Exploring the Practice of One-to-One Therapeutic Viniyoga: A Qualitative Investigation Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Directed Content Analysis

Abstract

Therapeutic Viniyoga is holistic and the treatment, starting point, progression, and goals are unique for each individual client. This study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and directed content analysis, combining theory and application to offer a tangible, conceptually grounded window into the process and practice of one-to-one Therapeutic Viniyoga. How Viniyoga is applied therapeutically is explored through the lens of trained Viniyoga therapists. Fourteen Viniyoga therapists were interviewed, and the transcripts were analyzed using NVivo and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to uncover the themes of the study. Six themes were identified: three are conceptual processes underpinning the therapeutic application of Viniyoga, and 3 are descriptions of techniques. The 3 process themes are: Theme 1- daily practice, Theme 2- self- observation, and Theme 3- state change. The 3 categories of techniques are: Theme 4- breath work, Theme 5- movement, and Theme 6- meditation/attention. Each therapist was also asked to describe two client cases. Qualitative directed content analysis was conducted on the 29 client cases to illustrate and elaborate on the identified themes. The kaleidoscope of client case presenting problems and additional concerns included a broad mix of physical and psychological issues. The duration of the therapeutic relationships ranged from weeks to more than a decade. The initial daily personal practices for the client cases showcased how completely the practice is customized to the individual. Only a handful resemble what most people think of as yoga. The use of breathwork, movement and attention (if included) were all unique to the client. Five of the 13 examples of the process of client self-awareness related to aspects of the personal practice and 8 were instances of self-awareness in daily life. State change examples were observed on all 5 dimensions of the Pañcamaya model of the human system including physical (body and breath 9 examples), mind (13 examples), emotions (3 examples), and behavior (4 examples).