★ 5

I am so fortunate to have found Debra. She has been a life changer for me, especially since I had been experiencing acute back pain and saw my physician for it.
I found Debra on the internet and read her reviews. I am not a person who is a routine exerciser. Walking and a career that was physical was most of my routine activity.
I had the opportunity to see my physician for a follow up appointment.
She told me she thought she was going to have to come up with a pain plan for continuing problems. I told her I was doing great She was very amazed at how quick I turned things around with Debra's help.
Debra is very attentive and kind. She gives individualized advice. She helps to modify movements and helps you achieve the goals you are hoping to achieve.
Thank you Debra, for all that you do!

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra is an expert teacher and a lovely person. She teaches Alignment-Based Yoga Therapy with an emphasis on stability, strength and mobility. Her classes are welcoming and as challenging as you want them to be. People of a range of abilities attend together with each improving at their own rate.

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra is the best. She is so attentive and knowledgeable. She’s willing to work one on one to help you learn the proper technique or finds individual adjustments to each person’s needs or abilities. She is so patient.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am 76 years old and have had years of yoga classes. Two years ago I injured my back and after physical therapy I needed to get back into regular a regular exercise program.
Although I had previous yoga experience, I needed to “start over”.
Debra’s attention to correct body alignment in the yoga postures was a revelation! I had never had such detailed instructions and I can recommend her instruction to anyone beginning or anyone experienced in yoga practice.
Her classes are small enough to get individual attention.
She is a kind and wonderful person!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started visiting Debra's yoga series on the advice of my massage therapist who is always offering options beyond massage for my continued well-being. Debra's class is wonderful. I'm stronger and have more trust in my creaky, tight body than when I began.
I am always amazed at people who remember everyone's name. Debra is one of those people. She genuinely wants health for everyone in her studio, and does not ever push on your body to get it into a particular position. There is a recognition that we all come into class with medical and muscle and structural differences- and I have never experienced someone navigate that so well and so patiently. There are many different experience levels in her classes and she allows space for everyone to get involved at their own level. I've been doing yoga for 35 years on and off (more off than on!) and there are things she narrates as we get into positions that I never knew, that keep my wrists, knees and back uninjured. I really appreciate this class and recommend to others all the time.

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra is an outstanding yoga instructor. She keeps her classes small to provide personal attention to everyone. Proper alignment and emphasis on safe and effective positions in poses is a hallmark of her teaching, and is something I greatly appreciate after many years away from yoga.

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra is simply the best for any kind of movement rehabilitation at any age. And she’s fun and compassionate as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am in my eighth decade and extremely overweight and knew yoga was NOT for me. I began with a private lesson with Debra that was a gift a few years ago . This private session was instrumental to my continuation and success. Debra Wolfe is extrememely well-trained and is aware of every movement of each student in her studio. She encourages, adjusts, and helps everyone - along with a delightful sense of humor. I cannot speak more highly of my experiences in DLeeArtsYoga. I now attend bi-weekly and am much stronger, 20+ pounds lighter and have a better sense of balance. I leave each session feeling better, stronger, and happier.

Maureen

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra is an extremely knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful yoga instructor. Her classes are so much more than the typical yoga class due to her background in yoga therapy. I've taken yoga classes from other instructors on and off for several years and I have learned so much more about proper form in her class than at any other previous yoga studio. Debra recently pointed out a leg length discrepancy I was unaware of that, once corrected, has eliminated most of the pain I was feeling in one hip. Even my primary physician didn't find that. I wholeheartedly recommend Debra's classes!

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra Wolfe is an extraordinary teacher and may give you an entirely new conception of the practice of yoga. The skill, dedication, and the attention she brings to her work with students of all ages and levels of mobility is simply incredible. Two years of classes with Debra pre-pandemic were crucial to my ability to improve my overall fitness. I'm so happy she's once again teaching in Port Townsend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra's teaching has worked miracles with my flexibility. I came to her after a series of physical therapy sessions and attending her clsses has extended the benefits I realized through physical therapy.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been practicing yoga with Debra Wolfe for a few years, and the results have been remarkable for my bad back and knees. Her skilled guidance and therapeutic approach have made a significant difference in my overall well-being. This isn’t like any yoga you’ve experienced before; it’s way better. Debra’s expertise and dedication make each session incredibly beneficial and healing.

Source: Google

★ 5

I came to Debra quite anxious about taking up yoga again after I found out that I would need total knee replacement surgery "soon." I was afraid it would make things worse or that my knee would get in the way of a "real" practice. I was also afraid I would get hurt in class. What I found instead was a compassionate, expert teacher who worked with me to get me in the best shape I could be prior to surgery.

Five years have passed since my knee replacement. The muscles that were cramped and shortened because of my compensatory gait have stretched out. Debra suggests modifications for me that work great. She is patient and kind and I know I can trust her, and I love going to class at her new location. Whatever your level, Debra has so much to offer.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am recuperating from major surgery and was looking for a yoga instructor that had the skills and relational abilities to help me regain my strength. I am so grateful I landed in the right spot!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra Wolfe’s therapeutic yoga sessions has really helped me with alleviating pain. I highly recommend. Debra truly cares about people and has a gentle and healing approach to her practice.

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful sessions and experiences. Debra is very knowledgeable, Debra cares for your positive participation, and makes every session into a very peaceful, good time with great instruction and new techniques as part of every session
Much support for her,
Paul EISENHARDT

Source: Google

★ 5

I spent many years saying I would NEVER take yoga!!! I am approaching 4 years with Debra and if I miss a class I miss a most important part of my life. She is so astute...when I walk into class she can immediately tell if I am okay or not. Her class has made it possible for me to be more active and have less old age pain. She is fun, down to earth and leads us through a wonderful hour experience.
Karen
I said for several decades that I would NEVER take a yoga class.
As I near my 9th decade I spend 3 days a week in my 5th year with Debra. She sizes up everyone as they come into class and makes sure that her time with us specifically addresses our individual needs. I am much more agile and limber. I believe if I had chosen another type of activity, I would be in much worse condition and have more damage to my joints. Debra cares about each of us a total human being who has specific needs which she addresses. She is seriously funny, a beautiful woman who is open about the fact that she, too, benefits from therapeutic yoga.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Deb's yoga classes are life changing, healing, powerful, serious work, and very fun. This is my 4th year taking her classes 2-3 times per week, and thoughts of her classes are always the first priority on my mind when I plan my calendar activities. I recently had to miss a month of classes due to a medical problem and I was stunned by how much my body missed them! Because of Deb's classes, when I'm asked how old I feel, I think "Oh, 35." But I'm 69. Truly, I treasure Deb, her sense of humor, her control of the classes via her serious practice values, and her kindness.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've worked with Debra for three years. It's changed my life. I'd practiced yoga for decades with many other teachers, but got to a point where chronic pain prevented me from attending classes. After hearing great things about Debra, I decided to try her Therapeutic Yoga class. From the first day, Debra taught me things about posture that NO ONE had ever mentioned. Her focus is entirely on relieving pain from injuries and then preventing further injury, all the while teaching us proper alignment, making the body stronger.

I had a rather severe fracture recently that kept me out of class for a few months. After physical therapy got me well enough to return to yoga, I was amazed at how my healing accelerated. Within weeks, I went from struggling to walk to walking with full range of motion and no pain!

Debra is, hand's down, the best yoga teacher I've ever known. She's full of love and treats each student with utmost respect and caring.

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra has saved my back. Though this yoga is gentle, it's extremely powerful. And the power lies in regular practice. The most surprising result is that I know how to help myself in between classes or when I'm on the road. Building this style of yoga into your self-care routine will ease your pain and calm your mind.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been taking Debra's therapeutic yoga class twice a week for two years. As an octogenarian it is imperative I keep my muscular-skeletal system from rusting. Debra to the rescue! I now make sure any and all outside class commitments do not conflict with my yoga classes. In addition to being a great instructor, Debra is also blessed with a wonderful personality that makes each class a joy.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the first yoga class I have taken where I have not aggravated my back issues and have greatly improved my understanding of where my body is in space. I now know how to move with better mechanics so I do not injure myself and this has flowed into my day to day life. Thank you!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I am extremely grateful for Debra Wolfe and her approach to yoga. She is an exceptional teacher and person. She has a thorough understanding of body mechanics and is attentive to each student’s body limitations, alignment and form. Her gentle, clear and hands on approach have helped me make subtle corrections to various poses. I really appreciate this. It is easy to injure yourself in yoga, but this is not an issue at NW Yoga Shala.

Source: Google

★ 5

I practiced yoga for 30 years in the Bay area, but after moving to Port Townsend, pain in my hip led me to Debra's therapeutic yoga class. I had thought I might need a hip replacement, but through Debra's skilled teaching and individualized attention, my hip rather quickly became more flexible and pain free! My work with Debra over the last several years has also helped with my overall flexibility and sense of well being. I particularly appreciate her focus on alignment and opening the large psoas muscle, which affects so many parts of the body, but is often ignored. In addition to being a highly skilled and knowledgeable teacher, Debra is kind, compassionate, supportive and fun. Anyone who works with Debra is in for a treat!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been taking yoga classes for over 20 years and I have never had a teacher like Debra. Debra breaks down each posture and explains exactly where every part of your body should be and why. She makes sure you know how to protect your knees and back, then observes each person and helps them modify and make the adjustments they need on that day. When I moved to Port Townsend I had been lliving with cronic back pain and was really worried about leaving my physical therapist who had kept me upright for years. Then I went to Debra's Theraputic Yoga class and began to learn how to strengthen my core and take more controle of my back pain. I followed Debra from Lawrence Street to North Beach and would proably follow her anywhere. Through working with Debra I also resolved a "Frozen Shoulder" that did not respond to physical therapy.
Hope Maloney 2018

Source: Google

★ 5

Hip issues run in my family. I’m an active person so I’ve fought the periodic soreness in my right hip thinking it's my fate to endure pain until it gets bad enough that I need surgery. I was wrong. After a year in Debra’s Therapeutic Yoga class twice a week, the change is dramatic. I rarely wake in the night with my hip aching. If I occasionally have soreness during the day, the stretches I have learned relieve it. I think the credit goes to Debra’s skilled instruction, her close caring attention to every class member’s body alignment, and her humor. I’ll take a little credit though. Even with the best teacher, you have to show up for the practice.

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra is a wonderful teacher. I was fairly new to yoga when I started with her, so knew very little about how to do the poses. Her focus on proper alignment was exactly what I needed. I am so much more flexible and balanced since starting her class. The yoga wall was frightening to me at the beginning, but she patiently worked with me until now I love to hang in downward dog. She is outstanding in her ability to work with whatever issues her students have. Last year I suffered through a frozen shoulder for over six months but did not have to give up my practice as she showed me how to modify all the poses so I could slowly return to my full capacity. Just recently I had an issue with my back, She did a few adjustments and, miracle of miracles the problem was solved. (Amazing what having someone stand on you can do!). A week without yoga with Debra is now a week that feels empty.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had given up on having a yoga practice after trying for decades to find a good fit for my mind, body and spirit. After a class I would leave with only frustration of not being able to do the poses and no understanding of the benefit and why's of doing them.
Then a marvelous coincidence occurred about two years ago when a friend invited me to Debra's Restorative Yoga class. At the end of that first session I had an emotional reaction - tears of joy - knowing in my heart that I had found my "home."
Now I have a new and continued awareness of my body. Debra, a yoga therapist, has comprehensive knowledge in this area. She watches all of us with keen eyes of the eagle, making corrections, adjustments and ensuring we have the appropriate props to do the pose without causing harm to ourselves.
As I see my progress, I persevere and have made a commitment to a life time practice. I am experiencing positive changes - I call them miracles. Flat feet now have arches; the hunch on my back is softening; no pain where there was pain...and more.
Debra and her Restorative Yoga are both gifts for which I will be ever grateful.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started with Debra after knee surgery inflamed the arthritis in my knee. She is such a patient teacher...always making sure that I'm feeling no pain in my knee during a pose, and altering the pose if necessary. After 18 months, the muscles surrounding my knee are so much stronger and my core strength has increased dramatically. I've been gardening pain free all season!

Source: Google

★ 5

Debra Wolfe is an extraordinary teacher. She is a compassionate healer who combines technical knowledge with instinctive understanding of an individual’s physical problems. For example, last year after only two classes she cleared up a painful knot in my shoulder that had been there for years – and it has not come back. Small classes mean that everyone receives her hands-on attention. The movements are yoga-based, but the emphasis is on the therapeutic elements. We, her students, are there because she is wonderful, but also for the practical reason that she knows how to correct our body’s painful misalignments and injuries. Students tell stories of how after working with her they no longer needed back surgery or how they regained lost motor mobility, along with the usual benefits of a yoga practice. Deb teaches you how to work with your body, but does it with impressive lessons in tranquillity and joy. Highest recommendation.

Source: Google

★ 5

About 20 months ago, I began to have discomfort in my lower back and hips and numbness in both feet which extended up my left leg to my hip. I could not walk my dogs and had to lean on the grocery cart while shopping. After initial X-rays and ultrasound evaluations, I learned that I had "very extreme spinal stenosis", with L4 - L5 vertebra displacement. While waiting for my appointment with a conservative spine surgeon, I decided that yoga might be helpful. It was my great good fortune to discover Debra Wolfe and her NW Yoga Shala! Debra felt that with Therapeutic Yoga, three times a week, she would be able to diminish my pain and increase my mobility within 6 to 8 months. Soon after I visited my spine specialist. He was glad to hear that I was beginning therapeutic yoga classes, but sent me home with information regarding spine surgery, saying that he expected it was in my future.

Four months later, I was very encouraged. Already I was feeling so much better. I celebrated by taking a late spring day hike of 9 miles in the Olympic Mountains - something I wouldn't have imagined possible. Shortly thereafter, when I had a followup visit with my spine surgeon, he was quite amazed with my increased flexibility and strength, and declared that "surgery is off the table for you at this point".

I continue to work with Debra 3 times a week and am now pain free, very much stronger and more flexible, and I can do everything I thought I'd never do again! I ride a mountain bike, sail my boat, folk dance, and hike. I did a 3 day backpack trip last summer, carrying my own gear and this past winter went downhill skiing again. I attribute the return of wellness and energy to my 72 year old body to Debra and her knowledge, skill and compassion. I am constantly in awe of her ability to work with each student in the personalized, deeply caring manner she brings to us.

Debra and NW Shala Yoga are at the top of my gratitude list! What a privilege it is to be able to work with her.

(I'm 17 in picture ... feeling more like it every day!)

Source: Google

★ 5

I tweaked my back on Saturday and spent Sunday on a heating pad, hardly able to move. I almost skipped yoga class this morning. It hurt to roll over in bed, it hurt to walk and getting into the car was an adventure in pain. Deb Wolfe is amazing! She understands the body and how it works and knew exactly what postures would "correct" the problem. By the time I left class, my back felt only slightly sore. I had full range of motion and hopped in and out of the car with no pain. I've been doing my yoga practice with Deb for a year and I hope to be practicing with her for many years to come.

Source: Google