It is no secret that yoga has had a massive transformation in the past 100 years. As this ancient practice expanded from India into virtually all areas of the world, yoga has evolved and adapted to become accessible to everyone.
Through its evolution came regulations and accreditations in order to honor lineages and maintain legitimacy. While technically anyone can still claim to be a yoga teacher, even if they have not had formal training (there is no yoga police), most studios and professional yoga associations will only consider a teacher that has been through a minimum training with an accredited school.
Within the realm of yoga teacher trainings, the current pinnacle is Yoga Therapy, specifically Yoga Therapy trainings that are accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). This may leave you wondering, what is the difference between a Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Therapist. Fret not dear reader, in this article, we dive into the divergences in their training, scope of practice, and the unique reasons individuals might seek the guidance of a Yoga Therapist versus a Yoga Teacher.
The Spectrum of Yoga Trainings
To begin to understand the differences between a Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Therapist, it is important to understand the training that these two professionals go through. To make it very simple, a Yoga Therapist has had the same foundational training as a Yoga Teacher, but has then gone on to complete an advanced degree that allows them to specialize in a more clinical practice. You might think of this as a training spectrum, with beginner Yoga Teachers on one end, and seasoned Yoga Therapists on the other end.
Credentialed Yoga Teachers will undergo a foundational training program known as a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) course. These programs, are generally 200-hours in length, and focus on imparting a comprehensive understanding of yoga philosophy, asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), meditation, the art of teaching, and sometimes an introduction to yoga business. YTT courses equip individuals with the skills to lead group classes, cultivate a safe environment, and provide general guidance on yoga practices.
The emphasis in Yoga Teacher Training is on teaching a broad audience, fostering a community, and sharing the transformative aspects of yoga. Teachers-in-training learn to sequence classes, offer modifications, and create an inclusive atmosphere for practitioners of various levels.
From here, a Yoga Teacher can choose to continue their education to a more advanced certification. These advanced certifications generally range between 300 to 1000 hours
in length, and they offer a more in depth curriculum on yoga philosophy, ayurveda, anatomy and physiology, trauma-informed yoga, body positive yoga, and yoga for people with disabilities.
Having completed an advanced certification, a teacher may then continue their education to become a Yoga Therapists by completing a specialized training that goes far beyond the foundational aspects covered in a YTT. Yoga Therapy training typically requires a minimum of an additional 800 hours (over two years) of course work and clinical training involving in-depth studies in anatomy, psychology, and the therapeutic applications of yoga.
Yoga Therapists are trained to work one-on-one with individuals, addressing specific health concerns and tailoring practices to meet the unique needs of each client. The curriculum includes understanding various medical conditions, adapting yoga practices for different populations, and integrating therapeutic tools such as props and modifications.
Scope of Practice
The primary role of a Yoga Teacher is to guide group classes, fostering a sense of community and providing a general approach to physical and mental wellness. Yoga Teachers encourage students to explore their practice, improve flexibility, build strength, and cultivate mindfulness. While they may offer modifications for different abilities, their expertise lies in leading group or private sessions that cater to a diverse range of participants.
Yoga Teachers may also incorporate elements of philosophy and meditation into their classes, promoting a holistic understanding of yoga. However, their focus is on teaching a well-rounded practice rather than addressing specific health concerns.
Conversely, Yoga Therapists, with their advanced training, work more intimately with individuals to address specific health issues or concerns. They conduct thorough assessments that consider physical, mental, and emotional aspects, and then design personalized yoga practices to support the individual’s well-being. Yoga Therapy is often used as a complementary approach in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. In fact, many Yoga Therapists choose to work in hospitals or other medical clinics.
The scope of a Yoga Therapist’s practice extends to areas such as stress management, chronic pain, mental health conditions, and rehabilitation from injuries. They may collaborate with healthcare professionals to create comprehensive care plans tailored to the client’s needs.
When to Seek a Yoga Therapist vs. a Yoga Teacher
Individuals seeking a Yoga Teacher typically aim to improve their overall physical fitness, flexibility, and mental well-being. Yoga Teachers create a welcoming environment for practitioners of all levels, offering a space for community and shared growth. Students may attend classes for stress relief, improved posture, increased energy, or a general sense of peace.
Yoga Teachers are instrumental for those looking to explore the broader aspects of yoga and establish a regular practice that contributes to their overall health and wellness. If you are looking to join a community of yoga practitioners, develop a regular yoga practice, and/or are ready to try yoga for the first time, then a Yoga Teacher may be your best first choice.
Alternatively, you might turn to Yoga Therapists when dealing with a specific health concern that may benefit from a targeted and personalized approach. This could include chronic pain, mental health issues, recovery from surgery, or managing conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Yoga Therapists collaborate with clients to create tailored practices that align with their health goals and limitations.
Unlike group classes led by Yoga Teachers, individuals seek out Yoga Therapists for one-on-one sessions where the focus is entirely on addressing their unique health challenges and creating a therapeutic plan.
As such, working with a Yoga Therapist will often come with a higher financial commitment, and for good reason. A Yoga Therapist that has completed an IAYT accredited training program has what is generally considered the most advanced certification in the world of yoga.
To Sum It Up
In the vast and growing world of yoga, the roles of Yoga Therapists and Yoga Teachers stand out as distinct and yet complementary. Both are essential in promoting the holistic benefits of yoga in today’s health-conscious society. While Yoga Teachers generally guide group classes, fostering community and general well-being, Yoga Therapists undergo specialized training to work individually with clients, addressing
specific health concerns through personalized practices. While you may certainly find Yoga Therapists that are also teaching group classes, generally you would seek a Yoga Therapist if you are needing a targeted and individualized approach to your practice.
For those that are interested in becoming a yoga professional, the first step is to find a 200-hour YTT certification program (accredited by the Yoga Alliance is highly recommended).
From there, you can continue to advanced certifications where you might discover a niche for yourself as a teacher, and from which you might feel comfortable beginning to work with people one on one. If the individualized approach speaks to you, then it may be worth your time to further advance your training to become a Yoga Therapist.
