WHAT IS YOGA THERAPY



The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) defines Yoga Therapy as

“The professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups”.
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“The process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and wellbeing through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga.”

It is a holistic practice that facilitates healing and manages specific health conditions.  Yoga Therapy is practiced in a small group or individual setting, and it honors client-therapist confidentiality. 


References:
International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) Updated June2, 2020
Educational Standards for the Training of Yoga Therapists, July 2012

What should I expect of a yoga therapy session?

  • The first time you meet your yoga therapist, you will discuss your unique needs.

  • During the first session your yoga therapist will work with you to come up with a preliminary plan of daily practice. They will probably recommend a minimum number of sessions to begin with. Your plan will typically involve the elements of asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. You are free to continue with other forms of treatment and, indeed, yoga can be used alongside other modalities very easily.

  • Often the yoga therapist will prescribe practices for you to do at home. Yoga therapy is about teaching people the skills to help themselves in their own lives. It is about empowerment.

  • Yoga therapy meets each and every person where they are. No health presentation is too great nor too small. Yoga therapy sessions are client-led, client-focused, and compassion-focused. The client is the master of their journey with their yoga therapist being a knowledgeable accompanier on the journey towards health and healing.