24 - Therapeutic Psychology and Indian Yoga

Summary

My friends, the whole world is a lunatic asylum. Some are mad after worldly love, some after name, some after fame, some after money, some after salvation and going to heaven. In this big lunatic asylum I am also mad, I am mad after God. If you are mad after money, I am mad after God. You are mad; so am 1.1 think my madness is after all the best.

Sri Ramakrishna (Vivekānanda, 1970, pp. 99–100)

This chapter reviews the history, aims, and treatment methods of Western psychotherapy, and attempts to assimilate the clinical practise of psychotherapy into the worldview of Indian psychology. After integrating psychotherapy and Indian psychology at the level of theory and mythology, the author proceeds to describe the practical concerns of psychotherapy and suggests ways in which the consciousness perspective of Indian psychology could expand the scope of psychotherapy. Two types of psychotherapy (psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural) are described in greater detail for readers who may not be familiar with the actual methods and content of clinical practise. Some of the potential dangers of psycho-spiritual practise are discussed as well, including the controversial issue of hostile possession. Finally, existing Indian contributions to psychotherapy are noted and important issues in acclimatizing psychotherapy to Indian culture are highlighted.

Before describing the relationship between Indian psychology and psychotherapy, we must first address some common stereotypes that surround both disciplines.