04/02/2026
From Paul Harvey, student of Desikachar, and my main teacher in yoga and yoga therapy. These are in the context of answering questions on the topic of yoga therapy in 2011. The original post can be found in www.yogastudies.org
I personally understand yoga and yoga therapy as a continuum of practice. As a teacher and therapist I focus on the individual that has certain characteristics, potential, life circumstances, etc. And from there a relationship is formed and a sadhana is developed. And here lies the difference from the usual western model of therapy where one looks at the problem that the person has and imposes a treatment on the person for that problem.
These approaches are not exclusive. I believe that both are needed depending on the situation. Long term yoga practice will most likely bring many benefits mentally for example, however they may be periods when together with yoga practice one may need psychotherapy or even psychiatric medication.
