Using Yoga Interventions to Enhance Clinical Social Work Practices with Young Women with Cancer

Abstract

It is widely published that physical, psychological, and social stressors adversely affect many individuals who are diagnosed with cancer, influencing their experience of treatment and perhaps, the quality of life after treatment is complete. No one is prepared for this battle, yet most patients are forced to make split-second decisions that are critical to their care. This case study highlights the mindfulness approach taken by one social worker to help a young woman during her journey with cancer. By guiding her through gentle yoga postures, yoga breathing, and meditation this patient learned how to take back some measure of control in her recovery, address her illness-related stress, and possibly enhance the quality of her life during treatment. As more clinicians combine conventional best practices with complementary healing therapies, they may provide tools any patient can use to instill hope and promote wellness during this most challenging time and beyond.