OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!

Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward
improved health and wellbeing through the application of the teachings and
practices of yoga.
Application Form

“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.” (IAYT). 

A Yoga Therapist applies yoga techniques to specific health conditions. A Yoga Therapist, therefore, must be trained in both the techniques (8 limbs of yoga ) as well as the therapeutic applications of these techniques.

This point in time represents an exciting opportunity for yoga therapy! Though based on a long tradition of healing, yoga therapy is a relatively new profession gaining awareness and recognition as an effective healing modality. 

Yoga therapy is easily integrated with other healing modalities, used in conjunction with western medical practices, and practiced as a stand-alone therapy. 

As a Yoga Therapist, you are trained to meet your client where they are and support their individual healing and wellness needs regardless of age, gender, condition, health history, physical or mental ability.

Yoga Therapists help clients to heal any number of physical conditions such as back pain, shoulder injury, sciatica, pelvic floor dysfunction, and plantar fasciitis. They also have therapeutic practices to address anxiety disorders, PTSD, insomnia, depression, autoimmune diseases, addiction, obesity, cancer support, and more.

Program Overview

Through our comprehensive 800-hour curriculum, practicum and individual mentoring, our training offers an opportunity for thorough grounding in the therapeutic application of yoga. Students will gain knowledge of evidence informed practices and to skillfully adapt the tools of yoga therapy to the individual needs of the client or specific group.

Our program supports IAYT’s educational standards for yoga therapy. We have submitted an application for IAYT accreditation for our yoga therapy program and are currently being evaluated. We will provide additional information after the process is complete. 

We offer two (2) streams of certification:

  1. A 300-hour Yoga Therapy – Foundation certificate program for Yoga Teachers to build their foundation on the path to becoming a Yoga Therapist.
  2. An 800-hour Yoga Therapist certificate program that consists of the 300-hour Yoga Therapy – Foundation certificate program plus a 500-hour Yoga Therapy – Advanced Program and Practicum.

Yoga Therapy – Foundation

A 300-hour certificate program for Yoga Teachers to build the foundation on the path to becoming a Yoga Therapist. This is the first component in our 800-hour Yoga Therapy Program.
This 300-hour component must be completed before continuing to the Yoga Therapy – Advanced Module and the Yoga Therapy – Practicum (800-hour Yoga Therapy Program)

Yoga Therapy – Foundation provides an overview of the yoga therapy field. Students start to build their yoga therapy foundation, including an introduction to current scientific research on yoga therapy. Students learn about the philosophy and evolution of yoga therapy in India and in the West, as well as the various tools used in yoga therapy, such as asana, pranayama, mudra, yoga nidra, guided relaxation, and visualisation.

Students explore lifestyle-related diseases and common mental health disorders and the therapeutic approach for healing through yoga, and assessing for imbalances. Further familiarization and integration of biomechanics and somatic movement occurs , as well as an introduction to the principles of Ayurveda as they relate to yoga therapy.

Students learn to translate the principles and skills of the therapeutic relationship for practice in a one-on-one setting with clients and how to facilitate individual and group experiences that are safe, confidential, reliable, and consistent with appropriate and clear boundaries.

Required Courses (300 hours)

Yoga Therapy – Advanced

This 500-hour component consists of required courses, a College/University level Anatomy and Physiology Course and Practicum which are to be started after successful completion of the 300-Hour Yoga Therapy – Foundation program. 

In Yoga Therapy – Advanced students gain a basic understanding of many of the more common manifestations of disease in the West, including conditions such as Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Respiratory Illnesses, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s and we examine the use of therapeutic yoga tools that address these conditions.  Focus will be placed on posture modifications and adaptations for physical limitations, range of motion and to support physical body rehabilitation. With instruction in concepts of motion students will learn how to assess for structural imbalances and design an appropriate yoga therapy session to bring balance to the body.

We also explore the application of yoga therapy in the mental health field and how to use yoga for Trauma, Anxiety, Grief, PTSD, and Addiction as applicable to adults and teens. Using case studies, experiential practice, discussion and demonstrations, students gain an understanding of the scope of practice for yoga therapy in medical and clinic settings while learning how to navigate the world of Western medicine as an alternative wellness practitioner.

Required Courses (245 hours)
  • Applied Yoga Philosophy – 20 hours
  • Yoga Therapy Tools for Common Conditions – 35 hours
  • Principles and Skills for Working with Clients and Groups – 20 hours
  • Yoga Therapy and Mental Health  – Part 2 – 35 hours
  • Body and Mind Integration – 20 hour
  • Trauma-Informed Practice – 20 hours
  • Asana Adaptations and Adjustments for Creating Balance – 30 hours
  • Pelvic Health and Yoga Therapy – 10 hours
  • Chronic Pain and Yoga Therapy – 15 hours
  • Myofascial Lines and Asana – 20 hours
 
Anatomy and Physiology Course (55 hours)
 

Completion of a College or University level Anatomy and Physiology course.  A list of suggested courses can be provided. For example:  Algonquin College

Yoga Therapy – Practicum

The Yoga Therapy – Practicum can be started after successful completion of the Yoga Therapy – Foundation component.
Upon registration for the module, students will be paired with a mentor. Our mentors are experienced yoga therapists and graduates of an IAYT approved 800-hour Yoga Therapy Program. The mentors also help guide the student through their coursework via email, telephone, Zoom, or in-person meetings if they live near each another.
The practicum is 220 total hours and consists of the following:
practicum delivery (150 hours)
 

The 150 hours consists of the delivery of individual and group yoga therapy sessions in real time. 

practicum documentation and mentorship (70 hours)
 
The balance of this module is hours for documentation, including designing a yoga therapy group class series, creating a protocol for an individual client, assignment completion, written session reflections, and written and verbal communication with the mentor.

Program details

TRAINING TEAM

Monique Newton, Lynda Pedley, Melissa Delaney, Katherine Marr, Chantal Houde, Bonnie Elliot, and Devinder Kaur.

Program Director: Devinder Kaur (devinder@pranashanti.com)

Program Co-ordinator: Shannon Dobson (shannon@pranashanti.com)

Pre-requisites

Be at least 18 years of age;

Have a high school diploma or equivalent;

Have a 200-hour yoga teaching certificate from a Yoga Alliance registered school;

Have at least one (1) year of teaching experience;

Have at least one (1) year of personal practice;

Complete the Program Application which includes an interview with the Program Director and Program Co-ordinator.

transfer credits

We welcome transfer students from C-IAYT Training Programs subject to review of program content and alignment with our structure.  We welcome discussing this with you. 

A number of the course modules from our 300-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program are transferable into the program. They are as follows:

  • Advanced Anatomy and Biomechanics
  • Principles of Ayurveda – Foundation
  • Meditation Training
  • Yoga of the Subtle Body/Energetic Anatomy of Yoga
  • Yoga for Everybody and Trauma Informed Practice

TUITION FEES

  • Yoga Therapy Foundation: Fees are paid per course and is approximately $6,500.00 + HST for the 300 Hour program;
  • Yoga Therapy Advanced: Fees are paid per course and is approximately $4,500.00 + HST, for the 225 Hour program;
  • Yoga Therapy Practicum: $1,500.00 + HST, 220 Hours
  • Total Program: $12,500.00 + HST, 800 Hours plus your own fee paid for the Anatomy and Physiology Course.

Application Process

We are currently accepting applications for the Program! 
  1. Complete the Application Form;
  2. Submit a Personal Statement as to why you would like to take part in the Program;
  3. Provide three (3) letters of recommendation-two (2) professional and one (1) personal;
  4. Provide a copy of the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate;
  5. Participate in a one-on-one interview with the Program Director and Program Co-ordinator;
  6. If accepted, there is a $250.00 + tax Registration Fee to confirm placement in the program.

Yoga Therapy Certificate Graduation Requirements

Attendance at all modules. All modules must be completed in a maximum of four years. If you are unable to attend a course, you may attend the same course the next time it is offered. 

Students must be prepared for each class by bringing a notebook, writing material (pens, highlighters, etc.). Students must wear comfortable clothing suitable for yoga and meditation practice.

During courses, students are required to take actively part in and complete group and partner work, practice teachings, written and homework assignments.

Completion of a College or University level Anatomy and Physiology course.

Completion of the 220-hour practicum.