CPD25 Vedic Meditation, Ayurvedic Psychology and Eastern Psychiatry

This course is designed for teachers, yoga therapists and allied health practitioners, including doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, psychotherapists, allied health professionals and mental health-care workers who wish to strengthen contemplative skills, deepen clinical insight and integrate evidence informed mind–body practices into contemporary therapeutic settings. The course aligns with the RANZCP Fellowship Competency Framework and the PACFA Training Standards for trauma responsive, culturally sensitive and reflective practice. The course is registered with Meditation Australia and Yoga Australia.

Set in the peaceful foothills of Brisbane, this specialty continuing professional development training integrates Vedic Meditation, Ayurvedic Psychology and principles of Eastern Psychiatry within an evidence informed biopsychosocial model. Primarily delivered under the guidance of BIYOME Founder and Director Celia Roberts BSc, supported by Vedic scholar, Doctor David Frawley, participants examine contemplative practices that enhance emotional regulation, self awareness, therapeutic presence and formulation skills relevant to psychological and psychiatric care.

Ayurvedic perspectives on mind–body integration are framed alongside current research in psychophysiology, behavioural science and environmental psychology. This includes exploring how sensory input, routine, natural light, spatial organisation and environmental conditions influence psychological wellbeing, as reflected in traditional Vastu home and garden design principles. Viewed through contemporary evidence, these factors are considered in relation to autonomic regulation, stress physiology and mood.

Through bringing ancient contemplative traditions into conversation with modern neuroscience, the course provides a clinically grounded and ethically appropriate framework for integrating meditation and lifestyle medicine approaches into psychological, psychiatric, counselling, yoga therapy and meditation-based practice.

Ayurveda’s Perspective on Mental Wellbeing

Ayurveda conceptualises mental wellbeing as the dynamic interaction of mind, body and environment. Internal factors such as thought patterns, emotional processing, behaviour, diet and lifestyle work in concert with external influences including sensory stimulation, social relationships, daily routines and environmental conditions.
Traditional Vastu principles highlight the influence of natural light, airflow, spatial orientation, environmental coherence and connection with nature on cognitive clarity, emotional balance and physiological regulation. These principles closely parallel contemporary research in environmental psychology, which shows that daylight exposure, access to green spaces, quiet sensory environments and orderly living spaces can reduce stress, support autonomic regulation and enhance psychological wellbeing. Participants will be guided in life-promoting Vastu principles by landscape architect Arno King, a long-term former resident of Southeast Asia and a Vastu specialist with twenty years of experience.

Vedic Meditation

Vedic Meditation, derived from traditional Vedic texts and known in contemporary contexts through practices such as Transcendental Meditation, is presented as a structured attentional and contemplative technique. Research suggests that Vedic-based practices may reduce stress reactivity, improve autonomic stability and enhance cognitive flexibility. This course examines these effects within a clinical framework while respecting the tradition from which the methods originate. Yoga and somatic therapies also fall under the umbrella of Vedic Meditation.

Ayurveda and the Mind

Ayurveda offers a holistic model of mental health that integrates lifestyle, sensory input, diet, sleep, emotional functioning and environmental coherence. Ayurvedic Psychology is introduced as a culturally informed framework that complements current mind–body and behavioural approaches. Participants learn to apply these principles safely and ethically within their professional scope to support client insight, behavioural balance and wellbeing.

Ayurvedic Psychology

Ayurvedic Psychology considers temperament, constitutional tendencies and behavioural patterns, emphasising daily routine, sensory hygiene and mind–body coherence. These principles align with research in somatic psychology, health psychology and psychophysiology. Participants evaluate how contemplative and lifestyle practices may support mental health when used appropriately within clinical boundaries.

Self Enquiry (Atma Vichara) and Vedic Counselling

Self Enquiry, or Atma Vichara, is introduced as an introspective contemplative practice that cultivates metacognitive awareness and reflective capacity. It processes parallel components of cognitive restructuring and insight development found in contemporary psychological therapies. Participants explore how structured contemplative inquiry can enhance reflective practice, therapeutic presence and relational attunement; key competencies within both PACFA and RANZCP frameworks. All techniques are taught with explicit attention to ethical use, scope and boundaries.

This course invites clinicians and practitioners to strengthen contemplative skills, deepen reflective practice and integrate evidence informed mind–body approaches to support wellbeing within psychological, psychiatric and therapeutic contexts.