Log in

Possible by Design

Mind-Body Practices for Rest, Regulation, and Creative Renewal with Sarah Atkinson

About Sarah

Experiencing deeper self-acceptance, a sense of peace and calm, and reconnection to my values is what has kept me exploring mind-body practices for over two decades.

Introducing people to these ancient practices in alignment with where they are now in mind, body, and emotion, continues to inspire me.

My approach is gentle and trauma-aware, rooted in the belief that the body holds profound wisdom. 

There are no expectations to think or move or be a certain way. Only a desire to open the door to authentic expression.

If this resonates, I’d love to meet you. 

Prefer a low-pressure way to get to know my work?
Open Practice Hour →

Want to connect more directly?
Schedule time to chat →

Or send a message here and I’ll get back to you.

Putting myself first

Was a quiet thing-

 

Soft and certain,

A gentle rebellion

Long overdue.

— s.r.w.

Sarah smiling.

Working With Me

Yoga is for everyone

I strive to create a warm, open, and non-judgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. Be loud and wild. Be quiet and introspective. Be quirky, edgy, or free. I’m an observer and a listener, energized by the uniqueness of each human being and the stories they carry.


I’ve been practicing yoga off and on for over two decades. In recent years, my deeper inquiry into yogic philosophy, yoga psychology, and in-depth studies in yoga therapy — a whole person approach that blends meditation, philosophy, psychology, and physical movement — has fine-tuned my awareness of how different bodies and nervous systems hold and express our experiences. 

Misconceptions about yoga

A common misconception about yoga is that it’s all about postures and flexibility. In reality, yoga is a way of life. It’s a practice that can help you truly be yourself. Everyone’s path is different. Everyone’s body is different. Traditional yoga is somatic in that it focuses on how you feel as you move, not just how you position your body in space and time. This allows freedom to move and explore in ways that are uniquely you. Yoga is self-inquiry, philosophy, acceptance, stillness, and so much more. So come as you are. All are welcome here.

A bit about my training

I’m a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist-in-Training and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500) with advanced training in somatics, meditation, Yoga Nidra, and yoga-informed mental health support. I’m also a Clinical Mental Health Counselor-in-Training, which informs a trauma-aware, ethically grounded approach to mind–body practice.

Please reach out

If you have questions or curiosities, I’d love to chat. Reach out to hello@possiblebydesign.com with any questions, or set up a call to talk more in depth. No pressure. Just a down-to-earth conversation.

 

Set a time to connect

Background

After many years working for large corporations, I became deeply disconnected from myself. I burned out physically, mentally, emotionally, and intellectually. It took me months to find my way again. Once again, yoga and somatics became my way back. Reconnecting with creativity was also an important part of my journey — I starting playing guitar again, designing jewelry, and writing. I was falling in love with life again. So I left my career for a new path aligned with my values. That experience fuels my passion for supporting others through yoga therapy and embodied self-expression. Creativity and embodiment are threads that run through everything I share.

My Specialities

Sleep

Anxiety

Self-Regulation

Self-Expression

Creative Renewal

Education & Training

Mind Body Education

I’m studying for my Yoga Therapy Certification (C-IAYT) at The Mindfulness Center under the guidance of Dr. Debbie Norris, Psychologist-in-Residence at American University, who has over 30 years of experience conducting mind-body research with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other organizations. My teachers include Aurora Hutchinson, Dr. Steffany Moonaz, Megan Doyle, Darin Somma, and James Foulkes. I chose The Mindfulness Center because of its strong foundation in research, trauma-informed teaching, and reverence for ancient yoga practices. These values — science, tradition, and imagination — are the foundation of Possible by Design.

Academic Education

  • Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (expected 2028), St Cloud State University, (CACREP-accredited)
  • Graduate Certificate in Health Care Design & Innovation, University of Minnesota
  • MFA in Creative Writing (coursework), Queens University
  • BA in Psychology & English, University of North Carolina

Values that guide the way

Protect What Lights You Up

I'm here to support you — you don't have to carry it all.

Respect the Whole Person

I honor the full, complex humanity you bring with you — your body, your voice, your experiences, and your story

Create Possibility

I believe imagination isn’t a luxury — it’s the spark that opens new paths for healing and growth.

Honor Tradition, Intuition & Evidence

My practices draw from ancient wisdom, inner knowing, and modern research — holding all three in mutual regard.

Embody Self-Expression

You are invited to show up as you are, not as who you are expected to be.

Sprinkle a Touch of Whimsy

I take your mind-body needs seriously. And I take fun seriously, too. Expect lightness and play woven into the work.