Cindy Saj & Rosina Mete: Evaluating the IDEA Framework

This study explores the impact of the IDEA Framework with a Yoga-Based Psycho-Neuro-Somatic Therapy (YPNST) workshop crea-ted to increase self-esteem, safety, and emotional stability, as well as psychological safety. The study is grounded in integrative mind-body approaches for mental health. The framework combines yoga, meditation, bilateral stimulation, and hypnotherapy to promote resilience and well-being. This research investigates how integrative interventions with the IDEA Framework can foster well-being. A mixed-methods design was employed, with twelve adult participants completing pre- and post-intervention assessments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, safety and stability questionnaires, and open-ended reflections. Quantitative analyses using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed statistically significant improvements in key areas of self-esteem, self-confidence, and perceived safety. Specifically, participants reported greater satisfaction with themselves, increased recognition of personal strengths, and stronger coping mechanisms, alongside enhanced feelings of groundedness and emotional security. Complementing these results, thematic qualitative analysis highlighted participants’ increased body awareness, trust, and positive self-perceptions, often expressed through both psycho-logical insights and physical sensations such as relaxation, openness, and calmness. Findings suggest that multimodal, body-centered practices may effectively enhance self-worth and emotional security, highlighting their potential as accessible tools for promoting men-tal well-being in a variety of settings. Limitations include the small sample size, underscoring the need for further research to validate and expand upon these preliminary results. Implications suggest that the IDEA Framework may provide an accessible, structured model for integrating diverse modalities into counselling, wellness, and community-based settings, with further research needed to validate long-term and large-scale outcomes

Saj, C. & Mete, R. (2026). Evaluating the IDEA Framework: An integrative approach to enhancing well-being via yoga, meditation, bilateral stimulation, and hypnotherapy. International Journal of Positivity & Well-Being, 4(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.61518/ijpw-133

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Matthew Dunleavy wearing a pink and purple polka-dot shirt under a grey blazer with red-framed glasses and a long reddish-brown beard smiling into the camera
Matthew Dunleavy

Senior Educational Developer, Faculty Excellence and Development

Matthew Dunleavy (he/him) is an educational developer and scholarly teacher with over 9+ years’ experience. He immediately joins our CTEI from York University where he was an Educational Developer with the Teaching Commons; before entering that role, he served as the Program Director of the Online Learning and Technology Consultants (OLTC) Program at the Maple League of Universities (Acadia University; Bishop’s University; Mount Allison University; and St. Francis Xavier University). In 2022, he was awarded the D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) for this work.