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Research
Yoga Therapy for Mental Health in College Counseling
A three-year study at Temple University examining the efficacy of therapeutic yoga groups as an adjunct to counseling services.
Examining the Efficacy of Therapeutic Yoga Groups in a College Counseling Setting
Kanjana M. Hartshorne, LCSW, C-IAYT, CCFP, Reiki Master — Temple University
Background
Between Fall 2018 and Spring 2020, Kanjana served as the Meditation and Yoga Therapist at Temple University's Tuttleman Counseling Services, where she designed and facilitated therapeutic yoga groups as an adjunct to traditional counseling.
The study examined whether trauma-sensitive, choice-based yoga therapy groups could meaningfully reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and urge to use substances while increasing present-moment awareness among college students receiving counseling services.
Over three years, 198 students participated across multiple semesters, making this one of the larger studies of therapeutic yoga in a college counseling context.
Study at a Glance
- Setting
- Temple University Tuttleman Counseling Services
- Duration
- Fall 2018 – Spring 2020 (3 years)
- Participants
- 198 college students receiving counseling
- Intervention
- Trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga groups (adjunct to counseling)
- Approach
- Choice-based, invitation language, polyvagal-informed, kosha framework
- Status
- Submitted for publication
Key Findings
Preliminary results from the study. Full methodology and statistical analysis are included in the manuscript currently submitted for publication.
198
Students Participated
Across multiple semesters at Temple University's counseling center, creating a robust dataset for analysis.
Significant
Decrease in Anxiety & Depression
Participants showed statistically significant reductions in self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms.
Significant
Decrease in Urge to Use Substances
A meaningful reduction in substance use urges was observed among participants in the therapeutic yoga groups.
Significant
Increase in Present-Moment Awareness
Participants reported greater mindfulness and ability to stay present, a core goal of the intervention.
What Made It Work
Participants were asked to rate which aspects of the therapeutic yoga groups were most helpful. The results challenge common assumptions about yoga therapy.
Instructor Voice & Sense of Safety
Participants consistently rated the instructor's voice and the sense of safety created in the room as the most helpful aspects of the program. This underscores the importance of the therapeutic relationship even in a yoga context.
Focusing on Breath
Breathwork and breath awareness were among the top-rated elements, supporting the integration of pranayama and somatic breathing techniques in clinical yoga therapy.
Having Choice & Control
The trauma-sensitive approach of offering choice and control throughout the practice was identified as a key factor in participant engagement and outcomes.
Asana (Physical Postures)
Interestingly, physical postures fell in the middle of helpfulness ratings. This supports the approach that you can simply imagine the posture for similar neurological benefits — a finding with significant implications for accessibility.
Clinical Implications
What these findings mean for therapists, counseling centers, and yoga therapy practice.
The Relationship Matters Most
Even in a yoga therapy context, the therapeutic relationship — voice, safety, presence — was rated as more helpful than the physical practice itself. This aligns with broader psychotherapy research on the primacy of the therapeutic alliance.
Accessibility Through Imagination
The finding that physical postures fell in the middle of helpfulness ratings supports the use of imaginal practices. Participants can simply imagine the posture for similar neurological benefits, making yoga therapy accessible to people with physical limitations, chronic pain, or trauma responses that make movement feel unsafe.
Choice as a Therapeutic Tool
The high rating of "having choice and control" validates the trauma-sensitive approach of centering consent and autonomy. This has implications for how yoga therapy is taught and facilitated in clinical settings.
Yoga as Adjunct to Counseling
These findings support integrating therapeutic yoga groups into existing counseling center programming. The significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and substance use urges suggest yoga therapy can complement traditional talk therapy in meaningful ways.
About the Researcher
Kanjana M. Hartshorne, LCSW, C-IAYT, CCFP, Reiki Master, is a licensed clinical social worker and certified yoga therapist who has been integrating somatic and contemplative practices into clinical settings since 2012.
She served as the Meditation and Yoga Therapist at Temple University's Tuttleman Counseling Services from 2018 to 2021, working with over 600 students across the three-year study period. Her approach integrates polyvagal theory, the pancha kosha framework, trauma-sensitive practices, and clinical social work.
Kanjana holds an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and is the founder of Healing Hearts Wellness and Wanderhome Retreats, Trainings & Community. She trains therapists and healthcare professionals in yoga therapy for mental health through CE programs, retreats, and organizational partnerships.
Interested in Research Collaboration?
Kanjana is open to research partnerships exploring yoga therapy for mental health in clinical, educational, and community settings. If you're a researcher, counseling center director, or organization interested in studying this approach, let's connect.
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