Alternative interventions in clinical mental health settings: A survey of mental health professionals' perceptions

The aim of the present study was to understand MHPs' (e.g., psychiatrists, mental health occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses) perceptions of the viability of using three sensorimotor R/S practices (chanting, pranayama, and yoga) as therapeutic interventions in clinical mental health settings. There were six objectives: 1) To examine the knowledge and confidence of MHPs regarding using these R/S practices in mental health clinical settings, including differences between professions; 2) To understand MHPs' perceptions regarding the feasibility of these R/S practices in clinical mental health care, and any differences between professions and health sectors; 3) To investigate any differences in knowledge, confidence, and feasibility across the three R/S practices; 4) To understand the training and resource needs of MHPs in relation to these practices; 5) To examine MHPs' personal experience of R/S practice; 6) To investigate the view of MHPs regarding the need for a guideline that may inform them about use of R/S practices in mental health settings. The study was restricted to Australian MHPs with a view to using the findings to support future integration of sensorimotor R/S practices in mental health clinical settings in Australia.