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Because the frameworks for psychotherapy and Yoga are RQDFOLHQW¶VSUHVHQWIHHOLQJVWKRXJKWV HJ³:KDWDUH\RXIHHOLQJ different, the emphases, techniques, and practices also differ. The now?”), and ways in which awareness appears to be limited or convergence of many of the aims and outcomes—most notably the UHVWULFWHG7KHUDS\PD\HQFRXUDJHDFOLHQWWRUHÀHFWRQZKDWLV promotion of health—is, therefore, quite remarkable. This article healthy, on the client’s goals, and on what impedes healthy choices focuses on how psychotherapy and Yoga each facilitate (1) self- and behaviors. It is assumed that such enhanced awareness will awareness and introspection, (2) behavioral change, (3) cognitive lead to healthy self-integration and change. change and self-acceptance, and (4) connection. YRJD assumptions of each framework Each of the eight limbs of Yoga leads to enhanced awareness. yamas Psychotherapy focuses on promoting health, relieving symptoms Through the (restraints promoting ethical behavior) and niyamas DQGGLI¿FXOWLHVDQGLQFUHDVLQJVHOIXQGHUVWDQGLQJ$³VLGHHIIHFW´ (observances of healthy attitudes), practitioners have of therapy may include greater connection to self, others, and WKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRUHÀHFWRQWKHLULQWHQWLRQVFKRLFHVDFWLRQVDQG asana nature. In contrast, Yoga practice promotes the experience of greater purpose. The integration of (postures), SUDQD\DPD dharana union and the realization of universal, nondualistic consciousness (breathing practices), and (concentration) enhances (samadhi ³6LGHHIIHFWV´RIWKHSUDFWLFHLQFOXGHKHDOWK\FKDQJH awareness of body, breath, mind, and their connections. The and the experience of bliss (ananda). development of one-pointed focus through SUDW\DKDUD (sense dharana dhyana Western psychological theory proposes that our troubles stem withdrawal) and ÀRZVLQWR (meditation). Through asana from a combination of genetic predispositions, life experience, practices such as and meditation, Yoga teaches practitioners Dhyana stress, and cognitive and behavioral habits. In contrast, Yoga to be present to immediate experience. , in turn, leads to the experience of higher states of consciousness and to the experience SKLORVRSK\SURSRVHVWKDWRXUGLI¿FXOWLHVDUHURRWHGLQVHSDUDWLRQ (which causes dissatisfaction and suffering), ignorance of our true RI ³ZLWQHVV FRQVFLRXVQHVV´ 8OWLPDWHO\ SUDFWLWLRQHUV H[SHULHQFH universal awareness, in which the distinction between subject and QDWXUHDQGRXUIDOVHLGHQWL¿FDWLRQZLWKZKDWZHH[SHULHQFH object (or knower and known) dissolves. self-awareness and introspection Are there limits to awareness? PV\FKRWKHUDS\ Like modern Western research psychologists, Yoga practitioners Psychotherapy develops introspection and self-awareness through recognize that the ordinary (i.e., untrained) mind is unable to WKH SURFHVV RI UHÀHFWLQJ RQ YHUEDOO\ LGHQWLI\LQJ DQG H[SORULQJ accurately study itself. The untrained mind remains too much a one’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Psychotherapy may focus part of what is being studied; it is swayed, overwhelmed, or caught 15 ,QWHUQDWLRQDO$VVRFLDWLRQRIsplit) in order to promote a healthy, integrated self. As observation of and separation from the cognitive process naturally we have seen above, both approaches also promote behavioral, leads to cognitive transformation. cognitive, and emotional change. Both aim to help clients more clearly experience the present. Yoga and psychotherapy both focus IQWHJUDWLQJ$SSURDFKHVWR&RJQLWLYH&KDQJH on promoting a sense and experience of connection. The combination of Yoga and psychotherapeutic practices may be However, the differences between Yoga and psychotherapy SDUWLFXODUO\SRWHQWIRUFOLHQWVZKRKDYHPRUHGLI¿FXOW\H[SUHVVLQJ also suggest that each approach has distinct assets and limitations. themselves—and healing—through talk therapy. We are beings Psychotherapy, for example, tends to encompass a more historical ZLWKERGLHVDQGH[SHULHQFHVWKDWDUHVRPHWLPHVGLI¿FXOWWRGHVFULEH through language. Emotions and sensations may also be embodied IRFXVXVLQJWKHSDVWWRUHÀHFWRQWKHSUHVHQWZKHUHDVSivananda Yoga Center. (2000). 7KH6LYDQDQGD&RPSDQLRQWR understanding of the self, others, and relationships. Yoga not only