Hour 92 Yoga Therapy – Communication’s Role
Communication’s Role in Yoga Therapy
Communication is the intangible string that knits connection between the client and yoga therapist. Communication in yoga therapy is not so much about delivering instructions—it’s about establishing trust, empathy, and therapeutic relationship. Good communication turns yoga therapy into a two-way healing process instead of a one-way teaching process.
1. Why Communication Matters
Communication in yoga therapy:
Facilitates comprehension of the client’s pain, progress, and expectations
Enables the therapist to modify and fine-tune the treatment plan
Creates a zone of safety, respect, and non-judgment
Guarantees informed consent for all interventions
A yoga therapist is not only a teacher, but also a mirror and a listener.
2. Forms of Communication in Yoga Therapy
a) Verbal Communication
Asking direct, open-ended questions
Utilizing positive, empathetic speech
Providing explanations regarding asanas, breathwork, and meditation practices
b) Non-verbal Communication
Body language: posture, eye contact, gestures
Tone of voice: soothing, consistent, reassuring
Silence: Space holding for reflection or emotion
c) Energetic Presence
Listening without distraction
Remaining completely present and rooted throughout the session
3. Asanas as a Tool of Communication
Certain asanas encourage the therapist-client interaction to grow by paying attention to how the client physically and emotionally reacts.
Examples:
To improve communication and confidence (5th chakra focus):
Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Importance: Opens heart and throat centers; aids in emotional expression and release
Adjustments:
Put hands on lower back rather than heels
Keep cushion under knees for support
To witness emotional holding patterns:
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Meaning: Mirrors the way the client handles surrender and inner feelings
Adjustments:
Place bolster under knees or chest
Bend knees slightly to be comfortable
To facilitate grounding and ease of communication in apprehensive clients:
Sukhasana (Easy Pose with breath awareness)
Meaning: Puts both therapist and client into shared space conscientiously
Adjustments:
Sit on a cushion to lift hips
Support knees with blocks or blankets
4. Developing a Therapeutic Communication Style
In order to be effective, the yoga therapist needs to develop:
Empathic presence: Listen from the heart, not the ears
Clarity and simplicity: Don’t use jargon, use simple language
Cultural sensitivity: Be respectful of client’s beliefs, language, and preferences
Feedback and consent: Always ask permission before adjustments or changes
5. Facilitating Client Expression
Ask the client to:
Tell them what happened after each session
Communicate discomfort or resistance openly
Reflect on emotional or energetic shifts
Therapy becomes transformation only when communication flows both ways.
Conclusion
Communication is not an optional skill—it is the core of compassionate yoga therapy. Through mindful words, silent presence, and embodied awareness, a yoga therapist creates a healing dialogue where both posture and person are understood.
“In the silence between words, true healing begins.”