minutes, but Laurie’s word choices combined with the melody and quiet of her voice brought me to the most relaxed place and I never wanted to leave.
Laurie, thank you for being an integral member of my “healing” team and for all the warmth and support you showed me during my very weakest days. Today I stand tall, exercise every day and am grateful that I have fully recovered. You helped me to get here and I am forever grateful.”
— Prissi Cohen, Patient Advocate
“I have enjoyed and benefited from Laurie Angress' therapy sessions for several years.
I am 86 years old, I suffer from chronic back pain and I have a heart condition. Before I engaged Laurie on a private basis, I had seen two therapists, recommended by my doctor, neither of whom knew what to do with my symptoms. I also considered joining one of the many yoga groups that are now available, but realized that I wouldn't be able to keep up with them.
Working with Laurie has turned out to be a different experience altogether. First of all, she knows her stuff, which is to say she has studied the basics of her discipline, i.e. yoga therapy, and continues to deepen and develop her knowledge. But equally important, if not more so, is her close attention to individual symptoms and her willingness to try new approaches to physical well-being, patterned on every person's needs. We are often joined by two other participants of different ages and with different problems, and I am amazed how Laurie manages to pay close attention to each of us without neglecting the others and how each of us is sure that we have profited from her attention and her judgment. Finally, there is a spiritual, though non-religious, aspect to her therapy. Laurie teaches how certain physical exercises, like conscious breathing, can promote a state of mind that is both relaxing and energizing. When you succeed in being "mindful" you are at peace with your inner self as well as with your body, you are relaxed and empowered at the same time. I have learned much of this and am still learning.
In short, Laurie Angress is the most thoughtful, sympathizing, inventive and resourceful therapist anyone could hope to find. I count myself lucky to have found her!”