This module is designed for yoga teachers to learn the foundational principles of yoga therapy. You will delve into:

• The yogic framework of health and illness including the panca maya model, prana vayus and the principle of viniyoga as a basis for yoga therapy.
• The healing foundations of the tools and techniques of yoga practice, including asana, pranayama, meditation, relaxation, yoga nidra, visualisations, sound, mudra, mantra and more.
• The practical application of these principles, tools and techniques in a therapeutic setting

This module will cover the major systems of the body and the appropriate application of Yoga techniques and tools to support healing. You will learn:

• Understanding the major systems of the body and the relationship between these systems, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, and reproductive systems
• Exploring optimal health and wellbeing in the systems of the body, and how Yoga Therapy can assist in enhancing the health of these systems
• In depth knowledge of yoga practices and the appropriate application to personalize healing. Practices covered include breath-centered asana, breathing techniques (pranayama), use of sound (chanting), visualization, mental imagery and more
• Ayurveda and understanding Individual Constitution: Theory, application, and usefulness in Yoga therapy
• Understanding of internal health related disorders relevant to a Yoga Therapist –to include asthma, digestive disorders, heart disease, chronic pain, fatigue syndromes, thyroid conditions, neurological conditions, Parkinson’s, stroke, menstrual disorders and cancer
• Management of common health concerns related to aging and the elderly
• Appropriate application of Yoga techniques and tools that realistically support individualised health goals and facilitate optimal living
• Knowledge about common western medical terminology, approach to treatment, including familiarity with commonly used drugs and surgical procedures
• Relevant research and the efficacy of Yoga interventions as a complimentary healing modality

This Module will explore the Yogic model of the mind and mental health, as it relates to Yoga Therapy, including:

• An understanding of the Yogic model of mind
• The states and functions of the mind according to Yoga
• An exploration of the healthy psychological system and the system in distress
• An exploration of common mental health issues, through a Yoga Therapy lens, including depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, sleep disorders, personality disorders, and psychosis
• Yoga Therapy treatments involving the mind
• Precautions and contraindications for mental health aware Yoga Therapy
• The relationship between Yoga Therapy and modern Neuropsychology
• The relationship between Yoga Therapy and modern Psychology
• Responding safely to mental health crisis occurring in a Yoga Therapy context
• Understanding the Scope of Practice of Yoga Therapists working with people with psychological distress or mental illness
• Yoga Therapy as a model of integrative mental health care – the mind-body perspective
• Addressing common mental health challenges with Yoga Therapy

This module will incorporate and expand upon the Yoga Psychology training conducted by Janet Lowndes and Michael de Manincor. The Yoga Psychology program is offered broadly to Yoga Teachers who will attend part of the Face to Face component of the Yoga Therapy Core Curriculum Module. Additional teachings are provided for Yoga Therapy students specifically relevant to the provision of Yoga Therapy.

 

 

In this module you will gain knowledge of structural and functional anatomy relevant to a Yoga Therapist. Areas covered include:

• Whole vertebral column, pelvis, upper limbs (arm- shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand), lower limbs (hip joint, knee, feet)
• Knowledge of biomechanics and movement as they relate to the practice of yoga and the work of a yoga therapist.
• Musculoskeletal assessment. Including history taking, observation and palpation. To include understanding common individual structural and functional differences
• Understanding of common musculoskeletal disorders relevant to a Yoga therapist. To include vertebral column disorders- excessive or reduced Lordosis and Kyphosis, neck pain, intervertebral disc problems, nerve impingements, facet joint problems, scoliosis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction and osteoporosis. Hip, knee and feet conditions. Shoulder conditions such as Rotator cuff tears, impingement conditions of the shoulder, Epicondylitis and Carpal tunnel syndrome
• The typical presentation, cause, progression and contraindications of the listed common musculoskeletal disorders as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist
• Knowledge about foundational yoga therapy practices with an emphasis on functional -oriented practices.
• A Yoga Therapy perspective on Chronic Pain
• Relevant tools of Yoga covered will include but not limited to: body awareness techniques, functional movement, static posture (asana) and relaxation techniques
• Knowledge about common western medical terminology, approach to treatment, including familiarity with commonly used drugs and surgical procedures

This integration Module will develop the tools essential to practice as a Yoga Therapist, including:

• Review, refine and integrate skills to conduct holistic, integrative client assessments for Yoga Therapy
• Further development of therapeutic counselling skills relevant to the Yoga Therapist
• Consideration to therapeutic rapport and therapeutic relationships
• Crisis management skills for Yoga Therapists
• Refine and review practice planning skills based on client needs.
• Strategies to enhance self motivation and personal efficacy for clients of Yoga Therapy
• Consideration of Yoga Therapy groups versus individual Yoga Therapy
• Therapeutic group skills relevant to providing Yoga Therapy groups
• Applying the ethical guidelines at the heart of Yoga to the profession of Yoga Therapy
• An exploration of various professional practice issues relevant to Yoga Therapy
• A sound understanding of ethical practice in the profession of Yoga Therapy
• A thorough understanding of the Scope of Practice for Yoga Therapists, and the relevant industry standards
• Consideration of important factors in providing Yoga Therapy to diverse client populations
• Strategies for communicating with other health professionals to enhance client care
• Exploring differing learning styles amongst clients of Yoga Therapy, and how to tailor interventions to the clients learning style
• Motivational strategies to assist clients to prioritise their Yoga Therapy program

Components of the practicum will be allocated across the 5 core curriculum modules, allowing you to practice and consolidate your skills as you learn. Your mentor will assist you to undertake case studies for each module, along with all that is associated with working therapeutically with individuals and groups.

The practicum component will consist of:

• Working with yoga therapy clients to provide assessment, intervention and review
• Case management related to the individual and group sessions
• Further mentoring to support your therapeutic yoga skills

This course is led by Senior Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, Registered Psychologist, PhD Graduate and Course Director, Michael de Manincor.

Michael is joined by an incredible faculty of senior yoga teachers and yoga therapists. Learn more about our faculty: The Yoga Institute Faculty

Yes, this course meets the educational standards for the training of Yoga Therapists in Australia and is registered with the peak national body representing Yoga Professionals – Yoga Australia.

Yoga Australia Registered Course

Graduates of the Post-graduate Yoga Therapy Training Course will be automatically eligible for yoga therapist registration with Yoga Australia.

Applicants are to be qualified yoga teachers, with minimum training equivalent to Level 1 membership of Yoga Australia (350hrs), plus 300 hours or 2 years of yoga teaching experience.

Special consideration will be given to qualified practitioners of other relevant therapeutic modalities.

If you are a 200-hour trained yoga teacher eager to pursue yoga therapy training, we can help you create a training pathway to make this possible - call us for a chat! 

Our approach to Yoga is based on the world-renowned teachings from the tradition and lineage of T Krishnamacharya (often described as the ‘father of modern yoga’) and his son TKV Desikachar.

The focus is on integrating all aspects of yogic practice including asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, mudras, philosophy and psychology, and adapting all practices to the individual.  The emphasis is on applying the ancient wisdom and practices of yoga to the challenges of modern lives.

As Krishnamacharya said: “Yoga must be made to suit the individual, not the individual to suit the yoga.”

To gain certification and registration as a Yoga Therapist, a variety of assessments are required. These include demonstration of knowledge, competencies and skills relevant to each course unit; commitment to regular personal Yoga practice; and competence in skills required as a Yoga Therapist.

Minimum of 80% attendance is required for completion of all courses. In special circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made with the course director to meet the requirements of the course. 

Regarding your visa enquiry, The Yoga Institute does accept students outside Australia, however enrolment into this course does not give you eligibility for an international study visa. Numerous international students have enrolled in some other course (often in the health and wellness space which supports their yoga studies, for example massage, nutrition or psychology) that enables them to get their visa and stay in Australia, and then do the yoga training course of their choice - regardless of visa.

Bring your enthusiasm! We have yoga mats, blankets, blocks, cushions, bolsters etc, but you are welcome to bring your own. You'll receive a course binder, course schedule, plus we'll give you a notepad and pencil but feel free to bring your own. There are plenty of cafes and shops nearby for lunch and we have a kitchen and eating area if you'd like to bring your own (no microwave).

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Mentoring Component