About me
I'M KATERINA
Welcome to my digital space!
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I come from the sunny island of Crete in Greece and I am currently based in Malmö, Sweden. I am a full-time yoga teacher (E-RYT 500) and teach Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra as well as Mindful Yoga & Meditation.
Further, I have completed a degree in Psychology (BSc), a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (certified CBT-Therapist) as well as several courses in the fields of Mental Health & Mindfulness.
By combining Psychology, Yoga, & Eastern Philosophies, my biggest passion and aspiration is to facilitate healing in a holistic and compassionate way.
Holding space is sacred to me.
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My mission is to provide you with the insight & the tools to uncover your innate, inner peace.
MY EDUCATION
on wellness & mental health
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YOGA
- 300-hour advanced Yoga Teacher Training in Multi-style yoga, Association for Yoga and Meditation, India, 2019
- 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa Flow, Himalayan Yoga Association, India, 2018
- 30 hours Advanced Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Angela Jervis-Read, 2023
- 20 hours Yoga Nidra Certification with Anna Goncalves, Sweden, 2019
- 30 hours Advanced Yoga Alignment with Submit Thalwal, India , 2018
- 30-hour Foundational Yoga course by NW, Sweden, 2017
MEDITATION & REIKI
- 100 hours Vipassana meditation, Dhamma Sobhana, Sweden, 2018
- Certificate in Usui Reiki I, II, Master with Melissa Crowhurst, 2019
OTHER
- Classical Pilates Mat Work Certificate with Josie McKenlay, 2019
- Western Buddhism, Dalarna University, 2022
- Personal Training program, The Academy, Sweden, 2014
MENTAL HEALTH QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's of Science in Psychology (BSc First-Class Honours) from the Open University in the United Kingdom, 2016
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Diploma & Certificate (CBT Therapist) from Humanistcentrum in Sweden, 2021
- Certification in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) by Graham Nicholls
- Certification in Counselling by Karen E. Wells, 2021
MY JOURNEY
And what it has led to.
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After a series of emotionally draining events I was struggling to make sense of life & the meaning of it all
Having just completed a demanding degree in Psychology and having to deal with some heavy physical and emotional issues, maintaining a yoga practice was not a priority in the midst of my chaotic life. I felt drained and depressed. Soon, yet another traumatic life event would force me to find ways to cope with loss, grief and vulnerability. I realized that I needed to make a choice on which direction I wanted my life to go.
Finding the strength to stick to a daily yoga routine even if it meant a brief online practice or occasionally attending a public class was an excellent way to start and even though life continued to get in the way I was determined. I needed to find the way out of the darkness.
My daily practice soon made me feel more empowered, more in charge of my own body and mind, more enthusiastic about what lies ahead. Even though I had been practicing yoga for fifteen years (with more pauses than I can count) it was around that period that I realized that I never want to stop practicing again.
I realized that my daily practice made life make sense again.
Soon after, I crossed paths with a Shaman yoga teacher who was convinced that my path in life is to share my truth through teaching yoga. That moment was defining in guiding me to the right direction. She ignited the spark that became a burning desire to help others through sharing what I love and what I know to be true.
Even though at first I was reluctant and insecure, I had taken the very first step into turning my darkest experiences of pain and fear into love and compassion,
into a project of sharing light and love!
Pretty soon my heart led me to mother India (a dream of mine for 20 years) where I embarked on a beautiful spiritual journey. Soon I immersed myself into a fascinating realm of studying sanskrit language, mantras, authentic yoga texts and teachings as well as meditation. The healing process had begun.
One foot in front of the other. One breath at the time.
On my second visit to India I put more pieces of the puzzle together which led me to make a promise to that sacred land that I will be returning there as often as I can in order to fuel the fire and the passion on the journey towards myself,
So that I am able to hold space for others in support of their journey.
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Yoga practices, Buddhist philosophy & Mindfulness techniques changed my life on a profound level and the science of Psychology equipped me with the tools to understand the mechanisms and links between behaviour, thoughts and feelings.
I will be deeply honoured to accompany you on your own path towards opening your heart and healing your body and mind.
Starting from ourselves and recognising our true essence we can change the world.
One breath at the time!
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ॐ Om Shantih
Copyright © 2020 Katerina Johansson