What is Yoga Therapy?

“Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga.” Read more at IAYT Educational Standards for the Training of Yoga Therapists

On the surface, yoga therapy may look like a typical yoga class. However, there are some important differences. Gary Kraftsow, founder and director of the American Viniyoga Institute, offers a succinct explanation:

“Rather than focusing on yoga methods and practices, yoga therapists fundamentally focus on their clients’ needs.”

He explains further in his article for Yoga International, The Distinction Between a Yoga Therapy Session and a Yoga Class.

Like some yoga teachers, Yoga Therapists (YTs) work one-on-one and in group settings with clients, in a therapeutic relationship, to address individualized health concerns. Our studies and foundation of teaching takes it further, to reframe pain through education and the practices of poses, mindfulness, breath and intention. By employing a biopsychosocial approach to tailor treatment(s) for improvement of function, mitigation of symptoms, release of negative mental patterns and tiresome emotional reactions, YT returns clients to parasympathetic activation. Yoga therapy is an evidence-based practice and YTs measure the impact of therapy and adjust treatment based on improved quality of life (measured by QOL quantifiers), in collaboration with healthcare practitioners and clients. 

To guide parasympathetic activation and resiliency through specific body cues, safe emotional exploration and mental journeys, I interfuse tools which include breath and visualization.  With dependability and compassion, I blend a little reality and a lot of humility in each session, bonding with clients for more than 20 years on a sacred and human level.