Viniyoga® and Psychotherapy
with Victoria Smith, Wellington, New Zealand
Victoria Smith is a Psychotherapist and Viniyoga teacher based in Wellington, New Zealand. She began her journey in Viniyoga over a decade ago with her first teacher Anna Sandle, before embarking on her teaching training with her current mentor Ruth Diggins.
Realising the value of holistic wellness to her clients, she saw great utility in the approach of Viniyoga to assist her work. Earlier this year, she has embarked on her training with Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, with whom she has been studying at various seminars and continuing education workshops since 2005.
Here she shares her precious experience of the synergies between Viniyoga® and Psychotherapy.
1) What brought you to Viniyoga in the first place?
I had been injured doing another Yoga modality and someone in that modality suggested I go to classes run by Anna Sandle in Wellington New Zealand. I found these classes to be just what I needed. Conservative, relaxing and profound. I attended these classes weekly during a very stressful period in my life. I later got a personal practice from Anna.
During those 10 years, I was also lucky enough to attend teaching on the Sutras taken by another teacher. I was struck at how psychological the Sutras were and wanted to know more. This led me to the Teacher training which I actually did twice as I felt there was so much to learn.
2) How did your work teaching Viniyoga help you with your own understanding of Psychotherapy?
Teaching Viniyoga has helped me to further develop my patience, compassion and understanding of each person as an individual. My own daily practise helps me maintain my empathy for my clients. Psychotherapy helps me understand the immense range of emotions that students might be experiencing as they do asana and pranayama. It also helps me to understand their communication regarding their Viniyoga experience.
3) How do you integrate Viniyoga to your Psychotherapy Clients? How do you integrate Psychotherapy to your Yoga clients?
Occasionally clients ask to see me develop a personal Yoga practice. This is more clear-cut. I find Viniyoga particularly helpful in assisting clients who are suffering from anxiety or sleep disorders and I will offer Viniyoga practices as an adjunct intervention where I believe this would be helpful. This is contracted for separately within a Psychotherapy appointment. Often we arrange a separate Yoga appointment.
4) How do you find the acceptance of Viniyoga by the clients?
Acceptance varies widely. Some clients are very grateful especially when they get immediate positive results. Some really need to attend a class but do not and do not maintain their practice. I do not teach classes all the time however I am lucky that I have a number of teaching colleagues I can refer my clients to.
5) What challenges have you faced in bringing Viniyoga to your clients?
I think the greatest challenge is what all of us face – that there is still a great deal of scepticism about the benefits of Yoga. Also as Yoga is seen as an exercise regime in the West, sometimes clients cannot see any benefit in doing a Yoga practise that also focuses on the breath or on chanting. However most people I have taught, and most clients I have offered Viniyoga interventions to have found great benefit from it.
6) What benefits have you seen manifesting in bringing Viniyoga to your clients?
Reduction of anxiety increased enjoyment and quality of life. Reduction and recovery from insomnia. The embracing of Viniyoga as a life choice.
7) How do you see the role of Viniyoga Therapy in the future world?
As the way we live in the world seems to get faster and faster, as technology seems to disrupt relationships and distract us from ourselves, I think Viniyoga Therapy has an important place in the world. It can offer practical and effective solutions to people, it can help them increase their levels of happiness, reduce pain, and give a deeper meaning to their lives. I feel very positive about the growth of Viniyoga in the world and the possibilities that can be brought by Viniyoga Therapy. We live in worrying but also exciting times.