Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy Techniques for Clinical Practice

Therapists are trained to understand the therapeutic methods they use. Similarly, meditation methods based in yoga should not simply be followed without understanding them, so a unique quality of our approach is that we offer guidance in the philosophical assumptions, rationales, and effects of the methods. Therapists will not only learn what to do, but also understand how, when, and why to use a particular technique. Flexibly meeting the special needs of each person is one of the hallmarks of an effective therapist and so we guide clinicians in how to creatively individualize techniques for best results.The techniques given in the book can help as therapeutic interventions in themselves. They can also be used in conjunction with standard therapeutic methods. For example, many forms of therapy direct clients to pay attention to a feeling. Often, clients don't know how to do so. Yoga meditation trains the ability to direct attention at will and keep it deliberately focused. Such skills will help clients to better carry out therapeutic instructions.

Annellen M. Simpkins, PhD, and C. Alexander Simpkins, PhD, have extensive training in psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, and Zen. They have clinical, teaching, and research experience using meditation either as the primary method or in conjunction with other forms of therapy. They are the authors of several books on meditation, yoga, psychotherapy, and hypnosis, as well as books on several Eastern philosophical traditions.