"You don't just age-you TRANSFORM!
~Sally Fields
Menopause is a threshold to a life lived on your own terms. If you choose it!
It can seem like everything is changing: your body, your energy, your mind, and mood. Even how you connect with others seems to shift.
You aren't alone, and you don't have to suffer!
Yoga Therapy can help, and I can't wait to share it with you.
The Great Awakening: More Than Just Hormones
Peri/menopause is rarely just a biological event—it is a profound rite of passage that often triggers us to clean house in every area of our lives. The medical field might not see the connection yet, but the reality is undeniable: this transition is often the exact moment we stop people-pleasing, take back our power, and start building a life that actually fits who we are.
It is incredibly common to find yourself navigating major life updates all at once:
Divorce or separation
Major career pivots or shifts
Cross-country or local relocations
Empty nesting dynamics
Caring for aging parents
Processing the loss of a loved one
Let's Name What Is Happening
When huge life updates collide with a changing body, everything can feel chaotic. You are not failing, and you are definitely not crazy. Your system is simply navigating a lot of moving parts. Because I have lived through this exact wilderness, I am here to help you make sense of both the physical and emotional layers of this shift so you don't have to guess your way through it.
We can team up to bring relief to the challenging patterns you might be experiencing:
Hot flashes and sudden "meno-rage" spikes
Anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuations
Deep grief, loss, and life fatigue
Insomnia and erratic sleep cycles
Chronic exhaustion and fuzzy brain fog
Chronic joint discomfort and tissue pain
Pelvic floor changes or dysfunction
Unsupportive daily habits and mild, comforting addictions
I Know This Wilderness Personally
If you have noticed that you are repeating habits that leave you completely depleted, please take a deep breath. I get it. I know exactly how it feels when life moves too fast, your body feels completely unpredictable, and you look in the mirror wondering who you even are anymore. I know the heavy exhaustion of being stuck in a rut, the loneliness of an unmapped transition, and the paralysis of trying to make simple daily decisions when your battery is at zero.
Yoga therapy changed everything for me during my own early menopause. It isn't a rigid workout routine or a lecture; it is a collaborative, personalized toolkit that helps you reclaim your steady baseline.
We will be a great fit to work together if:
You want practical, gentle tools to find real peace and ground your nervous system.
You are looking for reliable ways to stay close to yourself while everything changes.
You want to appreciate your life as it is right now, while building the bravery to change what isn't working.
You are ready to learn how to choose deep rest when your brain feels completely overloaded.
You want a concrete plan to find real, meaningful connection when you feel isolated.
Let's Figure It Out Together
You do not have to stumble through this transition alone, and you absolutely do not have to just "suffer through" it. Side-by-side, we will sort through the clutter to build an intentional, authentic, and peaceful lifestyle—one where you feel completely clear about who and what deserves your precious energy.
If these words sound like a breath of fresh air, and you want a down-to-earth partner to help you navigate the chaos, let's connect and see how we can map out your next steps.
Join me!
A Yoga Therapy Women's Circle
Unlocking You: A Peri/Menopause Roadmap
At The Vault Training Studio - 308 1st Avenue, Suite 105, Coralville, IA 52241
Sunday, October 18th, 8am–11am (3 hour Intensive)
Thursday Evenings October 23rd--November 19th, 6:30pm–8pm
16 Women Maximum ~ $288 per person
When you are in the thick of the peri/menopause transition, it can feel like everything is hitting you all at once. Stress makes your changing hormonal symptoms worse, your symptoms generate a whole new layer of daily stress, and your body feels like it is operating without a manual. It can be an incredibly lonely, isolating place to be—largely because society rarely talks about it, and the medical field has simply not caught up. Too many women spend years running clinical tests for everything else, assuming their body is fundamentally failing them.
You do not have to walk this path alone. This closed, 5-week series, capped at 16 women, is designed to restore the ancient lineage of communal witnessing. Biology hardwires women to heal together—when we gather, our bodies release a natural flood of oxytocin, which downregulates cortisol, settles the nervous system, and triggers deep emotional regulation. By combining the rigorous clinical science of holistic yoga therapy with the sacred safety of a women's circle, we will help you clearly name exactly what your system is experiencing and share the practical tools you need to manage the day-to-day chaos.
Step into a private sanctuary dedicated entirely to your personal evolution.
You don't have to figure out this transition alone or guess your way through the chaos. These private, multi-month containers provide a personalized, side-by-side partnership to help you reclaim your nervous system bandwidth, name your exact physical, emotional, and soul needs, and unlock your true wisdom.
Testimonials
‹
"I was having issues with plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, and hip/neck tightness. I had tried many remedies for these issues but they never seemed to resolve completely, and I felt there had to be a better way to manage my pain, stiffness and soreness. I decided to try yoga therapy and I am so happy that I did. I learned how to rethink my “pain” and came away with a fantastic array of tools to help my body. Courtney was always attentive and helpful in tailoring my sessions to exactly what I needed."
-HEATHER
"Being a 65 year old with shoulder issues I had concerns, but with Courtney’s guidance and knowledge of modifying yoga, I have no problem doing it. Not only has Courtney taught yoga moves but also breathing techniques and so much more ❤️ I highly recommend Courtney to lead you on your yoga journey!! Thank you so much for getting me started, when I think of how good I felt I’m motivated to doing yoga and I’m confident doing it on my own, you taught me well!!😊🧘❤️"
-BILLIE SUE
"Courtney is wonderful at sharing knowledge in a way that is understood by all types of learners. She believes in what she teaches us and the tools she provides. I am looking forward to taking the tools and techniques I learned and integrating them into my life and practice. I would recommend Courtney to anyone who wants to dive deeper into themselves and learn how to create healthy habits to cope with this human experience!"
-LAURYN
"I recently attended the Yoga 101 for Women Class with Courtney and found it to be very beneficial. Prior to the class, I had only dabbled in Yoga and it was self taught. Courtney was able to provide a deeper understanding of Yoga in general and how I can adapt it to my life style. She was not overpowering: she listened; she was patient and she let it be known that this was our class and we could take from it what we wanted. I appreciated all of the modifications she was able to share for the different Yoga poses. I have been using what I learned and hope to continue to learn more and deepen by yoga experience. I would encourage anyone who has been considering Yoga to attend; you will not be embarrassed if you can't do all of the poses! It was well worth my time and investment. "
-LINDA
"Working alongside (and I use alongside with purpose, as she is truly your partner) Courtney has been a gift. If you are looking for a way to make changes mindfully and wholeheartedly, Courtney's practice is for you. Yoga Therapy has helped me increase my movement, flexibility, and build and refine skills to address anxiety and sleep. Courtney actively listens, asks questions, and then helps you design feasible, realistic practices to acheive your goals. She is intuitive, honoring and skilled. I highly recommend working with her, I am so thankful that I am."
-KRISSY
"Courtney has been an integral part of my healing journey. I came to Courtney for help after sustaining serious injuries that broke my body and my spirit. I was lost in my pain, experiencing a real severance of my mind body connection, and I needed her intuitive, insightful guidance to find myself again. Our work together in Yoga Therapy was profound, healing, filled with joyful tears as she brought me back to life. If you are experiencing pain whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, Courtney is a well of relief and skill. I am forever grateful to Courtney. She has a healer's gift, and with it, she calls you back to yourself, filled with more light, power and joy than ever before."
-JEANNE
"Courtney has such an accepting, open, and relatable presence. Whichever services I receive, she meets me where I am and teaches and encourages me to balance, hold, and grow in a way that feels totally doable! She is a treasure and has so much knowledge, expertise, and intuition to offer."
-ALISA
"I was having issues with plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, and hip/neck tightness. I had tried many remedies for these issues but they never seemed to resolve completely, and I felt there had to be a better way to manage my pain, stiffness and soreness. I decided to try yoga therapy and I am so happy that I did. I learned how to rethink my “pain” and came away with a fantastic array of tools to help my body. Courtney was always attentive and helpful in tailoring my sessions to exactly what I needed."
-HEATHER
"Being a 65 year old with shoulder issues I had concerns, but with Courtney’s guidance and knowledge of modifying yoga, I have no problem doing it. Not only has Courtney taught yoga moves but also breathing techniques and so much more ❤️ I highly recommend Courtney to lead you on your yoga journey!! Thank you so much for getting me started, when I think of how good I felt I’m motivated to doing yoga and I’m confident doing it on my own, you taught me well!!😊🧘❤️"
-BILLIE SUE
"Courtney is wonderful at sharing knowledge in a way that is understood by all types of learners. She believes in what she teaches us and the tools she provides. I am looking forward to taking the tools and techniques I learned and integrating them into my life and practice. I would recommend Courtney to anyone who wants to dive deeper into themselves and learn how to create healthy habits to cope with this human experience!"
-LAURYN
"I recently attended the Yoga 101 for Women Class with Courtney and found it to be very beneficial. Prior to the class, I had only dabbled in Yoga and it was self taught. Courtney was able to provide a deeper understanding of Yoga in general and how I can adapt it to my life style. She was not overpowering: she listened; she was patient and she let it be known that this was our class and we could take from it what we wanted. I appreciated all of the modifications she was able to share for the different Yoga poses. I have been using what I learned and hope to continue to learn more and deepen by yoga experience. I would encourage anyone who has been considering Yoga to attend; you will not be embarrassed if you can't do all of the poses! It was well worth my time and investment. "
-LINDA
"Working alongside (and I use alongside with purpose, as she is truly your partner) Courtney has been a gift. If you are looking for a way to make changes mindfully and wholeheartedly, Courtney's practice is for you. Yoga Therapy has helped me increase my movement, flexibility, and build and refine skills to address anxiety and sleep. Courtney actively listens, asks questions, and then helps you design feasible, realistic practices to acheive your goals. She is intuitive, honoring and skilled. I highly recommend working with her, I am so thankful that I am."
-KRISSY
"Courtney has been an integral part of my healing journey. I came to Courtney for help after sustaining serious injuries that broke my body and my spirit. I was lost in my pain, experiencing a real severance of my mind body connection, and I needed her intuitive, insightful guidance to find myself again. Our work together in Yoga Therapy was profound, healing, filled with joyful tears as she brought me back to life. If you are experiencing pain whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, Courtney is a well of relief and skill. I am forever grateful to Courtney. She has a healer's gift, and with it, she calls you back to yourself, filled with more light, power and joy than ever before."
-JEANNE
"Courtney has such an accepting, open, and relatable presence. Whichever services I receive, she meets me where I am and teaches and encourages me to balance, hold, and grow in a way that feels totally doable! She is a treasure and has so much knowledge, expertise, and intuition to offer."
-ALISA
"I was having issues with plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, and hip/neck tightness. I had tried many remedies for these issues but they never seemed to resolve completely, and I felt there had to be a better way to manage my pain, stiffness and soreness. I decided to try yoga therapy and I am so happy that I did. I learned how to rethink my “pain” and came away with a fantastic array of tools to help my body. Courtney was always attentive and helpful in tailoring my sessions to exactly what I needed."
-HEATHER
"Being a 65 year old with shoulder issues I had concerns, but with Courtney’s guidance and knowledge of modifying yoga, I have no problem doing it. Not only has Courtney taught yoga moves but also breathing techniques and so much more ❤️ I highly recommend Courtney to lead you on your yoga journey!! Thank you so much for getting me started, when I think of how good I felt I’m motivated to doing yoga and I’m confident doing it on my own, you taught me well!!😊🧘❤️"
-BILLIE SUE
"Courtney is wonderful at sharing knowledge in a way that is understood by all types of learners. She believes in what she teaches us and the tools she provides. I am looking forward to taking the tools and techniques I learned and integrating them into my life and practice. I would recommend Courtney to anyone who wants to dive deeper into themselves and learn how to create healthy habits to cope with this human experience!"
-LAURYN
"I recently attended the Yoga 101 for Women Class with Courtney and found it to be very beneficial. Prior to the class, I had only dabbled in Yoga and it was self taught. Courtney was able to provide a deeper understanding of Yoga in general and how I can adapt it to my life style. She was not overpowering: she listened; she was patient and she let it be known that this was our class and we could take from it what we wanted. I appreciated all of the modifications she was able to share for the different Yoga poses. I have been using what I learned and hope to continue to learn more and deepen by yoga experience. I would encourage anyone who has been considering Yoga to attend; you will not be embarrassed if you can't do all of the poses! It was well worth my time and investment. "
-LINDA
›
Public Weekly Classes
Want to move with me in a traditional studio setting? Alongside my private therapeutic practice, I teach a select few public yoga classes at local training spaces. While I do not wear my specialized yoga therapist hat during these sessions, I teach an intentional, alignment-focused asana practice. It is an accessible, budget-friendly way to get into your body and experience my teaching style.
The Vault (starting October 1st, 2026)
NOON Tuesdays Vinyasa Yoga
NOON Thursdays Gentle Yoga
Performance Health and Fitness
10:15am Mondays Vinyasa Yoga
10:15am Fridays Vinyasa Yoga
Attendance, pricing, and registration are handled entirely by the hosting venues. Please use the direct links below to view memberships or reserve your spot:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yoga Therapy?
According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Yoga Therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.
Why should I consider Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy is for you if:
You've tried a bunch of other things and nothing quite sticks.
You feel like what you're doing isn't quite getting to the heart of the matter.
You want to address your whole Self, not just the main symptoms, and get to the heart of the matter.
You know you are more than just your body, your mind, and your pain points. You want to integrate your whole being.
You are eager to change and grow, and understand that there is no miracle solution-that it takes time, energy, and financial commitment to reach your goals. If you are looking for the least expensive solution, as opposed to the best possible solution, than this will not be a good fit.
What is a Yoga Therapist?
My teacher, Michele Lawrence, said it best:
"A Yoga Therapist is a trained guide and facilitator, one who can use the teachings and practices of yoga to skillfully guide the client back to their own wholeness. The journey towards wholeness is not about perfection or fixing what is broken. It's about embracing imperfections, acknowledging wounds, and moving towards healing and growth. It's a process of integrating all aspects of oneself to create a sense of unity and balance.
A Yoga Therapist also provides a space to be seen and heard in the healing process, an element that should not be underestimated. In this healing relationship and by cultivating a holistic approach to well-being, we invite clients to reclaim wholeness in their lives. The connection between the inner healer and wholeness is a powerful reminder that true healing goes beyond the physical realm and encompasses the entirety of our being."
What does a Yoga Therapy Session look like?
It depends! We will spend a lot of time during the first Yoga Therapy session clarifying your pain points and your goals. No two sessions are alike. Based on your needs, you could expect to practice some gentle postures and movement, breath work, meditation, practices to focus and to become more self-aware. We keep the practices simple and accessible and they are always tailored to achieving your goals.
Schedule a Complimentary Discovery Call and we can discuss what might occur in a session personalized to your unique challenges and with your unique circumstances in mind.
How many times will we meet?
You have a choice among 3 commitment levels, depending on the support you're looking for: :
THE THRESHOLD - 1 month of clarity:
* 1 90 minute Intake Session
* 3 sessions once a week for 3 weeks
THE TRANSFORMATION - 6 months of clarity and action:
* 1 90 minute Intake Session
* 3 sessions once a week for 3 weeks
* Bi-weekly sessions for the next 5 months
THE METAMORPHOSIS - a year of clarity, action, and expansion:
* 1 90 minute Intake Session
* 3 sessions once a week for 3 weeks
* Bi-weekly sessions for the next 5 months
* Monthly sessions for the last 6 months
What will be expected of me if I work with you?
The saying, "You get what you give." really applies to this process. We will tailor a plan for you based on your goals, the time you have to commit to the practice, and your unique challenges. The only one who can benefit from the plan is the one who does the work, so it will depend on your personal accountability in service to the outcome you're hoping for. I will be your biggest cheerleader and fiercest advocate.
I don't live by you! Can we still work together?
YES! Unlocking You Yoga Therapy Sessions can be virtual. All you need is the internet, your computer and a yoga-mat sized space.
How do I begin?
We start our therapeutic work together in three simple steps:
Apply Online: Scroll just a few frames above these FAQs on this page and click the button that matches your readiness—"Cross the Threshold," "Begin Your Transformation," or "Initiate Your Metamorphosis." This opens your private Mutual Alignment & Readiness Check.
The Connection Call: I personally review every single application. If your goals and my clinical methodology are a structural fit, I will email you a private calendar link to book a 15-minute Complimentary Discovery Call.
The Portal Launch: Once we confirm your perfect container on our call, I will manually email your secure invoice and send your private Practice Better portal invite. The moment your portal paperwork is submitted, you can book your initial 90-minute Therapeutic Intake Session and cross the Threshold on your journey towards clarity, action, and expansion!
What is your cancellation policy?
FOR YOGA THERAPY: Please give at least 24 hours of notice to cancel. No refunds within that 24 hour window. I am a person and a small business. I see you as a person, too. I am committing to be respectful of your time and schedule and I ask the same in return. Please, let's talk if something feels unreasonable to you. It's super important that we start on the same page with aligned expectations.
FOR YOGA CLASSES HOSTED BY UNLOCKING YOU YOGA THERAPY: Please provide 12 hours of notice to cancel without penalty. No refunds. Class credit will be returned to your account for use at another time. Punch passes are non-transferable. Please be on time for class. Doors will be locked promptly at the beginning of class in respect for other student’s practice.
FOR WOMEN'S CIRCLES HOSTED BY UNLOCKING YOU YOGA THERAPY: Circles are limited to 16 women. Pay in full to secure your spot. 85% refund 7 days before the start to cover processing fees. Your refund will be placed on your account with Unlocking You Yoga. No refunds within a week of the start. No exceptions.
FOR YOGA CLASSES HOSTED BY THE GYMS/STUDIOS I PARTNER WITH: See their cancellation policies or ask and I'll let you know.
FOR WOMEN'S CIRCLES HOSTED BY THE GYMS/STUDIOS I PARTNER WITH: See their cancellation policies or ask and I'll let you know.
About Courtney Sutherland
Rooted in Experience & Leadership
My path into yoga began in 1998, and I have been teaching since 2007. Along the way, I spent over a decade in studio leadership, culminating in my role as an Area Lead managing four popular yoga studios in Colorado. In 2022, I completed my 800-hour C-IAYT credential with Inner Peace Yoga Therapy, grounding my practice in rigorous, multi-layered therapeutic application. Today, I combine my operational leadership with clinical training to act as a supportive partner for women integrating their physical, emotional, and soul layers through profound midlife transitions..
The Turning Point
My specialization in peri/menopause wellness is born from my own lived history. Through continued study, I now understand that my own perimenopause journey likely began before I turned 30. For years, I suffered from severe and chronic joint pain, depression, anxiety, and intense fatigue. Because of my young age, perimenopause wasn’t even on the radar.
We tested for all the scary things—cancer, autoimmune disease, and MS. When those came back negative, I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and advised to eliminate allergenic foods. I cut out gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, quinoa, and caffeine. It worked, sort of—until my late 30s, when the hot flashes started and I suddenly gained 40 pounds despite my hyper-restrictive diet. At age 41, hormone testing finally confirmed what my body had been trying to process all along: I was already post-menopausal.
Navigating that lonely medical gap taught me an invaluable truth: we do not have to "suffer through" peri/menopause in isolation. You are not failing at life because your body is changing. Everyone ages. Age is not ugly, and your system is not a broken machine that needs to be "fixed." Being alive is a gift. This transition is a sacred, natural rite of passage into your true wisdom and truth.
I am deeply passionate about helping women clearly name exactly what their systems are experiencing, walking right beside them through the chaos, and sharing the practical yoga therapy tools needed to reclaim their vitality.
© 2026 Unlocking You Yoga Therapy