INTEGRATING YOGA INTO COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY: THE PATH AND PRACTICE By Rameet Singh A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctorate of Education Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto © Copyright by Rameet Singh 2020 INTEGRATING YOGA INTO COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY: THE PATH AND PRACTICE Rameet Singh Doctorate of Education Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development University of Toronto 2020 Abstract The present study investigates the processes of integrating yoga into Western counselling and psychotherapy practices within Canadian contexts. This was accomplished by interviewing 10 mental health professionals who integrate yoga into their counselling and psychotherapy practices. Data was analyzed using the grounded theory methods and three core themes were identified in the processes of integration. The first core theme, therapist’s preparation for integrating yoga into counselling and psychotherapy, describes the ways in which therapists prepare themselves for integrating yoga into their therapy practices. The second core theme, the therapist preparing clients to practice yoga in session, explains the ways in which therapists prepare their clients to practice yoga in counselling and psychotherapy sessions. The third core theme, the practice of integrating yoga into counselling and psychotherapy, describes the specific yoga practices and approaches that are brought into therapy practice. A mid-level theory on the process of integration is presented as the Tri-Process Model of Integrating Yoga into Counselling and Psychotherapy. This study has important implications for addressing the limitations of Western counselling and psychotherapy and provides therapists with an understanding of how to incorporate more holistic and body-oriented approaches in counselling and psychotherapy practice. ii Acknowledgements I am sincerely grateful for my thesis supervisor, Dr. Roy Moodley, who has supported me throughout my education and research endeavors. I would like to thank my thesis supervisors Dr. Toneatto and Dr. Chen who have dedicated their time and commitment to support the success of this final project. I would also like to thank the research participants of this study, who are doing innovative work in the field of mental health and have graciously provided their time to be participants of this study. iii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ iv List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. viiii List of Appendices .......................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Statement of the Problem ........................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Major Research Question ........................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Rationale of the Study ................................................................................................................ 5 Chapter 2: Literature Review ....................................................................................................... 6 2.1 The History of Yoga and its Practices ........................................................................................ 6 2.1.1 Vedic Period (2500 BCE-600 BCE) ........................................................................... 8 2.1.2 The Upanishadic Period (800 BCE-400 BCE) ............................................................ 9 2.1.3 The Epic Age (600 BCE-200 CE) ............................................................................. 10 2.1.4 The Sutra Period (200 BCE-600 CE) ........................................................................ 16 2.1.5 Classical Yoga Period (200 BCE-200 CE) .............................................................. 20 2.1.6 Post-Classical Yoga Period (600 CE-1700 CE) ....................................................... 26 2.1.7 Concluding statement on ancient yogic history and its practices .............................. 30 iv 2.2 The Evolution and Journey of Yoga into the Western World ............................................. 30 2.3 Mindfulness in Modern Yoga Practices ................................................................................... 32 2.4 Clinical Research Studies on Yoga for Mental Health ............................................................ 33 2.5 Theories on the Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga ......................................................................... 36 2.6 The Limitations of Counselling and Psychotherapy ................................................................ 38 2.7 Yoga Addresses Limitations of Counselling and Psychotherapy ............................................ 44 2.8 Education and Training Programs on Integrating Yoga into Therapy Practice ....................... 45 2.8.1 Research on integration ................................................................................................. 45 2.8.2 Education and training programs on integration ........................................................... 46 2.9 Statement of the Problem ......................................................................................................... 49 2.10 Major Research Question ....................................................................................................... 51 2.11 Rationale of the Study ............................................................................................................ 52 Chapter 3: Methods ........................................................................................................................ 54 3.1 Qualitative Methods Approach: Overview and Rationale ..................................................... 54 3.1.1 The grounded theory approach: Overview and rationale .............................................. 56 3.2 The Interview Process: Preparation and Conducting ............................................................. 59 3.2.1 Participants: Inclusion criteria and recruitment............................................................. 60 3.2.2 Preparation for interviews: The consent and confidentiality process............................ 62 3.2.3 Instruments used for data collection .............................................................................. 63 3.2.3.1 Theoretical sampling .............................................................................................. 64 3.4 Conducting the Interviews ................................................................................................... 65 3.5 Data Analysis Process .......................................................................................................... 67 3.5.1 Participants: Description of the sample ......................................................................... 67 v 3.5.2 First level of analysis: Written reflections .................................................................... 69 3.5.3 Second-level analysis: Transcriptions ........................................................................... 70 3.5.4 Third-level analysis: Grounded theory analysis ............................................................ 70 3.6 Role of the Researcher: Personal Statement ........................................................................ 73 3.7 Reducing Researcher Bias .................................................................................................... 74 3.7.1 Keeping notes throughout the research process ............................................................ 75 3.7.2 Theoretical sampling ..................................................................................................... 75 3.7.3 Consulting with committee members, colleagues and research literature .................... 76 3.7.4 Leaving an audit trail: Documenting the research process ............................................ 77 3.7.5 Transferability of the research ....................................................................................... 77 3.7.6 Dependability of the research ........................................................................................ 77 Chapter 4: Results .......................................................................................................................... 79 4.1 Initial Experiences With Yoga: The Context and Personal Practice ...................................... 83 4.1.1 Healing with yoga ......................................................................................................... 83 4.1.2 Experiences with a personal yoga practice.................................................................... 90 4.2 Acquiring Formal Yoga Education and Training ..................................................................