ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the use of a weekly yoga class at a holistic rehabilitation centre to help activate the self-soothing system in conjunction with psychological therapy. Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India and involves controlled breathing and relaxation techniques as well as undertaking stretches and both standing and seated poses. Studies have comprehensively demonstrated the benefits of yoga in order to help alleviate mood difficulties. The use of yoga in stroke rehabilitation can be beneficial for depression and increase a sense of well-being for people who have had a stroke. The yoga group was facilitated by an experienced Hatha yoga teacher and took place weekly for sixty minutes at the rehabilitation centre. The chapter suggests that the yoga sessions can help promote self-soothing and self-soothing techniques, which are a key factor in Compassion focused therapy in helping to promote the stimulation of the affiliative and self-soothing system in order to reduce self-criticism.
