Partner yoga for establishing boundaries in relationship: a transpersonal somatic approach.

Abstract

This article is written for yoga therapists and psychotherapists who work with couples who have difficulty setting boundaries and maintaining individuality in their relationships. Partner yoga, transpersonal psychology, and somatic-based psychology are approaches that can provide clients with a holistic system of therapy to encourage healthy boundaries and emotional connection. The process of partner yoga is described from a transpersonal, somatically oriented approach. Examples of specific asanas, or yoga poses, are discussed alongside the special considerations that a therapist must consider when exploring boundaries and communication through partner yoga. Insights from individual case sessions with couples are included to illustrate the process of differentiation and the possibility of experiencing a transpersonal union through partner yoga.