The Awakened Recovery Team

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” — Pema Chödrön

Chelsea Rappel, Founder, Yoga Therapist

Hi, my name is Chelsea, Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), Yoga of 12-Step Recovery (Y12SR) Leader, Counselor, and person in longterm recovery. I am also the founder of Awakened Recovery. As a young person I felt extremely uncomfortable in my own skin, and mistrusted my body and heart. I turned to everyone else for approval and comfort, and later to alcohol, drugs and food. Depression, fear, shame, and suffering colored my world. So when I joined my first yoga class in 2006, I never expected that this very body and heart I had learned not to trust would be the entry point to connection, comfort, empowerment, joy, freedom and spiritual awakening.

Yoga and mindfulness-based practice led me to finally close the door on addictive, self-harming behaviors in 2014 and inspired me to create the Awakened Recovery method. My technique blends practical, goal-oriented counseling with trauma-informed yoga therapy protocols. Because this technique combines the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual inclinations of my clients, we go beyond treating mere symptoms to find transformative and lasting healing. Working with me is a very intuitive, compassionate and co-creative process. You will be empowered with the tools you need to free yourself from suffering and thrive in joyful recovery!

Beth Foley, Yoga Therapist

Hi there, I’m Beth. And yoga was the catalyst for my sobriety.

I wandered into my first yoga class in rural Ohio nearly 15 years ago. It was here that the seed was planted, gently placed in a corner of my being that wouldn’t see light or water for many years—but it was there, patiently waiting for the right time to grow. That time came in my mid-twenties when I began questioning how my life was unfolding. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in my career, I was constantly experiencing health setbacks, and I had a very unhealthy relationship with drugs and alcohol.

Beneath it all, I was yearning for more purpose, meaning, and connection. I found that through yoga and began immersing myself in all of the ancient teachings and practices I could hold. It was here that the rebirthing process began, slowly and gently transforming my unwanted patterns and shining the light of awareness into my darkest corners. And of course, that meant questioning why I was using drugs and alcohol to cope with my pain. This questioning occurred through mental inquiry, but more so through learning to listen to the wisdom within and truly understanding how I was holding emotional pain in my body. This ultimately led me to a path of sobriety, for which I am eternally grateful, and also to a radical shift in my life purpose-- a new call to share these skills and teachings with my community.

So here I am, a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), honored and excited for the opportunity to support you on your recovery journey. You can learn more about me and my work here.