Should All Yoga teachers do Yoga therapy training?

I was pondering the question – should all Yoga teachers undertake Yoga therapy training?
One of the most stressful things I remember as a yoga teacher is when a yoga student casually mentions, either at the start or after class, that they’ve just had a stroke, heart attack, or a knee replacement or worse – a condition that you have never heard of. You freeze and think, ‘Oh my gosh… what did I just teach them?’

Challenges facing Yoga teachers

I started teaching Yoga in 2002 and over the past few decades I have talked to thousands of yoga teachers and I have gained an in depth understanding of the many challenges facing yoga teachers today.

1. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are often caused by a lack of confidence. Many yoga teachers find that their 200-hour yoga teacher training doesn’t fully prepare them to teach confidently, especially if they prefer to work one-on-one, in small groups or with students with health challenges.
   
2. In one yoga class, there might be students with 10 different health conditions. There is pressure to navigate complex student needs. Many yoga teachers feel overwhelmed by the diversity of students who have a wide range of abilities, ages, illnesses and injuries. They are afraid of causing harm or getting it wrong. This skills gap leads to frustration and self-doubt even though what they really want to make yoga accessible and supportive for everyone.
   
3. Financial instability. It can feel impossible to make a living teaching yoga. Unpredictable class numbers or earning low hourly rates can create financial stress.
   
4. Burnout and fatigue. Yoga teachers are teaching multiple classes. Running from class to class, studio to studio, or from one end of town to the other. They may start to lose the passion they have for teaching yoga. 

Over the past 20 years, I have discovered, that the fastest way for yoga teachers to succeed is to improve their skills and knowledge so they have the confidence to work with any student regardless of their age or stage and no matter what their health condition.

Becoming an accredited yoga therapist allows you to make a real impact and create a sustainable, fulfilling career doing what you love.  

What is the difference between a yoga teacher and a yoga therapist?

Think of a yoga teacher as a restaurant chef—they prepare a meals for everyone, following the same recipe that satisfies most diners. They may offer small adjustments for individual preferences, but the dish remains largely the same for everyone.

A yoga therapist, on the other hand, is like a personal nutritionist—they carefully assess each person’s unique needs, health conditions, and goals before designing a customised meal plan. They adjust ingredients and portions to support healing, ensuring the approach is as individual as the person they’re serving.

The yoga therapist provides a personalised program rather than a one-size-fits-all menu.

I’ve seen firsthand how yoga therapy creates lasting change. I am passionate about empowering yoga teachers to become confident, skilled yoga therapists so they can help more people and make a difference.

Benefits of yoga therapy training

• You will have complete confidence in your teaching.
• The way you teach yoga classes will never be the same again.
• You will feel excited and proud of the tangible benefits your client’s experience.
• You can diversify your offerings
• You will have the skills to run therapeutic groups and
• Have the skills to work in clinical and complementary health care environments
• Conduct 1 to 1 yoga therapy consultations

You will be able to share your deep passion for yoga so you can help those who need it most.

Yoga therapy is a powerful, holistic modality and I believe yoga therapy has the potential to revolutionise health. I see a world where yoga therapists empower individuals and transform global well-being.

If you’re a yoga teacher who wants to confidently support your yoga students with diverse needs and build a meaningful career, I invite you to explore becoming a yoga therapist.

Find out more about the Accredited Yoga Therapy Certification.

Author:

Trina Bawden-Smith is the founder and director of the Yoga Therapy Institute, which has trained over 420 Yoga therapists. She has been overseeing the development of the Yoga Therapy Institute’s Accredited Yoga Therapy Certification since 2012, has conducted 8 Yoga therapy conferences and directed numerous professional development programs for Yoga therapists and Yoga teachers since 2003.