Assignment 2

Running head: YOGAPATHIC GROUP TREATMENT FOR WOMEN
A Yogapathic Group Therapy for Women
Whitney Bryant, Rebecca-Anne Edelman and Allison O’Toole
CNS 742 EG - June 2016
Wake Forest University

YOGAPATHIC GROUP THERAPY FOR WOMEN 2
Table of Contents
Introduction/Rationale .................................................................................................................3
Yoga and mindfulness in the group setting ..................................................................................3
Women as a target group ..............................................................................................................4
Yoga and mindfulness in groups of women .................................................................................5
Group treatment proposal .............................................................................................................7
Group objectives ...........................................................................................................................7
Group therapy sessions .................................................................................................................8
Session one: Introduction .............................................................................................................8
Session two: Self-esteem building ..............................................................................................9
Session three: Thought, power and self-expression ..................................................................11
Session four: Coping skills .........................................................................................................13
Session five: Self-care ...............................................................................................................14
Session six: Conflict resolution .................................................................................................16
Resources for group leaders .......................................................................................................18
Resources for group members ...................................................................................................19
Conclusion/Issues in application ................................................................................................20
Informed consent document (example) .....................................................................................21
Outcome evaluation questionnaire (example) ...........................................................................22
References .....................................................................................................................................23
A yogapathic group therapy for women
The group movement developed out of the counseling movement, and interest in group
treatments has been increasing since the beginning of the 20th century (Gladding, 2016, pg 381).
Women-only groups have been gaining popularity since the 1970s, and research has already
identified some issues that women deal with better in a women-only environment (pg 290). The
use of yoga and mindfulness techniques in therapy is also increasing popularity, and results of its
benefits on the mind and body are developing rapidly. This paper will provide a rationale for the
development of a yogapathic group therapy designed for women, as well as a proposal for the
structure and design of that treatment.
Rationale
Yoga and mindfulness in the group setting
Barton (2011) describes the Movement and Mindfulness program, which is a body-based
group therapy technique designed for outpatient social rehabilitation facilities. According to the
article, yoga, dance and mindfulness therapies are complimentary in practice, and are grounded
in eastern philosophical and spiritual concepts (pg 159). The curriculum is dynamic, and evolves
as the members go through it, but in its beginning stages it focuses on “core strength, balance,
tension-release, and pairing breath with movement” (pg 167).
Barton (2011) focused on the qualitative reactions of the members to the program, and
the recorded responses from the members were extremely positive. Participants reported an
increased ability to manage personal stress, decrease anxiety and improve relaxation.
Participants showed an increased understanding of themselves, and a heightened awareness of
the thoughts and feelings of others. Barton identifies the following elements as important in the
success of the program: (a) emphasis on communication, group support, trust, and safety, (b)
facilitating group confidence, (c) the importance of keeping the group active, (d) modifications,
or keeping the group invested in the therapeutic process and (e) follow up services (pp 176-177).
This article shows that people who enter mindfulness based therapy groups not only have
positive outcomes, but feel good about the process as well.
Women as a target group
Modern research on group treatments for women is beginning to specialize and search for
subgroups that require individual attention. One of these sub groups identified by Gladding
(2016) is relationship groups (pg 291). Gore-Felton and Spiegel (1999) describes a support
group designed for women with breast cancer. This study utilized Supportive-Expressive
Therapy in a group environment to provide these patients with social support, and to increase
coping responses and emotional regulation (pg 284). Gore-Felton and Spiegel (1999) found that
their group treatment “reduced anxiety related to death and dying, strengthened interpersonal
relationships and improved quality of life” (pg 274). These patients experienced less pain
compared to controls, and survived much longer than controls.
Another sub group identified by Gladding (2016) is rape/violence survivors groups (pg
290). A study by Lubin, Loris, Burt and Johnson (1999) attempted to reduce primary symptoms
of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in women who had experienced multiple traumas.
These researchers used a form of cognitive-behavioral group therapy called Interactive
Psychoeducational Group Therapy. Although a limitation to this study is that it did not include a
control group, the subjects in the study had maintained stable levels of PTSD symptoms despite
multiple forms of treatment in the years leading up to the study. The effect of the group
treatment was reduced PTSD symptoms and psychiatric distress for these women who had been
suffering for many years.

The argument for a women’s-only treatment can take many forms. McManus, Redford
and Hughes (1997) used a feminist argument for a 6-session group treatment for women. If
women grow and develop within their relationships, than the best relationships for women’s
growth would be with other women. This group treatment was very structured in its design, and
focused on communication skills, but also included guided imagery and relaxation exercises.
McManus, Redford and Hughes (1997) found that the group gave the women an opportunity to
learn about themselves and “explore the impact of gender socialization on their lives” (pg 29).
This article provides support for a generalized advantage for providing women with a specialized
treatment option.
Yoga and mindfulness in groups of women
Based on recent studies, the effects and benefits of using yoga and mindfulness in group
therapy settings seem to be endless. The study done by Clark, et. al., (2014) used trauma-
sensitive yoga as an adjunct mental health treatment in group therapy for survivors of domestic
violence. The main goal of the research was to test the feasibility of incorporating a trauma
sensitive group therapy yoga practice for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The
participants in this study were females who completed the Domestic Abuse Project’s (DAP)
group therapy program and were seeking services in DAP’s aftercare program. This study
included seventeen women, nine of whom were in a control group receiving typical
psychotherapy.
The intervention group met once weekly for twelve weeks for a trauma sensitive yoga
protocol. Yoga is seen as a natural extension of what the DAP program already implements in
mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises. Yoga is easy to integrate into existing group
counseling environments as it can be done in the same location and requires little to no additional
equipment. The study showed that over the span of the twelve-week intervention, the women
receiving group therapy for IPV received scores of improved mental health. Clark et. al., (2014)
supports the inclusion of yoga in treatment of mental health illnesses. Yogapathic techniques
can be seen as a “promising tool for partner violence survivors seeking group therapy” (Clark et.
al., 2014).
Rybak and Deuskar (2010) studied yoga and meditation skills in a group setting to
increase self-understanding. The researchers say that yoga “offers a very practical discipline to
enhance personal development and guide one’s developing consciousness toward a greater
contact with reality.” The researchers used meditations that included watching breaths, and
detachment exercises to relax the group member’s bodies and thoughts. The groups that
practiced these exercises were able to use energies towards healthier social interactions, create a
deeper sense of self-awareness and self-understanding, and relief from unnecessary stressors.
These practitioners of yoga/meditation techniques during group sessions created an overall shift
towards a more constructive, growth-oriented atmosphere in the group counseling setting (Rybak
& Deuskar, 2010). Yoga/meditation decreased the amount of unhealthy conflict in the group
settings, and helped decrease paranoia and bitterness toward others. These negative feelings
were replaced with ones of compassion and understanding of others. This meditation serves to
aid members in learning about energy flows and harmful energies, building relationships with
others, and what interactions opens them to the energy of the group.
Shahidi, et. al., (2011) explores another interesting yogapathic group technique: laughter
yoga. Using a combination of unconditioned laughter and controlled yoga breathing with
elderly, depressed females, the study measured the effect of the treatment on mental and physical
health. Seventy females participated in the study and were divided into three randomized
intervention groups: laughter therapy, exercise therapy and a control group. Although there were
no significant differences between the laughter and exercise groups, both showed decreased
depression scores and increased life satisfaction.
Group treatment proposal
Research has shown that women thrive in a therapeutic environment that is exclusively
females (eg, McManus, Redford & Hughes, 1997). The use of yoga and mindfulness techniques
in group therapy have shown to increase life satisfaction, decrease symptoms of depression and
anxiety and increase lifespan in patients with chronic diseases (eg, Clark et. al., 2014). The
proposal to follow describes a mindfulness based yogapathic group therapy program for women
with the goal of helping members to improve socialization with their peers, and reduce or
eliminate any potential depression or anxiety symptoms.
Group objectives
 Group members will create an atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and good humor.
 Group members will explore first impressions and brainstorm how to present oneself in a
positive way towards group members and others outside of group.
 Group members will learn appropriate coping methods as well as the importance of self-
reflection and personalized techniques for coping with daily challenges.
 Group members will learn how to apply coping skills from previous sessions to learn
about physical and mental self-care. Members will also be able to identify different
aspects and categories of good self-care and apply these aspects to their lives.
 Group members will become inspired and strive for creativity through open discussion
and brainstorming how to turn dreams into reality. Group members will also learn how
to express their thoughts without fear.

Group therapy sessions
Week 1: Introduction, A tree cannot be a forest
Time: 90 minutes (10-minute icebreaker, 30-minute group discussion, 5-minute break,
35-minute group yoga/meditation, 10-minute closing)
Materials: Yoga matt arranged in a circle, four tennis balls, soft natural music, speaker
for music, active wear clothing.
Objectives: Set up an atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and good humor. Provide
introductions and build group cohesion.
Ice Breaker (10 minutes): Group juggling- The members and leader will arrange
themselves in a circle standing on their mats. The group leader will pick a person in the group
and ask their name, and toss them a tennis ball. When they respond they should underarm toss
the ball and introduce themselves to another member. The group will continue until each player
is introduced, then continue on to a second round. In the second round, the person throwing the
ball must say the name of the person they are throwing it to. After this round, the leader will say,
“That is perfect, but I think we can go faster” and start a third round. This time when the group
gets through a few people add a second, third, and even fourth ball going in order. This is a great
way to learn names and generally does not require a debriefing.
Group Discussion (30 minutes): Introduce group counseling and this group’s purpose.
Acknowledge awkwardness of first session and getting to speak openly with each other. Also,
introduce the mantra for the session: “A tree cannot be a forest.” The leader should ask the
group what they think this means to their specific life situation and the group as a whole. As the
group shares their thoughts on the subject be sure to make connections between members to
show likeness and uniqueness. To conclude, the group leader will ask the members if they have
any questions or anything they would like to share. The goal of this reflection is to reveal
similarities and shared experiences between group members.
Break (5 minutes): Grab water or restroom break before activity.
Group Yoga Meditation (35 minutes): Introduce the meditation with basic Ashtanga
yoga flow. As you begin the yoga practice, encourage the members to think about what they
shared in the group discussion and what the mantra of the day: “A tree cannot be a forest,”
means to them more deeply. Be sure when winding yoga down to allow a few minutes of restful
laying and deeper meditation.
Closing (10 minutes): The group leader will direct a closing discussion to recap the
session. The following questions are suggestions to guide the discussion:
 Does anyone has any thoughts they would like to share about the session?
 How did it feel to make connections with others in the group?
 What did you like or dislike about today session?
The group leader should include take away points of respect and acceptance within the group as
wells as the group's mantra for the day and how it can apply to their life. The group leader
should be sure to ask what the members are taking away from this session. End session by
repeating the session mantra: “A tree cannot be a forest.”
Week 2: Self-esteem building, At the end of the day, what matters most is how you see yourself
35-minute group yoga/meditation, 10-minute closing)
Materials: Yoga mats arranged in circle, soft natural music, speaker for music, giant
Jenga (can be made with 2x4s from home depot or purchased), self-image mirror worksheet
(figure 1), active wear clothing

Objectives: Further bonding as a group, explore first impressions, brain storm how to
present oneself in a positive way.
Ice Breaker (15 minutes): Set up giant Jenga in the middle of the yoga mat circle. On
each Jenga piece have a question that is empowering scribed on it. Use the following examples:
What makes you excited? What is your biggest dream? and What do you like most about your
personality? After each member draws a piece have them share their question and answer with
the group and place the Jenga piece on the top of the tower. Play until tower falls or time allows.
Discussion (25 minutes): Start by recapping Jenga and main points from the previous
week. Introduce session mantra: “At the end of the day, what matters most is how you see
yourself.” While talking about the Jenga game, it is important to link members to each other by
statements they made. The group leader can ask the members what they felt about each other's
response and how they see each other versus how they see themselves versus how others see
them. The group leader can also ask members for ways to improve self-esteem in their lives.
Break (5 minutes): Grab water or restroom break before activity
Group Yoga Meditation (35 minutes): Introduce the meditation with basic Ashtanga
yoga flow. As you begin the yoga practice, encourage the members to think about what they
shared in the group discussion and Jenga icebreaker activity as well as what the mantra of the
day: “At the end of the day, what matters most is how you see yourself,” means to them more
deeply. Be sure when winding yoga down to allow a few minutes of restful laying and deeper
meditation.
Closing (10 minutes): Spend time recapping how the members can build their self-
esteem. The group leader should also recap any meaningful times during the discussion and
what the members may have thought about during their meditation. Other questions to ask
include:
 Does anyone have any thoughts they would like to share about the session?
 How did it feel to make connections with others in the group?
 What did you like or dislike about our session today?
Include take away points of building self-esteem and confidence. Give out the mirror
worksheets at the end of the session. Have each member write a few things about themselves
that makes them feel confident. Instruct the members to display their self-confidence mirror
somewhere they will see it every day, like in a school locker or their bathroom mirror as a
reminder to be confident. End session with repeating of session mantra: “At the end of the day,
what matters most is how you see yourself.”
Week 3: Thought, power and self-expression, Your thoughts create your reality
35-minute group yoga/meditation 10-minute group reflection)
Materials: Yoga mats, soft natural music, speaker for music, a sheet of paper for each
member, coloring/drawing supplies, active wear clothing
Objectives: To learn how to express thoughts without fear as well as how we can make
each other's thoughts and dreams a reality through creative activities and open discussion.
Ice Breaker (20 minutes): Using the paper and drawing supplies have each member
depict in some way a dream, though or goal they have. The group leader should allow about 5
minutes to complete this creative activity. When time is up, the group leader should call for a
volunteer to share their drawing/depiction. Then, the leader should ask other group members
what it would take to make this dream reality, and what needs to happen to achieve this goal.
Continue around and until everyone has shared.
Discussion (20 minutes): Continuing from icebreaker activity, the group leader will lead
into an open discussion about the power of thought and expressing yourself through your
thoughts and passions. The leader should be sure to stress that all thoughts hold value and that
your thoughts create your reality. Questions to lead discussion include:
 How does practicing mindfulness affect your thoughts and values?
 How does this tie back to our yoga exercises?
Group Yoga Meditation (35 minutes): Introduce the group with basic Ashtanga yoga
flow. As you begin practice encourage them to think about what was shared in the group
discussion. It is important to be mindful of the group members thoughts and goals, and how they
can make them a reality. Repeat the mantra for the day: “Your thoughts create your reality.”
Also, encourage positive thought process and good thoughts while practicing yoga. Be sure
when winding yoga down to allow a few minutes of restful laying and deeper meditation.
Closing (10 minutes): The group leader should spend time recapping how the members
can build their self-esteem, as well as touch back to meaningful times during the discussion and
what they thought about during their meditation. Other questions to ask include:
 How did the thought power exercises affect them?
Include take away points of being mindful of thoughts, expressions, and making their thoughts a
reality. End session with repeating of session mantra: “Your thoughts create your reality.”
Week 4: Coping skills, Problems are not the problems, coping is the problem
35-minute group yoga/meditation, 10-minute group reflection)
Materials: 1 composition notebook for each group member, yoga mats, soft natural
music, speaker for music, giant Jenga set from previous session (Adjusted questions to challenge
groups needs), active wear clothing
Objectives: Learn to cope with struggles of life and to find coping methods that work
best for each group member as an individual.
Ice Breaker (15 minutes): “Coping Giant Jenga” Set up giant Jenga in the middle of the
yoga mat circle. On each Jenga piece have a question regarding situations involving coping
skills or different types of coping skills. Use the following examples: Have you ever bottled up
your anger? or What do you do when you are stressed to distress? After they draw the piece
have the group member share their question and answer with the group and place the Jenga piece
on the top of the tower. Play until tower falls or time allows.
Group Discussion (25 minutes): Start the discussion by touching on powerful moment
during the Ice Breaker activity. Introduce the session mantra, “Problems are not the problems,
coping is the problem.” The group leader should try to link members together by their
statements from the Jenga game and talk about situations some may be experiencing now that are
causing them stress. The leader can facilitate this discussions by asking group members how
they might cope with theses situations.
flow. Repeat the daily mantra: “Problems are not the problems, coping is the problem.” As the
leader begins practice encourage the members to think about what was shared in the group
discussion and to be mindful of not dwelling on situations that are causing them stress in life.
The group leader should encourage members to breathe rhythmically and push all their stress
away. The group leader should encourage yoga as a great coping skill. Be sure when winding
yoga down to allow a few minutes of restful laying and deeper meditation.
Closing (10 minutes): Spend time recapping how the members can cope with life
stressors. Be sure to touch back on meaningful times during the discussion and what their deeper
thought through meditation lead them to. Suggested questions to ask include:
 What forms of coping work best for you personally?
Include take away points of releasing and coping with problems in everyday life. The group
leader should also encourage the group members to take their notebook and make it their own. It
can be their spot to write, draw, doodle, plan, and express themselves. It can help them cope
with stress by writing about their feelings and coping mechanisms. End the session by repeating
the session mantra: “Problems are not the problems, coping is the problem.”
Week 5: Self Care, Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you
want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort
Time: 90 minutes (40-minute icebreaker/group discussion, 5-minute break 35-minute
group yoga/meditation 10-minute group reflection)
Materials: yoga mats, soft natural music, speaker for music, The Self Care Game, active
wear clothing
Objectives: Apply coping skills from last session to learn about physical and mental self-
care. Members should also be able to identify different aspects and categories of good self care
and apply these to their personal lives.
Ice Breaker/Group Discussion (40 minutes): “The Self Care Game,” First, the group
leader must introduce good self-care and explain the components it involves, both physically and
mentally. The leader should give examples of self improvement; i.e., learning a new sill, using
support systems that already exist, keeping doctor appointments, etc. The group leader will pass
out one card (see figure 2) to each group member representing an aspect of self. Some cards are
repeated twice to show importance. It is also okay to repeat to make sure each member has a
card. After each member has self-care category card, tie the icebreaker and group discussion
together. Suggested question to drive the discussion include:
 Why is this considered good self-care?
 Give an example of something in this category you are already doing.
 Give one example of one thing you can improve on.
 How would you improve on this?
flow. As the leader begins practice encourage she should encourage the other members to think
about what was shared in the group discussion. The group leader should remind the group of
daily mantra: “Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to
go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” She should encourage them to think of ways they
can nourish their minds and bodies. Encourage them during their yoga time to think of healing
their mind and body. Be sure when winding yoga down to allow a few minutes of restful laying
and deeper meditation and thought on self-care.
Closing (10 minutes): Spend time recapping how the members can care better for
themselves. Be sure to touch back on meaningful times during the discussion and what deeper
thought through meditation lead them to. Questions to ask include:
 What are ways you can take care of yourself going forward?
 Ask if anyone has any thoughts they would like to share about the session?
The group leader should also include take away points of ways of self care strategies and
categories. End the session by repeating the session mantra: “Nourishing yourself in a way that
helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.”
Week 6: Conflict Resolution, Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict
by peaceful means
35-minute group yoga/meditation, 10-minute group reflection)
Materials: yoga mats, soft natural music, speaker for music, conflict worksheets, pens,
active wear clothing
Objectives: Apply coping skills from last session to learn about self-care both physically
and mentally. Members will also be able to identify different aspects and categories of good
self-care and apply them to their own lives.
Ice Breaker (10 minutes): The group member should pair up into groups of two and
interview each other with the conflict perspective worksheet (figure 3).
Group Discussion (30 minutes): Bring the group back to a whole to begin conflict
perspective discussion. Questions to ask include:
 Did you and your partner have similar or different perspective to conflict?
 What did you learn in the icebreaker by looking through your partner’s
perspective?
 Is conflict good or bad?
 How can conflict be beneficial or hurtful?
 Have we seen any conflict in our group in the past?
 What can we do to promote a healthy attitude toward conflict in our group?
Group Yoga Meditation (35 minutes): “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability
to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Introduce the group with basic Ashtanga yoga flow. As
you begin practice encourage the members to think about what was shared in the group
discussion. Encourage them to think of ways they can manage conflicts in their lives peacefully
and the perspectives of others in past conflicts they have had. Encourage the ladies during their
yoga time to think of what they can do with their knowledge: maybe apologize to a family
member, or remember to review their perspective if another conflict arises? Be sure when
winding yoga down to allow a few minutes of restful laying and deeper meditation and thought
on self-care.
Closing (10 minutes): Spend time recapping how the group members can apply these
new conflict resolution skills to their daily lives. Be sure to touch back on meaningful times
during the discussion and what their deeper thought through meditation lead them to. Questions
to ask include:
 Have we seen conflict in our group in the past? Do you have a new perspective
on conflict now?
 Ask if anyone has any thoughts they would like to share about the session?
Include take away points of ways of the importance of conflict management. End session by
repeating session mantra: “Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by
peaceful means.”
Resources for group leaders
 Network Yoga Therapy
o One of their main goals is the creation of a global network of yoga and health care
professionals who can learn from each other and easily connect for cooperation or
exchange of experiences.
o http://networkyogatherapy.org/
 The International Association of Yoga Therapists
o IAYT supports research and education in yoga and serves as a professional
organization for yoga teachers and yoga therapists worldwide. Our mission is to
establish yoga as a recognized and respected therapy.
o http://www.iayt.org/
 Yoga for Mental Health
o Meditation and insight based psychotherapy to promote well-being in individuals and
communities. Practitioners enjoy strength, flexibility and contentment and learn how
to integrate techniques into daily life. Our mission is to help healing, be healthy and
help others!
o http://yogaformentalhealth.com/
 The Art of Living
o AOLF offers numerous highly effective educational and self-development programs
and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner
peace, happiness and well-being for all individuals. These programs, which include
breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom for daily living, have
helped millions around the world to completely transform their lives.
o http://www.artofliving.org/us-en
Resources for group members
 Self esteem resources:
o http://www.bandbacktogether.com/self-esteem-resources/
o http://selfesteem.dove.us/?gclid=CPGCw6vAss0CFdgKgQodIhYNww&gclsrc=aw.ds
o http://www.livestrong.com/article/126741-activities-boost-self-esteem-teen/
 Self expression resources:
o http://www.pongoteenwriting.org/accepting-self-expression.html
o http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/camping-magazine/art-camp-how-arts-
programs-fuel-self-expression-youth-development
o http://intuitivecreativity.typepad.com/expressiveartinspirations/self-expression-
therapy-activities.html
 Coping resources:
o http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/pages/tip-99-coping-skills.aspx
o https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201501/teens-and-
stress-practical-coping-skills
o http://www.pbisworld.com/tier-2/teach-coping-skills/
 Self care resources:
o http://www.loveisrespect.org/for-yourself/self-care/
o http://www.visionsteen.com/tag/self-care-2/
o https://mindcheck.ca/mood-stress/self-care-resources
 Conflict resolution:
o http://www.ncpc.org/topics/conflict-resolution
o http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=291&id=21
83
o https://kidshealth.org/classroom/9to12/personal/growing/conflict_resolution.pd
Issues in application
There are many limitations for this kind of therapeutic treatment. One is due to physical
limitations of the body. The members of the group must be physically able to participate in a 35-
minute yoga session. The interests of the group leader will determine how intense the yoga
exercise will be. It is also possible to design your yoga exercises around more meditative
practices. Although the meditative practices can stimulate reflection, it is more ideal for this
group setting to be incorporating physical activity.
It is also important to make sure that as a practice we have adequate liability coverage.
Although the threat of injury is minor, we have a consent form for each participate to sign
reminding them of their own responsibility for their health. If any exercise (physical or not)
becomes uncomfortable for our participants, it will be their responsibility to express their
discomfort and remove themselves or resolve the situation.

Another issue of application is how do we decide who can and cannot be part of the
group. With females, especially younger females, the issue of trust and acceptance is very large.
Creating an environment where the group members trust each other and are able to share openly
is very important. Although sometimes women have trouble trusting one another, we hope by
creating a homogeneous group that our women will be able to express problems that may be
specific to women, and have less reservations about expressing concerns with other members.
As counselors at the ABW practice, we strive for an environment of trust, acceptance,
and growth. Building this type of environment is difficult in and of itself. Group leaders will
have to engage their learned skills to facilitate group discussion and encourage members to
engage in the therapeutic process.
At the ABW practice, we are striving to recruit a group of all female participants, but we
The environment needs to be one of trust, acceptance, and growth. It is also a difficult
situation with this being an all female group, should those who are transgender be allowed within
the group. This is an important factor to include as more people in our society are becoming
more open and comfortable with their gender identities.

References
Barton, E. J. (2011). Movement and mindfulness: A formative evaluation of a dance/movement
and yoga therapy program with participants experiencing severe mental illness. American
Journal Of Dance Therapy, 33(2), 157-181. doi:10.1007/s10465-011-9121-7
Clark, C. J., Lewis-Dmello, A., Anders, D., Parsons, A., Nguyen-Feng, V., Henn, L., &
Emerson, D. (2014). Trauma-sensitive yoga as an adjunct mental health treatment in
group therapy for survivors of domestic violence: A feasibility study. Complementary
Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(3), 152-158. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.04.003
Gladding, S. (2016). Groups: A counseling specialty (7th ed). Wake Forest University: Pearson.
Gore-Felton, C., & Spiegel, D. (1999). Enhancing women's lives: The role of support groups
among breast cancer patients. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 24(3), 274-287.
doi:10.1080/01933929908411436
Lubin, H., Loris, M., Burt, J., & Johnson, D. R. (1998). Efficacy of psychoeducational group
therapy in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among multiply
traumatized women. The American Journal Of Psychiatry, 155(9), 1172-1177.
McManus, P. W., Redford, J. L., & Hughes, R. B. (1997). Connecting to self and others: A
structured group for women. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 22(1), 22-30.
doi:10.1080/01933929708415520
Rybak, C., & Deuskar, M. (2010). Enriching group counseling through integrating yoga concepts
and practices. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 5(1), 3-14.
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Shahidi, M., Mojtahed, A., Modabbernia, A., Mojtahed, M., Shafiabady, A., Delavar, A., &
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26(3), 322-327. doi:10.1002/gps.2545

Dear Group Participant,
At ABW Yoga and Group Counseling Center are committed to your overall physical and
mental well being, and life achievement. At times, outside factors and personal issues can
interfere with your development. As we are committed to your best interest, we are now offering
a six week yoga and group counseling session to aid in healthy mental and physical
development. The group will meet once a week for six weeks. In these group meetings, you will
be under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor and yoga therapist. We will spend
our time guiding you in six main areas: group cohesion and trust, resenting one’s self in a
positive light and self-esteem building, thought power and self-expression, life coping skills,
physical and mental self-care, and conflict management.
The group will also partake in light yoga exercise, group discussions, and other activities
that will require physical activity. By signing below you authorize that ABW Yoga and Group
Counseling Center and staff members are in no way responsible should you be injured during the
activities in the sessions.
By signing I understand that this group is based on a trusting relationship between the
group leader and members. Information shared during these sessions is confidential, except
in certain circumstances in which there is an ethical obligation to limit confidentiality. In the
following circumstances, you will be notified: (1) If the group member reveals information
about harm to herself or others. (2) If the counselor’s records are subpoenaed by the courts.
By signing this form, I ______________________(Full name printed) agree to the terms above
and understand that I am liable for injury during the physical portions of the session.
Participant Signature ________________________________ Date _________________
If you have any questions, please call a counselor at ABW Yoga and Group Counseling Center.
Outcome Evaluation
Thank you for participating in this six-session yoga-meditation and discussion group. We
appreciate the time and work you have put into this group and hope it was both an joyful and
productive experience for you. We ask that you please fill out this survey evaluating your group
experience.
How did you learn about the group?
Overall, were you satisfied with your group experience?
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Did your group leader provide a friendly atmosphere?
Were you able to learn coping methods that best suited my issues?
What do you feel benefited you most throughout the sessions?
Would you return to this group experience?
What improvements would you make?
Additional Comments:
Figure 1. Self-image mirror worksheet

Figure 2. Example cards for the self-care game

Figure 3. Conflict perspective worksheet

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Running head: YOGAPATHIC GROUP TREATMENT FOR WOMEN

A Yogapathic Group Therapy for Women

Whitney Bryant, Rebecca-Anne Edelman and Allison O’Toole

CNS 742 EG - June 2016

Wake Forest University

Yoga and mindfulness in the group setting ..................................................................................3

Women as a target group ..............................................................................................................4

Yoga and mindfulness in groups of women .................................................................................5

Group treatment proposal .............................................................................................................7

Group objectives ...........................................................................................................................7

Group therapy sessions .................................................................................................................8

Session one: Introduction .............................................................................................................8

Session two: Self-esteem building ..............................................................................................9

Session three: Thought, power and self-expression ..................................................................11

Session four: Coping skills .........................................................................................................13

Session five: Self-care ...............................................................................................................14

Session six: Conflict resolution .................................................................................................16

Resources for group leaders .......................................................................................................18

Resources for group members ...................................................................................................19

Conclusion/Issues in application ................................................................................................20

Informed consent document (example) .....................................................................................21

Outcome evaluation questionnaire (example) ...........................................................................22

A yogapathic group therapy for women

structure and design of that treatment.

Yoga and mindfulness in the group setting

tension-release, and pairing breath with movement” (pg 167).

Participants showed an increased understanding of themselves, and a heightened awareness of

positive outcomes, but feel good about the process as well.

Women as a target group

compared to controls, and survived much longer than controls.

These researchers used a form of cognitive-behavioral group therapy called Interactive

suffering for many years.

Yoga and mindfulness in groups of women

depression scores and increased life satisfaction.

Group treatment proposal

eliminate any potential depression or anxiety symptoms.

positive way towards group members and others outside of group.

reflection and personalized techniques for coping with daily challenges.

to express their thoughts without fear.

Group therapy sessions

Week 1: Introduction, A tree cannot be a forest

Time: 90 minutes (10-minute icebreaker, 30-minute group discussion, 5-minute break,

35-minute group yoga/meditation, 10-minute closing)

for music, active wear clothing.

Objectives: Set up an atmosphere of respect, acceptance, and good humor. Provide

introductions and build group cohesion.

way to learn names and generally does not require a debriefing.

similarities and shared experiences between group members.

Break (5 minutes): Grab water or restroom break before activity.

laying and deeper meditation.

session. The following questions are suggestions to guide the discussion:

 How did it feel to make connections with others in the group?

 What did you like or dislike about today session?

repeating the session mantra: “A tree cannot be a forest.”

Time: 90 minutes (15-minute icebreaker, 25-minute group discussion, 5-minute break,

35-minute group yoga/meditation, 10-minute closing)

(figure 1), active wear clothing

present oneself in a positive way.

Break (5 minutes): Grab water or restroom break before activity

 How did it feel to make connections with others in the group?

 What did you like or dislike about our session today?

what matters most is how you see yourself.”

Time: 90 minutes (20-minute icebreaker, 20-minute group discussion, 5-minute break,