Experience and Education
Kathryn has over 30 years of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, specializing in the treatment of individuals with complex trauma. In addition, she is a senior Parayoga teacher, master teacher, and Ayurvedic practitioner.
Kathryn discovered Ayurveda while interning at the West Haven VA Hospital's National Center for PTSD in 1991, where she picked up a book that talked about healing the mind by “anointing yourself with oil as a way to remind yourself that you are an auspicious being.” Inspired, she suggested the technique to the combat veterans she was working with at the time. And though it was not met with much interest, it was the first step on Kathryn's Ayurvedic journey.
A few years later, she met her yoga teacher, Yogarupa Rod Stryker, who also incorporated the teachings of Ayurvedic medicine. She knew this was important, and embraced the path of Ayurveda with the vision of bringing its wisdom and technology to the world of modern medicine. Since then, integrating the principles of yoga, Ayurveda, and clinical psychology has been at the heart of her work.
Kathryn is a faculty member at the Himalayan Institute and the founder of the Himalayan Institute Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist program (HIAYS), Torchbearer Mentorship program, AYS Grad School, and The Three Wisdom Traditions: Integrating Yoga, Ayurveda and Psychology (3WT). She is an Adjunct Professor of Human Development and General Psychology, and a contributing writer and educator for Yoga International.
Kathryn's Point of View
How has Ayurveda changed your life?
Ayurveda changed my personal and professional life at the same time. I found the support of daily routine was what was necessary for me and for many clients to support the deep healing we promote in yoga and therapy. Daily routine has been my biggest healer. Drinking warm spiced milk or chai as a daily medicine to nourish myself has also been an amazing support for me, along with using triphala to support my seasonal cleansing.
When are you most likely to go out of balance and how do you bring yourself back into balance using Ayurveda?
As of late, I feel vata drying out my tissues and interfering with my focus and concentration. I use turmeric or shatavari in my ghee, and abhyanga with Banyan's sesame-based herbal oils. And of course, my yoga practice changes each season to help me find and maintain balance.
What does the future of Ayurveda look like to you?
Well, my personal vision for Ayurveda is specific. I want to establish a treatment protocol at an urban Public Health center. Here the Three Wisdom Traditions program: yoga, Ayurveda, and psychology, can come together in a traditional clinical model to support individuals and families in their daily lives.
I truly believe that this combo will change the face of public health. I want to lift our families out of being at risk for trauma-related illnesses and offer them a more resilient and adaptable way to live and thrive.
What's one Ayurvedic practice anyone can implement to spur change in their life, right here, right now?
Daily routine. Especially abhyanga, tongue scraping, and deep relaxation practice.
