About Carola

 

Carola is a British-Italian yoga therapist, yoga teacher, neuroscientist, and Thai yoga massage practitioner based between London and Sagres, Portugal. Her group classes and private sessions blend somatic intelligence, ancient wisdom, and cutting-edge science to support deep regulation, vitality, and emotional repair.

With over 2,000 hours of clinical experience and a background in rhythmic gymnastics, diving, bouldering, and judo, Carola brings more than three decades of movement practice to her work. Her approach weaves together somatics—including Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Gaga Dance, and Somatic Experiencing—with vinyasa, yin, restorative yoga, breathwork, and meditative stillness. All her work is anchored in nervous system science, embodied psychotherapy, and trauma-sensitive awareness.

Carola is currently completing a PhD in Neuroimaging at King’s College London, where she researches the psychoneuroimmunology of Yoga Nidra for chronic stress and depression. Her work explores how contemplative practices reshape the brain, regulate the immune system, and foster neuroplasticity, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant symptoms. Her passion lies in bridging science and somatics to bring integrative therapies into mainstream mental healthcare.

Her classes in Sagres are soulful, intelligent, and deeply embodied. With a style that is both structured and fluid, Carola creates a space where strength and softness coexist, where curiosity is encouraged, and where the body becomes a source of insight and restoration. Her sessions often introduce novel movement patterns designed to stimulate neuroplasticity and recalibrate the nervous system.

She also offers Thai yoga massage sessions that combine therapeutic touch, assisted stretching, and intuitive energetic work, supporting emotional release and trauma integration.

Originally from Italy, Carola has lived, studied, and worked across four continents—including the UK, China, the US, and Rwanda. Her global path informs her teaching with cultural richness, psychological depth, and a warm, grounded presence. She meets each person where they are—with clarity, humour, and a fierce commitment to their unfolding.

 
 
 

YOga Qualifications

  • Over 1000 hours of Training

  • 200 hrs RYT from the Power Yoga Company

  • 30 hrs The Art & Science of Sequencing with Mark Stephens

  • 85 hrs Advanced Anatomy and Yin Yoga with Cal Wansbrough

  • 20 hrs Injury Management & Prevention with Jason Crandell

  • 35+ hrs Asana Academy with Mark Stephens

  • 550+ hrs Yoga Therapy Diploma with Yoga Campus

  • 20 hrs Pranayama with Mark Stephens

  • 25 hrs The Art of Free Movement with Shiva Rae

  • 60 hrs Yoga4Health with The Yoga in Healthcare Alliance

  • 6 hrs Somatic Exploration with Tias Little

  • 5 hrs Yoga as a Somatic Practice with Susanne Lahusen

  • 5 hrs Anatomy of the Deep Belly with Tias Little

  • 8 hrs Yoga Nidra and the Dream Body with Tias Little

  • Thai Yoga Massage with Mudita

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

  • PhD Neuroimaging Research from King’s College London

  • MSc Cognitive Neuroscience from King’s College London

  • MSc in Social Policy & Development from the London School of Economics

  • BA in International Relations from Hult IBS

  • Emergency First Aid at Work

  • Psychological First Aid

  • EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Diploma

  • Safeguarding L3 - NHS approved

EXPERIENCE

  • Over 10 years of continuous yoga practice

  • Training in Pranayama with the Satyananda Yoga Centre (10 weeks Sadhana Course)

  • Two 10 Days Silent Vipassana Meditation Courses