Yoga Therapy: Types of Resistance to Change and the RULE for Motivational Interviewing

Change can be a complex journey, especially when it comes to our physical and mental well-being. In yoga therapy, practitioners often encounter various forms of resistance that can slow down or completely block progress. Whether it’s emotional, mental, or physical, these resistances are natural but must be addressed to ensure a successful therapeutic outcome.

In this blog, we’ll talk about the common types of resistance to change and how yoga therapy can integrate the principles of motivational interviewing to help clients overcome these challenges.

What Prevents People from Change?

Resistance to change is often rooted in fear, uncertainty, and deeply ingrained habits. Whether someone is dealing with chronic pain, stress, or mental health concerns, the discomfort of change can outweigh the perceived benefits of healing.

As a result, they may unconsciously—or consciously—resist the therapeutic process.

In yoga therapy, this resistance is often seen as a form of self-protection, where the client shields themselves from potential discomfort or vulnerability.

Types of Resistance in Yoga Therapy

Here are some specific types of resistance to change that practitioners commonly encounter:

Arguing

Arguing is a form of resistance where clients may resist the accuracy or expertise of the yoga therapist. They might challenge the validity of the practices, questioning whether the techniques can truly address their issues.

This type of resistance reflects the client’s inner conflict and may stem from past experiences where their expectations for healing were not met.

Interrupting

Interrupting occurs when clients frequently break into the conversation, often in a defensive or combative manner. This resistance signals discomfort with the therapeutic process, and the client may feel threatened by the suggestions being made.

In yoga therapy, this can manifest when the practitioner is trying to guide the client into deeper practices of mindfulness or body awareness, and the client becomes defensive.

Denying

Denying is when clients refuse to acknowledge their challenges, whether they be physical, emotional, or mental. This can include an unwillingness to take responsibility for their health or reject the need for any lifestyle changes.

In yoga therapy, denial might look like a client refusing to modify their diet or adopt mindfulness practices, even though these steps could aid their healing.

Ignoring

Ignoring occurs when the client completely disregards the information provided by the therapist. In this case, the client is not paying attention or is intentionally avoiding the therapeutic suggestions being made.

This type of resistance can be especially difficult to navigate in yoga therapy, as it signals a deep unwillingness to engage with the healing process.

How Motivational Interviewing Can Help in Yoga Therapy

Motivational interviewing is a technique developed by Miller and Rollnick (2013) to help healthcare practitioners work with clients who are resistant to change. By incorporating this therapeutic style into yoga therapy, practitioners can help clients explore their resistance and make gradual, positive changes.

The RULE of motivational interviewing is particularly useful in overcoming resistance:

R = Resist telling them what to do: Rather than directing clients toward a specific path, yoga therapists should allow clients to explore their own motivations for change. This creates a space for self-discovery, which is a crucial part of the healing journey.

U = Understand their motivation: Every client has unique reasons for their resistance. A yoga therapist can take time to explore these motivations and barriers, helping clients feel heard and understood.

L = Listen with empathy: Listening deeply and empathetically allows the client to feel supported, which can soften resistance over time.

E = Empower them: Setting small, achievable goals with the client and celebrating their successes can empower them to continue progressing.

Conclusion

Yoga therapy resistance is a common hurdle in the healing process, but it can be overcome with the right tools and approaches. By understanding the types of resistance and integrating motivational interviewing techniques, yoga therapists can create a compassionate and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to embrace change at their own pace.

Are you a yoga teacher or healthcare practitioner looking to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into your practice? Are you interested in learning more about Yoga in Healthcare? Please check out our annual Yoga in Healthcare Training - as well as our comprehensive yoga therapy certification at Prema Yoga Institute.

Please be advised that the content of this blog is not to be used as a substitution for the opinions and services of your licensed healthcare professional.