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FAQ

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  • How do I join class after June 1st?
    At least 20 minutes before your class, please go to the Schedule and choose the class you’d like to attend. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a profile and purchase a pass in order to register for the class and receive your unique link to enter. Here are step-by-step instructions: 1) To get started, click here. Fill out the requested information, then click “Create Account”. 2) Check for an email from Punchpass (our booking system) to confirm your account. Click the button in the email to complete the process. 3) Our schedule will now appear. Please click the banner at the top to sign the waiver (even if we already have you on file). You can either sign the waiver with your mouse or click the box that says "use predefined signature". Thanks! 4) The schedule will reappear once you sign the waiver. Before you choose a class, please purchase a pass by clicking the button in the blue banner at the top, or by using this link. For donation-based classes hosted by the SMC Educational Foundation, you can skip this step and go straight to Step 5. 5) On the day of your class (or several days before, if you prefer), return to the Schedule and choose the class you would like to attend. Click “Register”. This allows Punchpass to email you a link and credit your account. For classes with Teresa, Ron, and Rich (Qi Gong): The link for the class is in the description of the class. You will not receive an email with the link. Just click the name of the class and then click the link that appears. For classes with Robin, Ellen, Lynn and all other teachers: Once you have registered for the class, two things will happen. First, Punchpass will email the unique link to enter this class. Second, Punchpass will save the link in your profile. If you have any trouble finding your email, the link will be available 20 minutes before the class. Look in the upper right hand corner under “My Reservations.” Again, for classes with Teresa, Ron, and Rich,(Qi Gong): you will not receive a separate email with the link. You will still see the reservation under "My Reservations". Just click the name of the class to get the link in the description. TO GET STARTED, CLICK HERE.
  • What is Yoga Therapy?
    Yoga Therapy is an individualized approach to help you ease aches and pains and feel better. It includes movement, breathing, meditation and lifestyle tips designed just for you. In our 20 years in Larkspur, we have worked with all kinds of pain, stress, surgery pre-hab and re-hab, and ongoing wellness therapies. We see lots of athletes, executives, seniors, doctor-referred patients, and mental health patients plus the local neighborhood.
  • Private or Group? Class Pass or Drop In? Styles of Yoga? Which options are right for me?
    What is a group class? Group classes offer an opportunity to build community while addressing your aches and pains. Want to get a little stronger? Want to learn stress management techniques? This is yoga that meets you where you are. What is a private session? New to yoga? Have a recent injury? Prefer to make your own schedule? Private appointments with our seasoned staff give you focused and individualized attention. Sessions end with notes that are yours to keep and practice. “Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class.” Larry Payne, Ph.D. Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.) $99 Introductory Offer = 1 of each Our $99 Introductory Offer includes 1 Private Appointment and 1 Group Class for a great low price. Sessions are available in-person or online with the teacher of your choice. Find out more and sign up here. Class Pass Options: You can buy drop-ins, class passes, private appointments, and gift cards. See your options here. How to find out about our Yoga Therapists SMC Yoga Therapists are the go-to Yoga Therapy experts in the Bay Area. Our seasoned professionals have experience and knowledge to help with all healthcare events, from aches and pains to major illnesses. We are frequently called on by local hospitals to supplement their teams. We bring that expertise to you. Read more about our team here. How to find out about our different kinds of classes The Stress Management Center offers a wider variety of classes than most studios. There are classes geared to bringing down blood pressure and building balance, strengthening bones, and improving range of motion. See the variety of classes we offer here. What if I can’t afford a class? SMC Educational Foundation classes are available on a sliding scale basis. We suggest $20 per class, but everyone is welcome and we are grateful for donations of any size. Foundation classes are currently offered several times a week to fit your schedule. Check out our Foundation website to learn more.
  • Can I try before I buy?
    Yes, your first class is free! To redeem your first free class, please use the discount code on our First Class Free pass.
  • What styles of yoga do you offer?
    Our teachers offer many popular styles of yoga, all with a therapeutic eye. Viniyoga, InnerBody, Swaroopa, Iyengar style, Integral style, Restorative and other Hatha Yoga and sometimes mixed with Feldenkrais and various release techniques with balls and props. There are even Qi Gong classes! All styles are adapted to meet you where you are, so that your experience is rejuvenating, enlightening, and eases your aches and pains.
  • How do I choose a Yoga Therapist?
    The easiest way to choose a Yoga Therapist is through a Consultation. You will meet with the owner, Robin Gueth, and she will help you find the right Therapist for your timeframe and issue. You can read more about our team here. To sign up for a Consultation, please email Robin@SMCmarin.com or call 415.461.2288.
  • What should I expect to happen in class?
    You can expect the teacher to offer guidance to you individually during class. You will typically do some quiet breathing, gentle movement, balance practice, strengthening exercises, and some meditation or deep relaxation.
  • What should I expect to happen in a private appointment?
    1. You can expect your Yoga Therapist to ask you questions to better understand your health and your lifestyle, including supplements and medications you may be taking, and any diagnosis that you have. 2. You can expect individualized support, including yoga poses, other movement, breathing practices, and lifestyle suggestions to help you feel better, live better.
  • What props do I need?
    Yoga mat in the classroom, at home you may be comfortable enough on a carpet Yoga strap or bathrobe tie Block or tupperware box about 4 x 6 x 10 inches Pillow - for comfort and for some of the poses Tennis balls (if convenient)
  • What should I wear?
    Loose clothing that still keeps you covered when bending forward deeply or laying your legs up the wall.
  • How do I sign up?
    Just enter your email into our booking system and then click on a class to reserve your spot. It’s that simple! Follow the instructions in this newsletter or read on in our Purchase and Booking sections.
  • How do I book a class?
    At least 20 minutes before your class, please go to the Schedule and choose the class you’d like to attend. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a profile and purchase a pass in order to register for the class and receive your unique link to enter. Here are step-by-step instructions: 1) To get started, click here. Fill out the requested information, then click “Create Account”. 2) Check for an email from Punchpass (our booking system) to confirm your account. Click the button in the email to complete the process. 3) Our schedule will now appear. Please click the banner at the top to sign the waiver (even if we already have you on file). You can either sign the waiver with your mouse or click the box that says "use predefined signature". Thanks! 4) The schedule will reappear once you sign the waiver. Before you choose a class, please purchase a pass by clicking the button in the blue banner at the top, or by using this link. For donation-based classes hosted by the SMC Educational Foundation, you can skip this step and go straight to Step 5. 5) On the day of your class (or several days before, if you prefer), return to the Schedule and choose the class you would like to attend. Click “Register”. This allows Punchpass to email you a link and credit your account. For classes with Teresa, Ron, and Rich (Qi Gong): The link for the class is in the description of the class. You will not receive an email with the link. Just click the name of the class and then click the link that appears. For classes with Robin, Ellen, Lynn and all other teachers: Once you have registered for the class, two things will happen. First, Punchpass will email the unique link to enter this class. Second, Punchpass will save the link in your profile. If you have any trouble finding your email, the link will be available 20 minutes before the class. Look in the upper right hand corner under “My Reservations.” Again, for classes with Teresa, Ron, and Rich,(Qi Gong): you will not receive a separate email with the link. You will still see the reservation under "My Reservations". Just click the name of the class to get the link in the description. TO GET STARTED, CLICK HERE.
  • How do I see which classes I’ve reserved?
    To see which classes you’ve reserved, click the “Member Log-In” button on the upper right-hand corner of our Home page. From there, you will see “My Reservations” again in the upper right-hand corner. Click on the name of the class to see more details and the description. For online classes, you can find your unique link to join class here 20 minutes before the start time.
  • Where can I find the Zoom link to my online class?
    For classes with Teresa, Ron, and Rich (Qi Gong): The link for the class is in the description of the class. You will not receive an email with the link. Just click the name of the class and then click the link that appears. For classes with Robin, Ellen, Lynn and all other teachers: Once you have registered for the class, two things will happen. First, Punchpass will email the unique link to enter this class. Second, Punchpass will save the link in your profile. If you have any trouble finding your email, the link will be available 20 minutes before the class. Look in the upper right hand corner under “My Reservations.” Again, for classes with Teresa, Ron, and Rich,(Qi Gong): you will not receive a separate email with the link. You will still see the reservation under "My Reservations". Just click the name of the class to get the link in the description.
  • How do I book a private appointment?
    You can purchase a private session directly from our Price List. Once you’ve purchased, please email Robin@SMCmarin.com to book your session online or in-person at your convenience.
  • How do I cancel a reservation?
    To cancel your class reservation, go to the bottom of the class confirmation email and choose “Click here to cancel this reservation”. You can also cancel your class by going to your Punchpass profile (sign in through the "Member Log-in" at the top of our website) and clicking on "My Reservations" in the top right hand corner. Then, click on the name of the class. The class details will appear with an option to cancel.
  • What’s your cancellation policy?
    You can cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before the start of the class.
  • What is Punchpass?
    PunchPass is our easy-to-use class booking system. We use it to manage our class schedule, sell passes, and keep track of our clients and their attendance. It is secure, efficient, and user friendly. With your SMC PunchPass account you can: Purchase class passes and private appointments Book and manage your class reservations Manage your account (see how many uses you have left on your card, check expiration dates, etc) Here are some helpful SMC Punchpass links: CREATE A PUNCHPASS ACCOUNT SIGN INTO YOUR EXISTING PUNCHPASS ACCOUNT PURCHASE A PASS BOOK A CLASS
  • Why do I need a Punchpass account?
    You need a PunchPass account to reserve your spot and receive a link for class. Your PunchPass account also allows you to see your class history, purchase passes and private appointments, and manage your billing.
  • How do I create a Punchpass account?
    Click HERE to create an account. Enter your name, email address, and password. If prompted, check your email inbox (or junk folder) to confirm your account. You’ll then be able to see your personal account and manage your booking and billing from one secure place.
  • How do I purchase a pass?
    To purchase a pass, simply click here, select from our list of available options, and follow the checkout instructions on the screen. You can decide if you want the system to save your credit details for next time or not.
  • Always pay by check?
    No problem. Please go ahead and create your profile with an email address (no credit card needed) and sign the waiver. When we see your profile, we'll credit you with current classes. You can continue to mail us checks in advance. Please note: You will need an active class pass to attend class, so please mail your checks well in advance. Our new address: Stress Management Center 336 Bon Air Center #307 Greenbrae, CA 94904
  • What are my purchase options?
    You can buy drop ins, class passes, private appointments, and gift cards from our Price List. Types of passes we offer: DROP IN: one time use. MEMBERSHIPS/MONTHLY PASSES: renew automatically every 4 weeks. This is a great option if you take 1 class a week regularly and don’t want to have to think about paying each month. PUNCHCARDS: think of these like electronic punch cards. Attend a class - punch! You’ll get an email when your card is low so you know to purchase a new one when it’s time. PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS: are a great way to receive 1:1 care if you’re new to yoga, have a specific issue you want to address, are suffering from a recent injury/accident, or want to manage your own schedule. Once you purchase a private session, please email Robin@SMCmarin.com to book your appointment online or in-person at your convenience. GIFT CARDS: Support your friend or family member’s commitment to their health and wellness. Gift cards are the perfect way to introduce someone to yoga therapy or show your friend from out of town your favorite class.
  • How do I use a promo code?
    Below the description of the class pass in Punchpass, there’s a box that says “Discount Code”. Enter your code and click Apply Discount. The discount will be reflected in the price listed above. Then click the green “Purchase Pass” button to proceed.
  • Do you offer gift cards?
    Gift card options are at the end of our Price List. Select the gift card you’d like to send and follow the instructions on the screen. Once you purchase, you will receive an email with a link that you can forward to your friend to redeem their gift.
  • How do I redeem a gift card?
    Your colleague, friend, or family member who has gifted you the card will forward you an email with instructions. 1 - Click the URL in the email 2 - Fill out the information 3 - Click the green button at the bottom to finish your ‘purchase’ and have that pass assigned to you. That’s it! Come and enjoy! * PLEASE NOTE: If your gift includes a private session, please email Robin@SMCmarin.com to select the therapist and set up your appointment.
  • Can I buy yoga gear from SMC?
    Yes! Email Robin@SMCmarin.com to coordinate. More coming soon on our website!
  • What is Yoga Therapy vs Yoga?
    Although all yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing, yoga therapy is the specific application of yogic tools—postures/exercises, breathwork, meditation techniques, and more—to address an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. Yoga therapists have in-depth training to help them assess and keep their clients safe. They work with you to address your specific goals while considering any limitations you might be experiencing. The practices your yoga therapist recommends could include: Movement ranging from gentle to vigorous Breathing techniques Meditation or visualization practices Physical postures that address specific areas of discomfort or musculoskeletal imbalances Any combination of tools like these! It all depends on what you need to increase your health and well-being. Many people first learn about yoga through its physical practices, but a common misconception is that it’s all about stretching or movement. In fact, yoga therapy can help people who can’t move at all, as well as active individuals! The yogic model of health is unique because it addresses every aspect of life rather than considering each body part or system separately. Yoga therapy is a safe way of working with the natural capacity of your body and mind to optimize well-being. A general public yoga class can certainly ease everyday aches, pains, and mood complaints. But a yoga therapy session, whether one-to-one or in a small group, goes much further because it is tailored to the individual. “Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class.” Larry Payne, Ph.D. Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.)
  • What can Yoga Therapy do for me?
    You can expect to have your needs addressed in a holistic way. In our 20 years of experience, we have worked with all kinds of pain, stress, surgery pre-hab and re-hab, and ongoing wellness therapies. We see lots of athletes, executives, seniors, doctor-referred patients, and mental health patients plus the local neighborhood.
  • Is there evidence that Yoga Therapy works?
    The research is in: Esteemed organizations like the National Institute of Health (NIH), Mayo Clinic, MC Anderson Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School have been publishing great research on the benefits of yoga therapy and stress management/mindfulness. Evidence shows that yoga therapy is so effective for back pain, chronic pain, asthma, and stress that it is considered an important additional therapy by support organizations like the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and the National Institute of Health.
  • Is there research that the SMC approach works?
    SMC is proud to have sponsored 3 research studies in partnership with Harvard and USF to prove our programs efficacy.
  • What is the SMC Educational Foundation non-profit?
    SMC Education Foundation is a way for the Stress Management Center of Marin (est 2000) to reach more people in need in our community. People without means to afford stress management, pain management and help with injuries. Learn more at www.smcfoundation.org.
  • How do SMC Foundation classes work?
    The SMC Educational Foundation provides holistic support for targeted populations, including veterans, youth, and stroke and brain injury survivors. The Foundation is funded through community donations so we can provide financial support for those who cannot afford our services. Foundation classes are available on a sliding scale basis. We suggest $20 per class, but everyone is welcome and we are grateful for donations of any size. Please donate using this link and include the name of the class in the memo field: www.smcfoundation.org/donate. Thank you!
  • Donating
    The SMC Educational Foundation seeks funding for resiliency programs to support the mental well-being of highly vulnerable, financially strapped populations, including: Veterans, especially those who have suffered traumatic brain injury and/or PTSD Adults living with traumatic brain injury and stroke Teen athletes from the high-risk community of Richmond, CA Where can I donate to the SMC Foundation? Please donate using this link and include the name of the class or teacher in the memo field: www.smcfoundation.org/donate. Thank you!
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