RetreatExplorerYoga Therapy Programs
Yoga therapy applies yoga practice — postures, breath, meditation and lifestyle guidance — to specific health conditions, working one-on-one or in small groups rather than teaching a general studio class. It sits closer to a clinical, evidence-informed field than a typical yoga teacher training, which is why the certification pathway is longer and more rigorous.
The credentialing body most schools work toward is the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), which requires a substantial hour count (typically 800+ hours) built on top of an existing yoga teacher training, along with supervised clinical practicum hours working with real clients under mentorship.
Graduates commonly work alongside — not instead of — conventional healthcare, supporting clients managing chronic pain, anxiety, cardiovascular conditions, cancer recovery and other conditions where a tailored, therapeutic yoga practice can complement medical treatment.
What you'll learn
- Yoga therapy assessment and individualised practice design
- Applied anatomy and physiology for common health conditions
- Working with chronic pain, anxiety and stress-related conditions
- Scope of practice and working alongside conventional healthcare
- Client communication, intake and ethical boundaries
- Supervised clinical practicum with real clients
- Research literacy — reading and applying yoga-therapy evidence
Who this is for
For experienced yoga teachers (typically RYT 200+, often RYT 500) drawn to one-on-one, health-focused work, and for healthcare professionals (nurses, physical therapists, counsellors) who want to bring yoga into clinical or rehabilitative settings.
Format & duration
A substantial commitment — IAYT-accredited programs typically total 800+ hours across a year or more, combining coursework with supervised clinical practicum. This is the longest and most rigorous specialisation on this page; budget accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
Is yoga therapy the same as being a yoga teacher?
No — yoga therapy is a distinct, more clinically oriented field focused on individualised work with specific health conditions, typically requiring far more training hours and supervised practicum than a standard teaching certification.
What is IAYT certification?
The International Association of Yoga Therapists is the leading credentialing body for yoga therapists; IAYT-accredited programs meet a defined hour count and competency standard, similar in spirit to how Yoga Alliance credentials teaching programs.
Can yoga therapy replace medical treatment?
No — responsible yoga therapy is taught and practised as a complement to conventional healthcare, not a replacement for it, and ethical training programs are explicit about scope-of-practice boundaries.
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