Abstract:

This study was a preliminary exploration of the transformational effects of integrating Yoga with psychotherapy. It suggested that as an adjunct to psychotherapy, Yoga can deepen healing, enhance growth, and affect transformation in the practitioner, and that further research in this area is warranted. Four participants, or co-researchers, including the author, who underwent psychotherapy in conjunction with the practice of Yoga, shared their stories of healing, growth, and transformation.

A review of the literature focused on the following topics: (a)?What is Yoga?, (b)?psychotherapy, (c)?Yoga and psychotherapy, (d) Yoga therapy: research and clinical applications, and (e)?meditation. Organic inquiry, a qualitative transpersonal research approach, was utilized in this exploration.

Open-ended interviews were used to solicit co-researchers' stories of transformation as a result of having integrated Yoga with psychotherapy. These interviews are presented in narrative format as stories of transformation. The group story is presented as a synthesis, highlighting themes and metaphors of transformation that emerged out of the co-researchers' experiences.

Themes that arose as a result of integrating Yoga with psychotherapy included deepened healing; enhanced growth; integration; embodiment; transformation; synchronicities; change; altered state of consciousness; seeing the Sacred in all; finding the true Self; discovery of life purpose; healing of the mind, body, and spirit; enhanced awareness; love; and joy. Metaphors of transformation that came to light included Lifting the Veils of Illusion or Discovery of the Sacred, From Caterpillar to Butterfly and From Darkness to Light.