The University of Westminster recently hosted a research event examining how yoga‑based approaches can support psychological therapy and improve outcomes for people experiencing mental health disorders. The event brought together leading international researchers, clinicians and practitioners to discuss the growing evidence behind yoga as part of a broader, integrated approach to mental health care.
Held on 28 July at the Cavendish Campus, the research event was organised by the Yoga Researcher Network at Westminster and supported by The Minded Institute, Yoga in Healthcare Alliance (YiHA) and Westminster Centre for Psychological Sciences. The programme explored the scientific and clinical rationale for incorporating yoga into psychological therapy settings, particularly for anxiety‑related conditions.
Yoga-based interventions are increasingly recognised within mental health research. A substantial evidence base already supports their use for depression and anxiety, and more recent studies have extended this to clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders. With growing interest in expanding therapeutic options, the event offered timely insight into how yoga could complement existing treatments.
The event highlighted how emerging evidence may inform future updates to UK clinical guidelines for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Current guidance, last revised in 2011, recommends only two forms of therapy, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the predominant pathway. A national movement, supported by more than 70 organisations and cross‑party parliamentarians, is now calling for broader, more inclusive guidance that reflects the full range of effective therapeutic approaches.
At the event, speakers explored how yoga and CBT might enrich one another, what current research reveals, how evidence could shape future policy and where the most important gaps in knowledge remain. Discussions also considered how psychological therapists might be trained to integrate yoga‑based methods into their practice.
Speakers included Dr Sat Bir Khalsa from the Faculty of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School, USA; Professor Melissa O'Shea from Deakin University, Australia; Dr Alison Bennetts from the University of Southampton; and Kelsey Wiemer from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Dr Tina Cartwright, lead of the Applied Yoga Research Group (AYRG) and Course Leader for Health Psychology MSc at the University, said: “It was fantastic to see such strong engagement with this event. Bringing together complementary perspectives on the evidence, mechanisms of change, integration with CBT and the realities of therapeutic practice made for a really valuable discussion. The event highlighted both the potential for more embodied approaches within psychological care and the need for rigorous clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence to translate that potential into practice and future guidance. We look forward to hosting future events as part of the AYRG and network.”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Psychology courses at the University of Westminster.
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