What is yoga Therapy & what can you expect?

Exploring the Depths of Yoga Therapy: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Embracing the ethos of Karma yoga, the path of action and service, has been my guiding light. As a mother of two boys and a partner to someone who champions my wildest dreams, I've been schooled in patience, love, and fairness on a daily basis. Though my academic roots lie in Art History, it was the profound impact of yoga that redirected my journey towards teaching and specializing in Yoga Therapy. Yoga found me in my early twenties, not through the allure of physical postures alone, but through the profound sense of serenity, balance, and inner radiance it bestowed upon me. My training at Ananda in Seattle unveiled the depths of yoga, igniting a passion for meditation and yoga philosophy. Inspired to offer more than just group classes, I embarked on a quest to deepen my understanding, seeking ways to provide tailored support to those grappling with physical and emotional anguish. Today, alongside leading group sessions and teaching Meditation and Tai Chi for Health, I continue to expand my horizons through relentless study and exploration, ever-humbled by the vastness of this ancient practice.

What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy isn't merely about striking poses or following a routine; it's a profound modality that harnesses the transformative power of yoga postures, breathwork, meditation, and visualization to harmonize both body and mind. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of yoga as the union of self, it offers a holistic approach to healing that resonates with timeless truths. While the modern resurgence of yoga has captured hearts worldwide, its therapeutic essence has been woven into the fabric of human existence for over 5,000 years.

How old is yoga therapy and how can you become a therapist or find one?

The lineage of Yoga Therapy traces back millennia, finding formal recognition in the establishment of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) in 1989. To tread the path of a certified yoga therapist demands dedication and discipline. It begins with a 200-hour yoga teacher training, followed by an intensive 500-hour continuing education journey. The final step involves immersion in specialized clinical training, culminating in a 1000-hour Clinical Yoga Therapy certification. This rigorous process, under the guidance of luminaries in fields ranging from physical therapy to psychotherapy, unfolds over three transformative years.

What can you expect from a session?

A yoga therapy session is not a mere transaction; it's a sacred space where healing unfolds through collaboration, compassion, and self-discovery. While the investment typically ranges from $100 to $150, the true value lies in the transformation it catalyzes. As you embark on this journey, the first step entails completing an intake form, laying bare your medical history and concerns. This becomes the canvas upon which the therapist paints a portrait of tailored care, weaving together breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to address your unique needs. Each session is an unfolding narrative, guided by intuition and insight, as therapist and client embark on a shared voyage towards holistic well-being.

In essence, Yoga Therapy is more than a practice; it's a profound testament to the resilience and wisdom inherent within each of us. As I continue to explore the myriad facets of this transformative discipline in future blogs, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and healing. Feel free to reach out with questions or insights — together, let's unlock the boundless potential of Yoga Therapy.

Sources: 

International Association of Yoga Therapists. "International Association of Yoga Therapists." IAYT, www.iayt.org. Accessed 4 May 2024.

"Give the Gift of Meditation." Ananda Meditation Teacher Training, www.ananda.org/ananda-meditation-teacher-training/. Accessed 4 May 2024.