One of the authors had the opportunity to implement yoga therapy within an innovative in-patient treatment program for individuals convicted of sex offenses. Many of these patients struggled with impulsive and unreflective behavior, particularly in stressful situations. Whether facing financial problems, family conflict, or unmanaged sexual urges, they often reacted without considering the consequences. A lack of impulse control appeared to be a common trait across different personality types in the program.
To address this, a "self-mastery" class was introduced, bringing together a group of twelve volunteers primarily individuals convicted of rape or child molestation for a weekly 90-minute session. The goal of the yoga therapy program was to help participants develop the belief that self-control, even in moments of internal or external stress, is both achievable and rewarding.
The program followed the traditional yogic framework, beginning with physical self-control. Participants learned yoga postures and breathing techniques designed to calm the nervous system, relax the body and mind, and enhance focus. As the course progressed, the emphasis shifted to meditation practices and eventually to managing interpersonal situations, all aimed at strengthening self-regulation and personal discipline.
The first two phases of the program lasted around two months. The third and final phase unfolded over six months, focusing on key insights from yoga psychology like learning to let go of attachment and stepping back from the limiting, ego-driven idea of "me" and "mine."
Over two months of weekly sessions, the group learned the basics of hatha yoga and meditation. But it was the next six months that really went deeper exploring how the principles of meditation actually apply to real life, not just the mat.
Looking back, three core truths stood out:
🔹 Non-Attachment — Learning to stay grounded and observe life without getting emotionally swept away by every situation.
🔹 Karma & Responsibility — Owning your actions and understanding that what you put out into the world comes back. No blame games just accountability and growth.
🔹 Identity — Realizing there’s a difference between the roles we play (like job titles, labels, past mistakes) and who we truly are at the core the Self that’s constant underneath it all.
It wasn’t about perfection. It was about pausing before the pattern repeats. That’s where healing begins.
It’s not always easy, but it’s real.
