Bethany Platanella
BA, RYT
Yoga Teacher, Recreational Therapist
Platanella.Bethany@wholeprofessional.com
Bethany is one of Whole Professional’s recreational therapists. Also known as therapeutic recreation, this is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with mental health conditions as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.
Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques, including yoga, sports, games, dance and movement, and community outings. Bethany brings 15 years of experience in international and community events creation and management to the practice. She has worked in various facets of tourism, from corporate events to itinerary planning to tour-guiding. Her job has taken her around the world with multiple months each year spent on the road.
Despite traveling so often, one thing remained constant: her yoga practice. Bethany’s love affair with yoga intensified during a particularly difficult period of her life. When everything felt in flux, she turned to her mat to ground her and it is this approach she brings to her clients. With this discipline came an ability to “see the bigger picture” and not let her the stresses and challenges of her environment get the best of her. As a certified Vinyasa Instructor with an advanced training in Yin Yoga, Bethany believes wholeheartedly in the power of the balanced lifestyle attained through yoga. Its magic isn’t meant to change your life, but rather your approach to it. Through this practice, Bethany regularly cultivates patience and compassion, makes better decisions, and strengthens her willpower in a variety of ways.
Bethany began her career in Big Law, where she served as a project manager. She witnessed firsthand the toll that stressors within this environment could take on an individual. She subsequently decided to hone the skills necessary to alleviate such stress levels with her personal clients.
She holds a BA degree in International Studies from Drexel University.