Meditation and Yoga in Psychotherapy

ANNELLEN M. SIMPKINS, PhD, and C. ALEXANDER SIMPKINS, PhD, have extensive training in psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, and Zen. They have clinical, teaching, and research experience using meditation either as the primary method or in conjunction with other forms of therapy. They are the authors of several books on meditation, yoga, psychotherapy, and hypnosis, as well as books on several Eastern philosophical traditions.

• Preface xi How Yoga Can Help the Th erapeutic Process xiiYoga's Popularity xivAbout Th is Book xivPart I: Efficacy and Neuroscience Research 11 Efficacy 3Efficacy Studies Overview 6Efficacy Studies for Specific Problems 10Factors of Healing 17Conclusion 212 Yoga and the Brain 23The Relationship Between Mind and Brain 23Overview of How Yoga Affects the Brain 25The Neuroanatomy of Yoga 26From Mind to Brain: Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis 32Conclusion 41Part II: What Is Yoga? 433 Traditions 45Tracing Yoga's Roots in Ancient Texts 46Different Forms of Yoga 49Introduction to the West Th rough Great Teachers 58Conclusion 714 Philosophy 73From Samkhya to Yoga: Integration of Mind and Matter 74The Eight Limbs of Yoga 75Integration 85Conclusion 865 Practices 87Integrating Yamas and Niyamas as a Therapeutic Tool 88Asana Postures 89Pranayama Breathing 100Meditation 105Conclusion 111Part III: Applications 1136 Overcoming Stress With the Eight Limbs of Therapy 115Background and Theory 115Taking Yoga From Theory to Practice 120Using the Yamas and Niyamas 121Pratyahara: Withdrawing 123Dharana: Narrowing the Focus 124Dhyana: Opening the Focus 129Fostering Relaxation 129Conclusion 1327 Transcending Anxiety 133The Anxious Mind, Brain, Body, and Spirit 133Categories of Anxiety 135Yoga Treatments 136Overcoming Anxiety Actively 139Dynamic Work on the Anxious Mind-Body-Brain System 148Working With Panic Disorder 149Treatments for PTSD 151Treatment for OCD: Trading Rituals 154Conclusion 1558 Freedom From Depression's Grip 157Theories of Depression and Their Integration 157Working With Depression Integratively 160Altering the Neurochemical Balance 162Fostering Cognitive Change 170Improving Social Interactions 174Conclusion 1789 Addiction: Five Steps to Lasting Release 179Definitions 180Neurobiology of Addiction 181A Five-Step Method for Treating Addiction 182Conclusion 19410 Adapting Yoga for Children 195ADHD: Discovering Steady Attention 196Overcoming Anxiety and Stress 203Aggressive Behavior 207Some Special Variations for Children 210Learning and Memory: Using Wisdom to Gain Knowledge 211Conclusion 21611 Healthy Aging 217The Aging Mind, Brain, and Body 217Uncovering the Value of Aging 222Enhancing Vitality, Flexibility, and Strength: Chair-Sitting Yoga 223Working With Memory 231Pain Control 236Conclusion 23912 Freedom: Living From the Soul for Clients and Therapists 241What Is the Soul? 241Soul of the Client: Fostering the Best 244Drawing on the Soul of the Th erapist 248Attainment of Freedom 250Appendix I: Warming Up for Supplemental Practice 253Appendix II: A Quick Tour Th rough the Brain 257References 269Index 285

"The Simpkins are at their best in describing how everyone can learn to integrate their own brain, body, and mind to facilitate a creative synchrony of healing and well-being." (The Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter, Spring 2011)