KEYNOTE: Kathryn Shafer

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Speaker bio: Kathryn C. Shafer, PhD, LCSW, CAP, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT

The Power of Qualitative Research in Yoga Therapy Practice: Skills for Making the Invisible Visible

Qualitative research demonstrates how adaptable, self-administered mindful practices can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as provide coping skills that help individuals refrain from self-harming behaviors such as substance abuse when triggered. Using the example of yoga nidra, this session will inspire yoga therapists to engage in their own qualitative explorations. Although yoga nidra may be less well-known and less scientifically studied than other elements of yoga, the practice has recently earned acknowledgment as an evidence-informed practice that is trauma-sensitive. This work can be invaluable for calming the nervous system and teaching practitioners how to relax without talking or moving—but how can we understand and describe what happens during contemplative practices such as a yoga nidra session?

By making the invisible inner experience visible by documenting what happens during a session, qualitative research can provide valuable insights about the experiences people have when they engage in yoga practices. For example, a simple self-report instrument can capture emotional reaction and reflective insights that quantitative measures fail to include. Qualitative research can guide yoga therapists in clinical practice by revealing how and why specific practices affect clients. Such an approach deepens understanding of the subtle yet significant effects of yoga practices like yoga nidra, providing evidence to support yoga therapists’ work and allowing them to tailor their approach to better meet the needs of diverse populations.

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