Yoga Psychology is an ancient form of psychology taken from the profound knowledge of ancient India: the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Vedas. It’s aim is to facilitate a person’s understanding on all levels of their being and to realize the source of consciousness within. It is holistic and rests on the assumption that unity alone exists. It sees all of our problems as confused attempts to live that unity! This kind of work helps each individual explore what is truly needed to experience their wholeness.
This holistic approach includes all of the domains addressed by Western psychology, yet therapy based on Yoga Psychology is not about escaping from problematic ‘symptoms’. It sees pain as a teacher that is redirecting us to gain insight towards real unity! Our problems, though unpleasant are used as a means for growing, deepening and finally clearing the patterns that are the underlying cause of our symptoms and our confusions about what will really bring us the experience of wholeness.
In therapy based on Yoga Psychology, the relationship between the therapist and client takes precedence over the teaching of mechanical techniques and behavioral prescriptions. What is conveyed by and through the relationship is considered more important; the presence, way of being and energy of the therapist plays a greater role in influencing the client than the content of what is actually said. The client’s patterns will manifest within the therapy and be held respectfully and explored.
What is seen as resistance in other forms of therapy, is actually an externalization of an inner conflict that the client experiences between two conflicting aspects of him/herself.One part makes a demand and another part leans itself against this demand.The therapist does not align with either side, maintaining a neutral position with regard to the polarization within the client. If the therapist feels that the client is resisting her, it is because the therapist herself has aligned with one side of the polarity being worked by the client.The therapist will encourage the client to accept and appreciate both sides of the conflict.
“All the melodramas in which a person becomes entangled involve a lack of acceptance by oneself and others, to the extent that the therapist truly accepts herself, s/he is able to create an atmosphere of self acceptance. All psychotheraputic methods are insignificant in comparison with the expression of unconditional acceptance.”
Alan Ajaya, PhD