New Books in Psychology cover image

New Books in Psychology

Lauren Tober, "Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Guide for Yoga Teachers" (Singing Dragon, 2024)

Oct 20, 2024
Dr. Lauren Tober, a clinical psychologist and veteran yoga teacher, discusses her new book on integrating mental health into yoga practice. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere for students experiencing mental health challenges. The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of yoga and the urgent need for mental health training among teachers. Ethical considerations around touch in therapeutic yoga are also covered, alongside the profound connection between calming the mind and accessing inner wisdom.
37:38

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Quick takeaways

  • Yoga instructors must be educated in both Western and yoga psychology to effectively support students facing mental health challenges.
  • Creating a safe and nurturing environment is essential for fostering emotional healing and personal growth among yoga practitioners.

Deep dives

Understanding the Need for Mental Health Awareness in Yoga

Many individuals practice yoga primarily for its mental health benefits, with a significant percentage citing stress, anxiety, and depression as reasons for participation. Despite this, most yoga teachers lack formal training in mental health, which creates a gap in effectively supporting students facing these challenges. It is crucial for yoga instructors to gain knowledge in both Western psychology and yoga psychology to adequately comprehend the mental health issues their students may experience. By equipping teachers with this understanding, they can create a more supportive environment that acknowledges and caters to the mental health needs of practitioners.

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