Integrating Body Based Practices into Talk Therapy

My methodology

My work is based on the principles of Pancha Maya Kosha model of Yoga philosophy that considers the 5 “layers” of humanity, the outer layers - body, energy (breath), and the inner layers - mind/emotions, wisdom, bliss (spiritual unity). This philosophical model suggest that each of these layers must be resilient in order for a person to re-establish equanimity after trauma.

As a mental health professional you are very aware of how to support clients’ mind/emotional layer and may work with clients on the deepest layers of wisdom and bliss. You are likely also aware of how challenging this task can be when a client’s is disregulated or blocked. The link between a person’s mental/emotional state and their body systems is clear, if a person’s nervous system is disregulated so too will their inner world be. This supports Yoga’s viewpoint that it is critical for the initial layers - body and energy - to be resilient before a client can fully address the inner layers. A growing body of research is demonstrating that Yoga practices are unique in their ability to regulate a person’s nervous system. Yoga also has a great deal to offer with regards to the inner layers and establishing mind/emotions, wisdom and spirit (even when secular) as an embodied experience.

Integrating yoga practices into talk therapy

Within the context of a therapy session this is done using techniques that are accessible in any setting (you aren’t teaching a yoga class!) using embodied practices that focus on positive feelings and empowerment. The tools I teach include simple accessible postures, mudras, mantras, breathing, visualization/meditation, mindfulness, and intention setting.

Within the training and mentorship I offer, I teach concrete instructions on how to integrate these tools into a therapy session.

Currently my work is being integrated into Emotion-focused therapy for complex trauma (EFTT) (adults with histories of childhood maltreatment)- Paivio, Robinson, Pascual-Leone; Yoga therapy as a complement to EFTT: Integrating body-based interventions, in S. Paivio & A. Pascual-Leone, Emotion-focused therapy for complex trauma (2nd ed.) New York: American Psychological Association.

I have participated in professional training for mental health professionals integrating body-based practices into EFTT at Institutes for Emotion Focused Therapy in Munich Germany, Bern Switzerland and Bergen Norway. And offered introductory training at York University Psychology Clinic and Souther California Institute for Emotion Focused Therapy. I am currently expanding this work offering mentorship to psychologists of all disciplines who are interested in integrating body-based practices into their client sessions. I also offer Yoga for mental health and trauma informed training for Yoga professionals.