Yoga Therapy is the professional application of yoga practices to promote health and well-being within a one-on-one therapeutic relationship.

This relationship includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management and yoga practices. The practices of yoga therapy include:

MOVEMENT/POSTURES - BREATHING TECHNIQUES - MEDITATION - DEEP RELAXATION

Yoga Therapy aligns with a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to wellness.

The yoga therapy model of health addresses every aspect of life rather than considering each body part or system separately: the physical body, energetic body, mental states and emotions, the unconscious workings of the mind, the heart and its connection to all. For many, this holistic approach can alleviate suffering across the spectrum of their experience.

Yoga Therapy plays an important role in interprofessional care teams.

Yoga therapy is significantly researched and practiced as a complementary and integrative therapy with safe and effective results for psychotherapy, social work and traditional western medicine. IAYT-certified yoga therapists are trained in anatomy, physiology, and mental health; this allows them to interact with clients’ other healthcare professionals effectively and to competently suggest referrals when needed.

Yoga Therapy is client-directed care.

Yoga Therapists formulate practices that are directed by their clients’ goals; they are designed to meet people “where they are”, connect them to their own innate healing potential, and move them in the direction toward their goals.

Yoga Therapy fosters self-empowerment.

The aim of the Yoga Therapist is to educate people so they may heal themselves. Working with a Yoga Therapist should leave a client feeling empowered to self-assess as part of their healing process. Independence from the Yoga Therapist is the goal.