Testimonials
Allaine recently presented her 5-day yoga retreat at Ratna Ling Retreat Center. She generously invited our staff to join her classes. The restorative evening class was tremendously relaxing. It unwound parts of my body and mind I did not even realize were tense, leaving me feeling very open and relaxed. I had to try her Gentle Therapeutics class the next morning as well. It also was very relaxing, while also stimulating. I left feeling like a new, improved version of myself. Thank you, Allaine!.
Rosalyn White, Co-director, Ratna Ling Retreat Center, Sonoma County, California
Very much enjoyed the GT retreat in Sonoma. Allaine was always available and willing to talk, listen, explain, or discuss. She is incredibly patient, good-humored, and generous. Ratna Ling was a lovely getaway and I miss my cabin!
Lisa Heller
Dear owners of the Miami Life Center,
Hi, my name is Cheryl Sands, and I am 61 years old. I live in the neighborhood. Every time I passed by the Center, I would get this positive feeling. I used to do Yoga, long ago and far away. I forgot to take care of myself, divorced single parent!
Then… I had a debilitating stroke. I was riding my bicycle to work and it felt like my brain exploded. I was laid up for about a year, my mind all scrambled, the right side of my body almost all paralyzed and horribly affected. I couldn’t even use a pen. I put on a lot of weight, was very depressed, sure that my life was over. I have a disability also that earned me hardly anything, but pain and a stipend.
So one day, I decided to walk into the Center met with this angel named Natasha on the Front Desk. I had to have a doctor’s note to start, I looked so terrible. So I started in the Gentle Therapeutics and Restorative Yoga class. I could hardly walk, and my mind was still scrambled, and I had a lot of weight on.
I am sure I freaked the class a little out , then I met another angel from heaven named Allaine, the creator of Gentle Therapeutics Yoga. I could not even sit up or crawl over to the bolster that is one of the props for this kind of yoga. So I began. Allaine was so patient with me. I was so weak, emotional and still ill. She showed me so much love and compassion, this kind of person is rare, so I kept coming back to this class. I need it, like the air I breath. She and Natasha worked with me so compassionately. The voice and spirit of Yoga , so gently I began to improve, slowly and with so much love and understanding I started to change, back to a better me, only with Allaine’s help (and the other members patience). I was being restored physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have a spiritual practice now. Allaine is my Teacher. She is so gentle and loving. There is such a need of this for the disabled, the seniors, the pregnant woman, the walking wounded.
Today, I walk normally, not dragging my leg. I lost 25 pounds (2 dress sizes), and hold a pen. Allaine and Natasha literally saved my life, and brought Yoga home to me. Today I have a happy life, I meditate every day, I have a practice! What a gift! Also chronic pain is helped by Yoga, my physical pain is so much less. I can be in the present again. What would the world do without the spirit of this yoga class? We do postures with props (Thank God), we sing, we pray. I have a little bubble of joy, in my consciousness- I have faith it will grow bigger.
Namaste, Cheryl Sands |
Dear Allaine,
Thank you for a wonderful workshop. I look forward to part 2. I wanted you to know how grateful I am for the take-aways were terrific. For the first time in years, I went to 2 yoga classes after the workshop and came out without hip pain and with a restful and relaxing shavasana. I did not move a muscle during the corpse pose and could hardly believe it! You have improved my yoga practice and my life!
Thank you,
Margaret
About five months ago I began suffering painful jabs near my right hip caused by sciatica. I gave myself six months to try to find a way to ease my symptoms before seeing an orthopedist and having an invasive procedure. I tried many sessions of acupuncture, several sessions of a type of “water exercise” therapy, and a few sessions with a physical therapist. All relieved some of the pain but I still felt discomfort. I have taken yoga classes for years and happened to see a brochure in a yoga studio describing Allaine’s therapeutic skills. I contacted her and had about three sessions with her. The sessions were informative and wonderful and she gave me a few specific exercises to do at home. Within three weeks my pain was completely gone. I do have to do the exercises every day. If I don’t, the discomfort returns but my life has returned to “normal.” There are no longer any physical limitations on what I can do. I am so grateful for Allaine’s knowledge and generosity in sharing her skills. If anyone would like to contact me, please feel free to get my info from Allaine. I would be happy to talk to you.
Thank you,
Sheryl J.
Thank you,
Sheryl J.
Hi Allaine,
Took your wonderful neck and shoulder yoga workshop Sunday, and thank you so much! I walked in with some neck pain, and felt much better right away, and today is a good day too. Took notes to repeat the sequences at home. Looking forward to receiving photos from the workshop. I have a 35+ year old injury to my neck from a fall. Was treated for severe whiplash, and sustained damage to C3-C4, which now have signs of cervical stenosis and degenerative disc disease. When cold fronts roll through, or I have too much emotional stress, my neck hurts, even after all these years. Putting pressure on the neck by doing shoulder stand (even with blankets) and plow cause pain so I’ve stopped doing them, and my doctor forbids headstand. The supported inversion from Sunday’s workshop didn’t seem to bother me too much, maybe because I wasn’t putting all my weight on the neck and shoulders. You’re the only teacher in town that I know of who addresses the needs of an injured yoga practitioner. Am so glad that you are offering workshops and teaching your therapeutic techniques. Keep up the good work! Many thanks!
Blessings,
Marian Wertalka
Took your wonderful neck and shoulder yoga workshop Sunday, and thank you so much! I walked in with some neck pain, and felt much better right away, and today is a good day too. Took notes to repeat the sequences at home. Looking forward to receiving photos from the workshop. I have a 35+ year old injury to my neck from a fall. Was treated for severe whiplash, and sustained damage to C3-C4, which now have signs of cervical stenosis and degenerative disc disease. When cold fronts roll through, or I have too much emotional stress, my neck hurts, even after all these years. Putting pressure on the neck by doing shoulder stand (even with blankets) and plow cause pain so I’ve stopped doing them, and my doctor forbids headstand. The supported inversion from Sunday’s workshop didn’t seem to bother me too much, maybe because I wasn’t putting all my weight on the neck and shoulders. You’re the only teacher in town that I know of who addresses the needs of an injured yoga practitioner. Am so glad that you are offering workshops and teaching your therapeutic techniques. Keep up the good work! Many thanks!
Blessings,
Marian Wertalka
Hi Allaine,
This was the second neck and shoulders workshop I’ve taken with Allaine, and it was even better than the first. Not only does she take you through the postures slowly and clearly, but she also explains the anatomy (with hand-outs): skeletal structure, musculature, etc., so you really understand what you’re feeling, where the exact trouble spots are, and how they got there in the first place. Like many others, I work at a computer all day. Allaine has made me aware of how bad my posture can be as a result, and given me specific ways of noticing and correcting it. She has made a huge difference!
Chase Twichell
This was the second neck and shoulders workshop I’ve taken with Allaine, and it was even better than the first. Not only does she take you through the postures slowly and clearly, but she also explains the anatomy (with hand-outs): skeletal structure, musculature, etc., so you really understand what you’re feeling, where the exact trouble spots are, and how they got there in the first place. Like many others, I work at a computer all day. Allaine has made me aware of how bad my posture can be as a result, and given me specific ways of noticing and correcting it. She has made a huge difference!
Chase Twichell
Hi Allaine,
Hope all is well. I’m still in a post-yoga bliss from your weekend workshop. Not only do I feel wonderful, I also feel like I gained a whole new awareness of alignment and body mechanics. In fact, I have started using some of your poses with my own students and have gotten many smiles and thank-you’s. You have such a sweet, comforting teaching style, and you have a great way of dissecting a pose so that it’s easy to remember and recreate. I can’t thank you enough and wish you all the best as you continue to share such a beautiful gift with others.
Julie Valbuena
Hope all is well. I’m still in a post-yoga bliss from your weekend workshop. Not only do I feel wonderful, I also feel like I gained a whole new awareness of alignment and body mechanics. In fact, I have started using some of your poses with my own students and have gotten many smiles and thank-you’s. You have such a sweet, comforting teaching style, and you have a great way of dissecting a pose so that it’s easy to remember and recreate. I can’t thank you enough and wish you all the best as you continue to share such a beautiful gift with others.
Julie Valbuena
As a gentle yoga teacher, I am still a perpetual student. I have been taking Allaine’s Gentle Therapeutics classes regularly and when she offered a weekend workshop series focusing on neck/shoulders, lower back/sciatic & knees/hips- areas of the body often injured, I jumped at the chance. Allaine is patient and gentle with all of her students. She is experienced & has a wealth of information at her fingertips and can change up a class to accommodate a specialized need. Her explanations, including getting into and out of a pose safely are spot on- along with her lively reminders of the benefits the pose has for your body. Allaine has a keen eye & works to be sure that everyone has the information to move their body into proper alignment. She is serious about her yoga, yet playful & fun. I highly recommend Allaine!
Alissa Pardo Stein
Alissa Pardo Stein
Allaine has amazing knowledge, insight and experience working with the body/mind connection and through this awareness how we can start to heal ourselves through a gentle asana practice and changing our patterns of thinking. In her classes and workshops she gives students the tools to cope with their individual pains/stress/emotional issues. Thanks again for your help in healing/relieving my sciatic and shoulder pain. Your dedication, passion, integrity and warm, nurturing personality peppered with a great sense of humor are always a welcome addition and highlight to the days I am able to attend your classes. I have been taking Allaine’s classes for over 3 years now and was privileged to attend to her recent workshops for neck and shoulder, sciatica and hips and knees at Green Monkey in February 2013. Her workshops were well planned, educational, and lead to a greater sense of understanding of how to heal our problem areas, while being enjoyable and educational. I look forward to attending more of her workshops in the future. Her teachings are beneficial whether you are a teacher or a student of yoga, as she makes everyone feel welcomed and nurtured.
Meredith Weil
Meredith Weil
Dear Allaine,
Thanks to you for giving me a new insight into my body and mind.It is very special to be able to listen and learn from you. Am looking forward to more Gentle Therapeutics Yoga, this weekend.
Thanks to you for giving me a new insight into my body and mind.It is very special to be able to listen and learn from you. Am looking forward to more Gentle Therapeutics Yoga, this weekend.
Have a good day,
Jane
I have just completed the second week of Allaine’s Gentle Therapeutics Yoga Workshop at Green Monkey and I’m forever changed.The healing methods behind this style of yoga is beautiful and applicable to everyone. I’ve introduced my mother to it because of lower back issues and she feels amazing.If you are looking for a mind/body connection, you owe it to yourself to participate in Allaine’s workshop or take one of her classes.She is the real deal!
Thank you,
Jeanette Ruiz
Hi Allaine,
I wanted to thank you for the neck & shoulders weekend. I have no pain for the first time in months. You are a wonderful, generous teacher, not to mention a magician!
I wanted to thank you for the neck & shoulders weekend. I have no pain for the first time in months. You are a wonderful, generous teacher, not to mention a magician!
Namaste
Chase Twichell
Allaine,
I enjoyed the workshop very much. Your years of expertise combined with your clear instruction made it easy to follow and fun. I felt fantastic on Monday. I really have learned a lot. Your experience with working with all groups of people, with different levels of ability shows. You are a master with the props and have a gentle way of making sure that everyone gets into the pose safely. Brava! I am looking forward to attending the third and final workshop addressing the hips and knees.
I enjoyed the workshop very much. Your years of expertise combined with your clear instruction made it easy to follow and fun. I felt fantastic on Monday. I really have learned a lot. Your experience with working with all groups of people, with different levels of ability shows. You are a master with the props and have a gentle way of making sure that everyone gets into the pose safely. Brava! I am looking forward to attending the third and final workshop addressing the hips and knees.
With much appreciation
Debbie
Allaine,
Funny enough, I have been thinking about you all day because I wanted to say how pleased I am that I decided to do this training. The amount of knowledge you provide is unparalleled, but beyond that you embody kindness and gentleness and make me want to be kinder to this body of mine! What I learned this weekend are invaluable tools to assist my students in healing through yoga in body but more importantly in their relationship to their bodies. In 3 short days, you have given me a new perspective, awe and respect for this vessel!
Funny enough, I have been thinking about you all day because I wanted to say how pleased I am that I decided to do this training. The amount of knowledge you provide is unparalleled, but beyond that you embody kindness and gentleness and make me want to be kinder to this body of mine! What I learned this weekend are invaluable tools to assist my students in healing through yoga in body but more importantly in their relationship to their bodies. In 3 short days, you have given me a new perspective, awe and respect for this vessel!
In Gratidude for your gentle Guidance!
Niki Castro, MSW, CWC
Dearest Allaine,
I was thinking about you and that amazing time we spent together in the Teacher Training last year. I’m finding myself adding a bit of Therapeutics Yoga in my classes more and more these days. Usually at the beginning or at the end before savasana. My students love that little bit, too! I feel like it helps separate me a bit from the pack of yoga teachers teaching a straight sequence. Variety is the spice of life, they say! I’m really grateful to have learned from one of the best!
I was thinking about you and that amazing time we spent together in the Teacher Training last year. I’m finding myself adding a bit of Therapeutics Yoga in my classes more and more these days. Usually at the beginning or at the end before savasana. My students love that little bit, too! I feel like it helps separate me a bit from the pack of yoga teachers teaching a straight sequence. Variety is the spice of life, they say! I’m really grateful to have learned from one of the best!
Namaste,
Angel Saunders RYT 200
Angel Saunders RYT 200
Hi Kim and Tino,
I want to let you know that I had a remarkable experience today at your facility. I am in Miami for a vacation and happily found your website on line to enhance my experience of your wonderful city. A year ago I was diagnosed with an aggressive auto immune disease and I went from being a very active business owner, athlete, wife and mother of two children 15 months ago, to not being able to get out of bed, out of a car, or out of a chair without help. Ultimately after some excellent medical care, drug therapies, and a new found daily commitment to yoga I am able to live a very full life again. Today was amazing for me because as luck would have it I somewhat randomly signed for the Allaine Stricklen‘s class. What an experience this class was for me, I moved in such uniquely protected ways that allowed me to get relief that I have not felt since prior to my challenges. I just wanted to thank you for hiring such a gifted teacher. I wish we were not leaving town so soon or I would be right back to make this my new yoga home.
Thanks again,
Megan Whitehouse
Megan Whitehouse
Yoga Student
I’ve been taking private classes of gentle therapeutic yoga with my dear instructor Allaine for 15 years or so and it has changed my life. It’s calmed me, corrected my posture and alignment, kept me flexible and slowed the dreaded aging process. Most importantly, it’s provided me with a beautiful oasis of peace and spirituality. Allaine is the real deal – when she sees me she immediately knows what condition my body is in and creates a class that addresses those conditions. No two classes are exactly alike – it’s inspired yoga. She’s a beautiful spirit who radiates light and love.
Susan Brustman
Brustman Carrino Public Relations
Your class has become a gift that I give to myself! You are probably one of the most caring people I know. I love the the way you ask each and everyone of your students before the class begins if there is a particular problem that you should be aware of. Incorporating these issues in the session makes it seem as if the class is tailor made for each one of us. Then there is your spirituality, your soothing voice, and the beautiful metaphors that you use to explain the poses that guarantee me an hour of tranquility and bliss. Your class gives me the opportunity to just concentrate on the present and leave everything else behind…which is no easy task for a person who has a mind full of clutter!! And then there is the physical aspect of my yoga practice – you are continually helping me to help myself. I believe that our sessions aided me to overcome my bout with vertigo. I also believe that what I am learning through your guidance is helping me to control my back and neck issues. You are showing me how to strengthen my areas of weakness and gain control of the discomfort that I feel. I find myself taking my teachings out of the classroom and into my daily life. Now before I reach for an over the counter remedy I try a yoga remedy. For a “conventional” person this speaks volumes! To sum it all up – Gentle Therapeutics Yoga is an experience that absolutely needs to be experienced!!
Gratefully, Sheryl Fruitman
A ray of sunshine is what she is. Being apart of Allaine’s teacher training really changed my life in the most beautiful way. I Really didn’t want my testimonial to sound generic along with “how amazing everything was” but IT REALLY WAS. Everyday living and breathing yoga is the most beautiful and heart nurturing experience to living.
I learned so many interesting depths to Yoga. Not only has my practice strengthened greatly but my knowledge on the human mind, body and soul has tripled, while studying Gentle Therapeutics Yoga.
Through this loving learning environment Allaine creates with her beautiful presence, much self-growth will take place. I feel my soul has grown and strengthened tremendously. Everyday I am Happy it’s wild. Everyday I feel such a better understanding to life with constant and much gratitude. This whole experience literally has left me feeling suited up , armored and ready for my endeavors in this world. Armed with Peace, Love and Compassion. I have to say this has been one of the best things I have ever decided to do. I will always look back and treasure the jewels I made within myself and found in and out of this teacher training. It has truly been a beautiful new beginning …Most proud to say I am now a VEGAN … and would never look back !!
Through this loving learning environment Allaine creates with her beautiful presence, much self-growth will take place. I feel my soul has grown and strengthened tremendously. Everyday I am Happy it’s wild. Everyday I feel such a better understanding to life with constant and much gratitude. This whole experience literally has left me feeling suited up , armored and ready for my endeavors in this world. Armed with Peace, Love and Compassion. I have to say this has been one of the best things I have ever decided to do. I will always look back and treasure the jewels I made within myself and found in and out of this teacher training. It has truly been a beautiful new beginning …Most proud to say I am now a VEGAN … and would never look back !!
Lj Fernandes
The first ever gentle therapeutics yoga that I experienced was at Brickell Yoga Shala, and Allaine Stricklen lead the class. I really did not know what to expect at the beginning but I knew from Allaine’s natural enthusiasm that I would enjoy her class and I did. From that point forward after each class my posture would improve more and more and in my self practice my alignment was changing and getting better.In addition the injury I had sustained in a car accident years ago left me with right hip pain. Now I am pain free and no longer feel discomfort. It is the perfect yoga to freeing yourself of pain or to simply get a break from the daily routine.
Carolina Miami Florida
I have been coming to Allaine’s classes now for about 8 months, & I can honestly say that that my lower back pain has decreased, & I have more energy ..My back surgery was 3 yrs ago, & I still suffer from chronic back pain that radiates down my legs. Through Allaine’s classes, I feel like I have less back & leg pain, & I am able to move & stretch, & breathe through the pain & discomfort. Her classes are most definitely a gift to myself. She is truly a gifted & caring person. . After each class, I feel like I have moved a part of my body that I have not moved or used or stretched in quite a while. She is most intuitive, & always knows what each of us needs each week to make our lives a little better. Thank you my dear for being you…….
Love, Marlene