Toxic relationships can manifest in various ways: romantic relationships, family relationships, professional relationships or so called «friendships». They are characterised by dynamics of domination, manipulation, guilt, devaluation or emotional dependence, which gradually undermine the victims psychological and emotional balance. In such relationships physical and sexual violence aren’t uncommon.
Those affected often feel very confused, have their self-esteem shattered, inner confusion, or a sense of being trapped in a relationship from with little or no chance to escape. This doesn’t offset due to a lack of lucidity or strength, but originates in deep and often unconscious psychological patterns. Guilt and fear of reprisals keep most people attached to this toxic environment.
The workshop is based on self-study (Svadhyaya), combined with appropriate physical and breathing practices. This approach highlights the internal mechanisms that keep the person in a toxic relationship, in order to restore inner clarity, psychological autonomy and the ability to set appropriate boundaries.
Workshop objectives
The aim of this support is to enable the person to:
- Identify the psychological and emotional mechanisms behind the toxic relationship
- Understand the patterns of dependence, fear or guilt involved
- Regain a clearer perception of the relationship and of oneself
- Restore self-esteem and inner security
- Learn to set healthy and respectful boundaries
- Regain the ability to make free and conscious choices in relationships
- Strategies to protect yourself from manipulation and verbal abuse
The aim is not to impose a decision (to break up or stay in the relationship), but to enable the person to regain their discernment and inner freedom.
Target audience
This support is aimed at the following audiences:
- People in toxic relationships, whether personal, family or professional, who want to understand the mechanisms at work, regain inner clarity and free themselves from harmful relationship dynamics.
- People who have left a toxic relationship but continue to suffer the psychological and emotional effects (confusion, guilt, anxiety, low self-esteem) and who wish to move on and leave this matter behind
- Human resources professionals: Identify issues related to dysfunctional or toxic (narcissist) individuals within the company that generate undesirable problems such as unnecessary costs, lack of transparency, unhappy and sick employees and so forth.
For yoga professionals interested in this topic, we recommend our Svadyaya training (self-study), designed specifically to enable them to integrate this approach into a structured, ethical framework adapted to their professional practice.
Format
The workshop takes usually place in a group setting, in a confidential, safe and respectful environment:
- Self-study (Svadhyaya)
- Study of the dynamics between toxic individuals and victims
- Identification of emotional and energetic imbalances
- Breathing exercises (Pranayama)
- Yoga postures (Asanas) adapted to the issue
- Thorough strategies to integrate into daily life
The content and format can be customised according to the issue and the audience.
Practical information
Format
- Group
- In person or online
Duration
- 120 minutes
Prices
- 40 CHF/person for workshops organised by Mental Health Yoga.
- Fixed price of CHF 300 if you wish to organise a workshop in your yoga studio or company.
An initial discussion by telephone or email can be arranged to assess the kind of required support and answer any questions you may have, in a friendly and confidential setting.
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