Psychotherapy has long been criticized for its lack of inclusivity, particularly among minority and marginalized populations, due to its reductionist biomedical methodologies and limited engagement with holistic approaches (Ali-Faisal, 2020; Barona & Santos Barona, 2003). This study explores the experiences of Kuwaiti healthcare practitioners with psychotherapeutic models examining how...
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life resulting from reduced ovarian function and declining oestrogen levels. Many women experience stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances during this period, especially those engaged in physically demanding or low-status occupations. Although mind-body interventions (MBIs) are increasingly explored, evidence on their structured use among Group D...
Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation disproportionately affect women worldwide, with the 2024 Ipsos World Mental Health Day survey reporting that 66% of women globally experience stress that impairs daily functioning, compared with 58% of men. Despite this documented burden, access to body-centered, non-pharmacological forms of support remains limited, and the mechanisms through...
In this chapter, I will dive into the preparatory phase, a vital component of psychedelic-assisted therapy, emphasizing its role in creating the optimal conditions for a meaningful therapeutic outcome. I will talk about how the therapist, acting as a guide, adopts a directive yet empowering role to facilitate client readiness through the use of specific practices and an intentional preparation...
The study looks at the relationship between physiological indicators like respiration and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity and emotional states, particularly anxiety. Physiological data were gathered from a total of 550 students, comprising respiration signals and multi-channel EEG recordings. Upon conducting the initial analysis, it was discovered that people with high anxiety levels have...
Background:The global burden of psychological disorders, ranging from neuroses to severe psychoses, necessitates comprehensive treatment modalities that extend beyond pharmacotherapy.While conventional psychiatry addresses neurochemical imbalances, there is a growing recognition of the need for "Neuro-psycho-social" interventions that address the structural connectivity of the brain...
Background: Mental obstacles- such as stress, anxiety, cognitive distortions, emotional instability, and attentional dysregulation- have emerged as significant challenges in modern life, largely driven by rapid urbanization, technological overexposure, and changing psychosocial dynamics. Contemporary psychological sciences interpret these disturbances as maladaptive cognitive and affective...
Pranayama, the Yogic discipline of regulated breathing, has evolved from a spiritual practice into a scientifically recognized method for supporting mental and neurological health. This chapter examines its neuroplastic potential by outlining effects on major brain regions and networks, while summarizing key Pranayama techniques and their physiological signatures. Evidence indicates...
Breath and emotion are intricately connected, forming continuous waves that shape our inner experiences and outward expressions. This chapter explores the physiological, psychological, and cultural ties between breathing patterns and emotional states, demonstrating how breath acts as both a mirror and a regulator of emotion. Insights from neuroscience, somatic psychology, and cultural...
The study of consciousness has been a key focus in both Eastern contemplative traditions and modern science. Yogic texts such as the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (HYP) describe psychophysiological states and experiential phenomena that resemble concepts in parapsychology and neuropsychology. This review aimed to develop a theoretical framework explaining how yogic practices influence consciousness,...