Publication Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Fickling, Melissa

Second Advisor

Hart, Kimberly

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CAHE)

Abstract

Given the high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue among trauma-exposed counselors, understanding effective self-care practices is critical for sustaining clinical effectiveness and well-being. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), exploration of the lived experiences of licensed mental health counselors who treat trauma and use yoga as a self-care practice was conducted. Eight participants who were regular yoga practitioners each participated in one semi-structured interview and submitted one pre- and one post-interview reflective journal entry. Thematic analysis was used to identify six major themes; 1) emotional impact and sacred responsibility of clinical work, 2) yoga as a regulating and restorative practice, 3) increased attunement to self and others, 4) integration of yoga into clinical practice, 5) yoga as identity anchor and holistic lifestyle, and 6) yoga as source of connection and belonging. These major themes were further illustrated by related minor themes that reflected participant use of yoga for enhancing personal well-being, professional functioning, and resilience. Participants described perceived utility of yoga for self-care such as improved emotional regulation, heightened self-awareness, deeper mind–body connection, and greater grounding in clinical work, along with improved attunement, stress reduction, and increased empathy. Study outcomes exposed yoga components not represented in the Khalsa model of mechanisms and outcomes of yoga, including instructor approach, class structure, and integration of yoga philosophy. These findings offer implications for clinical practice, supervision, and counselor education, positioning yoga as a meaningful, ethical self-care strategy aligned with professional standards. Limitations of this study included sample homogeneity and reliance on self-reported, cross-sectional data. Future research could explore diverse counselor populations, varied yoga modalities, and long-term impacts of yoga on professional competence.

Extent

164 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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