Social Work and Yoga: The Evolution of Practice From Talking to Moving

Abstract

ABSTRACT This phenomenological reflection aims to chronicle the author’s journey from social worker to yoga teacher over a 10-year period as the first yoga teacher at a large inpatient psychiatric hospital. The paper describes the transition from teaching small therapeutic process-oriented groups to movement and breath-based groups. Highlighted are the common practices used and how they were received. Key influences in the literature that are woven into the unique story have guided the experience and confirmed the author’s observations and lived experience of teaching therapeutic yoga in an inpatient setting. The paper concludes that there is room for more research regarding the application of gentle yoga-like postures and breathing practices as it relates to clinical social work practice. Pinpointing a “minimum dose response” (of practice) would be helpful. In the meantime, available data suggest that daily practice is where upstream work—such as yoga—shines. Even small doses of breath and movement, done often enough, provide a simple way for social workers to connect to themselves and to their clients in a more embodied manner and may improve client outcomes. IMPLICATIONS The time has come for bringing the wisdom of the body and the reflectiveness of social workers and their clients into their work (and social work education). Emotion regulation happens when both top-down and bottom-up approaches are included in treatment. Breathing exercises provide direct access to the nervous system. Therefore, making space to introduce these simple practices in social work should be a consideration. Considering how social workers might incorporate movement into their sessions or interactions with clients (walking and talking, small arm movements, gestures, intentional breathing practices) is a worthwhile pursuit for both social worker and client wellbeing.