About Toi Lynn
I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. I believe in the inherent wisdom we hold within our bodies and intuitive mind. And I believe in the intimate connection that exists between all of life, and the deep healing that can come from remembering and honoring that connection. These beliefs come from personal experiences over the course of a lifetime, and through over 20 years of work supporting others in transforming their lives.
Following my undergraduate in Human Development and masters in Clinical Psychology, I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and trained as a Life Coach. As I worked with my clients I realized that therapy is much more than talking about the stories we hold in our head. I began to study and implement in my sessions the use of expressive arts such as journaling, movement, music and painting to assist clients in moving beyond the mental talking to deeper pathways of exploration of the unconscious and expression of the self.
When I discovered through yoga that the stories are held even deeper within the body, beyond the mind, I became certified in Bikram Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa, and started incorporating breath and mindfulness practices into the sessions. Fulfilling a lifelong dream of creating a healing center, I founded and directed World Yoga, a healing arts center in the East Bay and one of the first Green Yoga Studios in the nation. During my time as director of the studio, I wanted to deepen my understanding of body/mind methods of healing, and gained certifications in Clarity Breathwork, Hypnotherapy, Thai Yoga Therapy and Reiki.
As I have gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life, I now also offer workshops and retreats in nature, outside of the therapy room. Whether I see you on the mat in yoga, in the therapy room or out in nature, I am honored to be a part of the healing journey.
To make an appointment or register for an event call 415-235-5481.
To sign up for my Inspirational Newsletter Email me.
Ah, not to feel cut off, not through the slightest partition shut out from the law of the stars. The inner - what is it?
if not intensified sky,
hurled through with birds
and deep with the winds of homecoming.
~ Rainer Marie Rilke
What Clients are saying:
“Working with Toi Lynn was one of the kindest gifts I have ever given myself. Through breath and body work, coaching and talk therapy I was able to move beyond my fear, lack of self-acceptance, self-denial and (yes, it's true) my conditioned self hatred to a place of compassion, willingness and joy. This work has completely altered my approach to my life. I am happy to say I am moving in a positive, hopeful direction and am enthusiastically developing the life path and career I have always wanted.
Toi Lynn is wonderful to work with. Besides being very knowledgeable, she is very intuitive and knows when to push, when to pull back and when to just let a much-needed silence happen. She is like the coach I always wanted, but didn't seem able to find, providing me with support and guidance as I went through this often scary journey. Ultimately, she gave me the greatest gift of all by helping me realize I can be, indeed must be, my own coach, my own ally, my own adviser and my own best friend. Of course I can (and should!) ask others for help. But in the end the next step, the next choice, is always mine. It is the only way.”
~ With deep gratitude, Matt, previously in Martinez, now living and pursuing my dream in Chico, CA
"While attending Toi Lynn's restorative yoga class, one is transformed into a state of calm and acceptance. Her presence in the room is that of pure, unconditional love for each and every one of her students. She cares about how you are receiving the poses - and also encourages one to express when there is any type of discomfort that he/she is experiencing. Her emphasis is that of moving the body in a nurturing manner, being sure to remind us of the importance of breath. The beginning of the class is started with a setting of intention which is shared by an Om......And the class ends with a recital of a poem which has inspired Toi Lynn for that day. She is a gift and a blessing to us all."
~ Kathleen, Walnut Creek, CA
“Truthfully, I was skeptical when first embarking on breathwork therapy. I had heard of it before but just wasn’t sure it was going to work for me. However, after just one session with Toi Lynn, I was ready to give it a try. Toi Lynn made me instantly feel at ease, like I had finally met someone who understood where I was coming from and how to deal with the issues I had been grappling with. My first breathwork session started off a bit awkward, but once I let myself go and really let it work, I was transformed to depths I didn’t even know existed. I was able to say goodbye to issues I’d spent years agonizing over. Decisions suddenly became more clear, obstacles were illuminated and I emerged from each session feeling renewed and rejuvenated.
One specific issue I’d been struggling with had to do with my career and life path. I had been unhappy in my job for years and wanted to pursue graduate school but was too scared to really make a change. After a remarkably successful therapy session with Toi Lynn, I was able to push aside my obstacles and pursue both a new job and graduate school (both of which I’m now happily immersed in). I truly believe that without Toi Lynn’s insight and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She tells me that it was inside of me the whole time, which might be true, but Toi Lynn was the one who provided the key I needed to break through.”
~ Julie, Walnut Creek, CA
"When I first met Toi Lynn, I was struck by her loving presence and warm smile. She knows intuitively how to correct my poses and does it gently. She encourages her students to be in tune with their bodies and to practice ahimsa, doing “no harm” to themselves. Toi Lynn often ends her classes with inspirational readings from Hafiz, Mary Oliver, or Kafka; inevitably I feel more relaxed and content."
~ Fondly, Annie, Lafayette, CA
"I have been practicing Clarity Breathwork and other modalities with Toi Lynn for over two and a half years. Toi Lynn’s demeanor is uplifting, her approach gentle and firm, and her extensive experience as a Clarity Breathworker, an MFT, coach, career counselor, expressive arts therapist, and yoga teacher contribute to her wise and compassionate responses in our work together. In our Clarity Breathwork sessions, Toi Lynn’s ability to truly move out of the way and hold space for the vast range of emotions that have surfaced for me is extraordinary, providing a safe container to explore feelings and a mirror with which to see myself in again and again.
In our breathwork sessions, I have been gently and safely guided to return to the breath and explore limiting beliefs. At times imagery was helpful as well as conducting sessions in the water, allowing for an even deeper experience. By returning to the breathing process and allowing emotions the space to flow through, I find myself moving more and more towards ease and away from struggle, and for me that means more joy.
Toi Lynn’s integrity, warm and nurturing nature, honest and authentic communication, ability to see and point out the positive in me, willingness to self-disclose when appropriate, humility, and playfulness have made my time working with her remarkable."
~ Renee, Oakland, CA
Toi Lynn has been an invaluable support and guide for me as I have continued my therapeutic training. She has guided and encouraged me through an often challenging process of school and licensure by sharing her experience and helping me clarify my goals and aspirations. Her grounded approach combined with a healthy appreciation of each person’s hopes for the future inspire and motivate her students and clients.
~ Leia, San Mateo, CA
