Ryan Gervasi, LSW, RYT with Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation
Yoga has progressively been recognized by the mental healthcare community as an alternative–and tangibly successful therapy for many health conditions. A few common ones include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mood disorders that can become debilitating to those experiencing them. The ancient practice of yoga, having made its way into mainstream Western society, is proof that this accessible and healing practice has a profound effect on many people, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, etc.
The mind and body are significantly connected. But what about the spirit? The discipline of yoga integrated with psychotherapy allows for exploring and processing the suffering of the psyche. When we marry the benefits of talk therapy with the releasing body movements of yoga, a productive union of mental and physical awareness and liberation is achieved.
Connecting the thoughts, the breath and the movements awakens and reveals what we may be suppressing or experiencing difficulty in overcoming. In this way, the learning process is more profound. The body being moved in a safe and supportive way cues the self to relax and begin clearing space.
What happens when mind and body and spirit separate? We become disconnected and as a result, fearful, anxious, stuck. What happens when mind, body and spirit are in sync? Mind wanders, body calms, spirit holds space and thus we are whole. All three act together to support one another thus creating wholeness.
As we travel inward with words and movements, we begin to address our trauma, pain and suffering. As we progress the brain is absorbing the movements and ultimately retains the information. Our brain learns differently in movement causing the information to be retained and insulated more powerfully. In this way occurs a rooting, strengthening, and releasing throughout mind, body, and spirit, which in turn increases self-love, self-control, self-understanding, self-compassion, etc.
Combining yoga movement into clinical practice invites the client to create for her/himself the experience of learning, processing, and regulating so their internal frame of reference is healthy and functional.
Much like B.K.S. Iyengar shares in his book “Light on Life,” healing through movement is “a coming together, an integration of the sheaths of being so that we are exploring so that they can act in harmony and from a source that is moving ever closer to the core.”
For more information on healing through movement, contact Integrated Care Concepts & Consultation at 732-389-0697.
