Body-Mind Integration in Psychotherapy: Theoretical Approaches and a Qualitative Case-Study

This thesis investigates psychotherapy through the lens of mind-body integration. It traces the historical development of psychotherapeutic approaches toward the increasing inclusion of body-oriented modalities. To ground theory in lived experience, a qualitative study was conducted with four long-term yoga-somatic practitioners to examine how sustained practices of body-mind awareness contribute to their mental health and wellbeing. The interviews demonstrated that yoga-somatics can enhance physical and emotional awareness, support resilience, and serve as a stabilising resource during critical life events. Together, the literature review and qualitative findings support the argument that incorporating body awareness, movement and touch into psychotherapy may enrich therapeutic practice and provide more holistic therapeutic outcomes.