About
Welcome to my web page my name is Sharon Doherty, I'm a counsellor and therapeutic yoga teacher. When working with clients I offer a holistic somatic approach to counselling and yoga individually, and where appropriate, I combine the benefits of yoga practices and counselling to offer a trauma informed yoga therapy approach to explore sensitive and complex issues in a safe space.
As a counsellor my specialism is supporting clients recover from the complicated nature of narcissistic relationships. I have also developed a particular interest in helping clients living with the ongoing physical and mental health issues attributed to an autoimmune condition.
You can visit my LinkedIn, Yoga Alliance Professionals, Counselling Directory and BACP profiles to learn more about me and how I work.
Individual Counselling
My passion for counselling adults and young people with a range of presenting issues comes from the personal challenges and life experiences I have faced in an age where counselling services and support was not as available as it is now.
My hope is to offer early intervention support to clients so they can start therapy sessions, without lengthy waiting times.
I have consulting rooms in Shotts and Glasgow.
Family Counselling
Families spending time with a counsellor can explore issues and better understand children's intentions and individual behaviour and the ways this can influence wider family dynamics.
There are many ways challenges and differences between adults and children within your family can show up including: confusion, conflict and misbehaviour.
Time in family therapy can be a safe place to identify and explore the meaning of these differences and begin the process of working together to find an appropriate solution.
I can offer family counselling appointments in Glasgow.
Supervision
I work with supervisees from voluntary and statutory organisations as well those in private practice to support and expand their edge of awareness as a professional counsellor or practitioner.
I encourage and support reflection and development around; legal issues, safeguarding, theoretical knowledge, ethical dilemmas and development of self awareness.
I offer clinical supervision in Glasgow and Shotts to practitioners from a range of modalities.
Therapeutic Yoga
Is a one to one trauma informed and embodied approach that integrates counselling and specific yoga practices to regulate the autonomic nervous system. This is especially useful when working with a range of physical and mental health issues
Working therapeutically 1:1 involves a consultation to understand your health and lifestyle needs, and helps inform which yoga practices would best support you. All sessions are respectful of your your body and it's existing range of movement and are adapted to help rehabilitate any injury.
In my practice the most common presentations are:
Anxiety
When practiced regularly, the individual combination of grounding, breath practices, yoga postures and relaxation balance and regulate the heightened "fight/flight" response of nervous system to be more able to access the parasympathetic nervous system or "rest and digest". These practices help to reduce the physical and mental and emotional symptoms of anxiety: poor sleep, shaking, restlessness, muscle tension, nausea, digestive problems, sweating, shortness of breath, palpitations, panic attacks, tiredness, negative thought cycles, excessive worry, poor focus and concentration, forgetfulness and irritability.
Depression
Clients experiencing depression can live with an everchanging range of emotional, physical and mental states that can have a significant impact on daily living. Depression can be characterised by persistent: low mood or sadness, low self-esteem, feeling hopeless and helpless, anxious or worried, guilt ridden, tearful and feeling irritable and intolerant toward others. Some common examples of physical symptoms include: disturbed sleep, lack of energy, changes in appetite and weight, unexplained aches and pains and low sex drive. Mental function can be impaired to varying degrees making it more difficult for clients to: make decisions, enjoy life and show motivation or interest and some clients can experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Research has indicated that clients experiencing depression show higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lower levels of key neurotransmitters, working regularly with specific yoga practices will begin to regulate the nervous system and alleviate the unwanted symptoms.
Trauma
Trauma symptoms can be complex, clients often report a range of physical, mental and emotional experiences. These can include disturbed sleep, nightmares or insomnia, flashbacks, repetitive distressing images and physical sensations including trembling, aches and pains,sweating and nausea, these can also contribute to difficulty concentrating and irritability and anger outbursts. These can occur immediately after a traumatic event or can be triggered at a later time. Working therapeutically with with individual yoga practices and counselling interventions equips clients with the tools to balance and regulate the movement between sympathetic and parasympathetic responses helps to build “vagal tone”, this means the clients nervous system has the capacity to develop more resilience and tolerance to internal and external stressors.
If you recognise individually or a combination of any of the above therapeutic yoga will equip you with the skills to address and self regulate the stress response in bodily systems and physiology and move from "fight/flight" (sympathetic NS) to "rest and digest" (parasympathetic NS).Home practice between sessions is an essential part of the process of restoring homeostasis in the body and effecting lasting change.
June: Self Care
In the time around the summer solstice people can feel more energised, this is an ideal time for yoga.
The Benefits of Yoga
We believe yoga is more than just a physical practice — it's a journey toward balance, strength, and inner peace. Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening an established practice, yoga offers a wide range of benefits for your body, mind, and spirit.
Physical Strength & Flexibility
Yoga builds core strength, improves posture, and increases flexibility. With consistent practice, you'll notice better mobility, reduced muscle tension, and enhanced body awareness — whether you're in a downward dog or going about your daily life.
Stress Relief & Mental Clarity
Yoga is a powerful tool for reducing stress and calming the mind. Breathwork (pranayama), meditation, and mindful movement help soothe the nervous system, quiet mental chatter, and create space for clarity and calm in your day.
Improved Sleep & Energy
Practicing yoga regularly can help regulate sleep patterns, leaving you feeling more rested and energized. Gentle evening flows or restorative poses promote relaxation, while morning practices awaken the body and focus the mind.
Heart Health & Circulation
Yoga supports cardiovascular health by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, and encouraging heart-healthy habits. The combination of movement, breath, and relaxation can have a profound effect on overall well-being.
Mind-Body Connection
Yoga encourages you to tune in — to listen to your body, your breath, and your thoughts. This increased self-awareness leads to better decision-making, greater self-compassion, and a stronger connection to your inner self.
Community & Connection
When you join a yoga class, you're not just working on your wellness — you're joining a community. Our classes are welcoming, inclusive spaces where you can grow, connect, and feel supported on your journey.
