Somatic Yoga Coach | Mind-Body Expert | Somatic Practitioner | Neuroscience Specialist
I’m Emily Kennedy-Barnes - a professional Somatic Yoga Coach qualified in multiple specialist well-being practices and therapies.
I’ve spent over a decade designing and refining my somatic programmes. Drawing inspiration from neuroscience and embodied practices to deliver effective and measurable results for my clients.
My fascination with the mind-body connection began at Dartington College of Arts, where I pursued my first degree. During this time, I explored a variety of body-based practices that illuminated how our physical experiences are intricately linked to our emotions and overall well-being.
My professional journey began through personal healing and has evolved into a career that bridges academic inquiry with hands-on somatic work. I’m currently completing an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of the Mind-Body Interface at King's College London.
Each approach I use—whether somatic yoga, breathwork, or somatic experiencing—offers a unique perspective on how trauma and emotions are stored in the body and how they can be released.
My work includes the application of neuro biomechanics - bridging traditional movement practices with modern neuroscience to assess and target key areas of the nervous system that impact movement and daily functioning, maximising results for my clients.
I help clients reconnect with their bodies through somatic experiencing, a powerful approach to healing trauma. By focusing on bodily sensations, we can release stored tension and emotions, cultivate self-awareness, and transform your relationship with your inner world.
Breath is a powerful tool for transformation. Through intentional breathwork practices, we can access a state of calm, clarity, and connection. My approach incorporates various breath techniques that facilitate emotional release and resilience.
This style of yoga promotes strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, encouraging a deep exploration of how your body moves. Each sequence is crafted to meet your individual needs, allowing you to engage with your body in a way that feels both empowering and liberating.
By integrating modern neuroscience with traditional yoga practices, I assess how your nervous system impacts your physicality and overall functioning. This specialised knowledge enables us to address specific areas of concern, whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, injury, or simply seeking to enhance your physical practice.
Ian
Executive Creative DirectorEmily has been a real breath of fresh air after managing chronic pain for a long time. Her academic work means she’s on top of the emerging science around the impact of mindfulness and movement on the nervous system, and she’s been a fantastically supportive coach for someone new to yoga.
Importantly for anyone struggling with chronic pain, she brings a huge amount of emotional intelligence and kindness to her practice.
Rose
Brand DesignerI’ve been attending Emily's dynamic flow yoga classes for the past two years, and I can’t recommend her classes enough. Emily’s cheerful personality, combined with her well-paced, energetic sessions, makes each class the perfect way to start the day. Her choice of music keeps things upbeat, and the flow is challenging enough to push you, but always balanced. I leave each class feeling energised, positive, and ready to take on whatever the day brings.
Dee
Massage TherapistEmily’s early bird yoga class is the best start you can have to a day. Emily’s knowledge and passion understanding the mind and body is infectious. I find myself utilising Emily’s teachings in my everyday life…it’s the class that keeps giving, done in a calm and well structured way.
Hannah
GPEmily is a special person and teacher. Her yoga is balanced, insightful, strong and never rote or dull. She is always learning and ready to share her new found wisdoms. I always feel so held and safe in Emily’s classes. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Nicole
Neuroscientist
My first yoga session with Emily was truly transformative. As someone new to yoga, I walked in feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect, but Emily's warm and welcoming presence immediately put me at ease. Her calm guidance helped me let go of my fears and fully immerse myself in the practice.
By the end of the session, my body felt rejuvenated—like it had been gently awakened—and my mind was clearer than it had been in weeks. Emily's approach not only taught me the movements but also created a safe space for self-discovery and relaxation. I’m so grateful for this experience and can’t wait to continue my yoga journey with her.
Bones
Yoga TeacherI love Emily’s classes. They are always playful, encouraging and full of nourishment for the body mind and soul. She creates a beautiful safe space to explore and play through a mix of creative flows, shaking, expert cues and self enquiry. After every class I feel so grounded and open. Thank you Emily for your magical and beautiful space holding!
Amy
Teacher and Individual Needs AssistantFinding my happy flow...
As a newbie to yoga I was a little nervous going to my first Vinyasa Flow session. Emily soon had me smiling from the inside out.
Emily is a warm, professional teacher who gently guides you through the flow in a calm, safe space.
Having had a baby 5 months ago, this was the 'me time' that my mind and body so desperately needed.
I left feeling revitalised, stronger and happy. Thank you Emily!
Emmie
Freelance Brand StrategistEmily’s yoga classes always shift my energy, lift my vibe, and leave me in a much better mood than when I arrived. She has such an incredible understanding of the body and knows all the science-based techniques to help us reconnect with ourselves—out of the mind and back into the body. Her longer somatic classes are a must-try, packed with practical hacks to shift your energy. Plus, her soundtracks are the best!
Ivonne
Yoga TeacherI truly enjoyed Emily’s guidance in her class. As a long time yoga practitioner myself, I love when I find instant connection to a teacher that makes me feel, calm, motivated and challenged in a gentle way.
I definitely want to come back to Emily’s classes for more of her yoga magic 👌. Thanks Emily.
Charlie
Mama & StorytellerI didn’t quite know what to expect from somatic yoga, but I was thrilled to discover how peaceful and balanced I felt every time after Emily’s classes.
The class is gentle and Emily has a wonderful, nurturing presence.
Also I have seldom been able to practice anything whilst on my period, but I was amazed to leave cramp free (having come into the class with pain)!
Thank you Emily for the unique work you do and I’m looking forward to becoming a regular on your deeper dives!
Keely
TeacherEmily is a wonderful teacher and she offers her own unique style and expression. She’s always so gentle and encouraging and her classes have such a great flow to them, which is helped by the amazing ambience she manages to create. She is a truly unique teacher who is able to convey genuine empathy and kindness through her yoga. I cannot recommend her enough.