What is Yoga Therapy?

Yoga Therapy is any application of yogic techniques (postures, breath work, dialogue, guided imagery, chanting, hands-on techniques, values clarification or meditation) that are designed and sequenced specifically and appropriately for a given individual and their unique needs.

Who is a Yoga Therapist?

Yoga Therapists are Yoga teachers who have additional training in therapeutic applications of yoga. They may specialize in teaching specific groups like seniors, pregnant women or people with cancer. They may work one on one with private clients and have other areas of expertise which they integrate into their practice like physical therapy, massage therapy, counseling, hospice training, medicine or ayurveda.

What does a Yoga Therapist do?

The Yoga Therapist determines through physical assessment, observation (of movement, posture, breath) and dialogue, the needs and goals of the individual.

What might be appropriate for one individual might be injurious or ineffective for another. What we practice and how we practice it can vary in the same person depending on time of day, what has transpired before the practice, what stage of life we're in, what is happening emotionally in our lives, whether we have an illness or injury, are stressed, lethargic, depressed or anxious. All these variables can be considered in choosing appropriate techniques and applying them in ways that are most beneficial.

How might Yoga Therapy help me?

Some goals for therapy could include physical benefits such as strength and vitality in the muscles, bones, nerves and connective tissue, and organs. Psycho-spiritual benefits might include decreased levels of anxiety, an improved ability to concentrate or a sense of greater connectedness with others. Joyce's students and clients have used yoga therapy to help with sleep disturbances, clarify values, get or stay physically fit, deal with anxiety, increase energy levels and improve posture.