What is a Yoga Therapist?

t’s one of the most common questions we hear. 

The International Association of Yoga Therapists defines yoga therapy as “the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga.

Yoga therapy respects individual differences in age, culture, religion, philosophy, occupation, and mental and physical health.” 

All yoga is potentially therapeutic and healing. Yoga therapy regards the specific application of yogic tools: postures/exercises, breathwork, meditation techniques, and more. The lens of Ayurveda uses these to address an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. The goal of Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, is to move toward balance, using yoga practices and philosophy to support balance.

A yoga therapy session, whether one-to-one or in a small group, is tailored to each individual. Yoga therapists use in-depth training to help assess and keep their clients safe in their practices designed specifically for them; create connection and belonging; to address specific goals while also considering any concerns a person might be experiencing. 

Yoga therapists consider and work with the five koshas, or “sheaths”, of an individual. From denser to more subtle, the five koshas include physical body (annamayya), energy body (pranamaya), mind/emotions (manomaya), discernment/wisdom (vijnanamaya), and bliss/spiritual (anandamaya). 

The kosha’s are interdependent, and when the first 3 sheaths work well together, it becomes easier to access the deeper and most subtle aspects of our being. Yoga therapists look for and identify patterns in the koshas that may be eroding a person’s overall health and wellbeing. We work with the client to recognize and release patterns causing harm and help create new supportive patterns and awareness. Additional support comes in the form of daily practices designed for each individual, giving them empowerment for their health and wellbeing. 

What to expect in a yoga therapy session: 

The yoga therapist-client relationship is a partnership. A yoga therapist collects information through an intake form and conversation to learn about their client’s concerns, lifestyle, and goals. Based on the intake and first session, the yoga therapist designs specific practices that can be integrated into their client’s life in practical ways. These practices may include movement, breath, mindfulness & meditation, and other self care practices to support the client between sessions. The number of sessions depends on each individual’s situation, needs, desires, and goals. This holistic approach can address every aspect of life. When the needs exceed the scope of practice of a yoga therapist, the client gets referred to another provider, e.g. psychotherapist, allopathic Dr., naturopathic Dr., chiropractor, nutritionist, massage therapist, reiki master, etc. based on the needs. See “Scope of Practice” at www.iayt.org

Dan and I use a form of yoga therapy called SomaYoga Therapy.  A specific form of yoga therapy, SomaYoga Therapy blends somatics (neuromuscular re-education), therapeutic (creating stability and considering range of movement), yoga (movement, breath, mindfulness/meditation), and Ayurvedic self-care practices. Viewed through the lens of Ayurveda, these practices promote balance in all areas of life. Accessible to anyone online or in person, we use this approach in private sessions, group yoga therapy class series, workshops, retreats, organizations, online courses, and outreach. We always consider the five Koshas, mentioned above, and also use the Six Pillars of Yogic Lifestyle as a guide. This includes:

1. Calming and regulating the nervous system as well as restoring prana/vitality.
2. Finding the best movement throughout the day to restore balance through the Koshas. 
3. Self-awareness/mindfulness & meditation: daily mindfulness and compassion helps us to make more informed decisions about our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
4. Practices to support digestion, natural cleansing systems in the body, and digestion of experiences and emotions. 
5. Strategies for relaxation and restful sleep. 
6. Nourishment through food and awareness of intake through the senses. 

This approach creates awareness, empowering the student/client to stay current with what they need at any given moment with powerful tools and practices. These tools and practices help to regulate the nervous system, calm the mind, promote discernment, resilience, vitality, and wellbeing. 

How to become a Yoga Therapist:The International Association of Yoga Therapists governs Yoga Therapy training. One of the missions of IAYT is to establish yoga as a recognized and respected therapy. Visit www.iayt.org to find a school. Look for the “IAYT Accredited certified yoga therapy training program” seal when looking for schools. In depth and rigorous, training includes anatomy and physiology, therapeutic application of yoga, and yoga philosophy.   

Certified Yoga Therapists: Only graduates of IAYT-accredited programs are eligible to apply for IAYT certification as a yoga therapist. Look for the “IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist” seal when looking for a Certified Yoga Therapist. 

Ann and Dan Blackburn own Tula Yoga & Wellness in St. Paul. As Certified Yoga Therapists through the Yoga North SomaYoga International Institute, they host training at Tula Yoga & Wellness, serving as faculty in these programs.