What is Yoga Therapy?
In June of 2020 The International Association of Yoga Therapist published an article stating that "yoga therapy is 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."
What is the Difference between a Group Yoga Class at a Studio and Yoga Therapy?
Level of Training. Yoga teachers in a studio setting are generally required to have a minimum of 200 hours of training. A certified yoga therapist has 1,000 + hours of training.
Assessment Component. The yoga therapist does an initial base line intake/assessment of the individual or small group.
A Customized Practice. The yoga therapist develops a personalize approach to assist the individual or small group in meeting identified goals.
Home Practice Plan. The yoga therapist often provides a home practice plan to help clients reinforce new behaviors and make progress outside of the time with the yoga therapist.
What Types of Tools or Practices Does a Yoga Therapist Work With?
* Āsana - physical postures and movement
* prāṇāyāma - breath regulation.
* Dhyāna - mediation, mindfulness practices, visualization
* Svādhyāya - self-reflection & study of yogic texts
* Sound - chanting, mantra
* Mudrā - hand gestures/seals
A Yoga Therapist is Qualified to:
* Set up a container to foster self-reflection
* Identify imbalances / opportunities for growth
* Develop a personal practice for clients to understand the glasses they're wearing; assist clients in taking those glasses off, to see more clearly
* Make the unconscious conscious
* Replacement Therapy (replace the old or 'unhelpful pattern' with a new 'more helpful pattern)
* Collaborate with a client's medical provider(s) to assist in offering support & filling in the gaps where appropriate.
A Yoga Therapist is NOT Qualified to:
* Diagnose a medical or psychological condition, unless appropriately qualified.
* Interpret raw medical or psychological diagnostic test results.
* Perform physical adjustments, manipulations, or massage.
Yoga Therapy for Stress Reduction
Chronic stress is often identified as a major culprit of anxiety, depression, and other physical illnesses & disease. Research suggests that yoga offers a variety of tools to help individuals better cope with acute stress & increase mindfulness without negative side effects.
Upcoming Events
Our next community event is taking place in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at Trinity Yoga Studio. Series begins on Saturday, March 18, 2023; the series includes 1 individual assessment (60 minutes) & 4 small group classes (75 minutes). Follow the link below for more details.
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