Is It Time to Go Deeper? Sal Flynn, experienced Yoga Therapy Educator on Why Yoga Teachers Should Consider undertaking Yoga Therapy training
In this interview, Trina Bawden-Smith and Sal Flynn discuss how Yoga therapy training can help Yoga teachers looking for the next step in their professional journey.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
There comes a point in many Yoga teachers’ careers when they start to wonder, “What’s next?” They still love teaching, but something begins to feel… repetitive. Would you say that’s a common experience?
Sal Flynn:
Absolutely. I hear that all the time. Many Yoga teachers describe it as feeling like they’re on a treadmill. They’re still passionate about Yoga, they know it changes lives – it’s changed their own – but after a few years, they start looking for more meaning, more depth, more impact.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
So they’re not necessarily dissatisfied with teaching, just ready for something more?
Sal Flynn:
Exactly. It’s like reaching a point where you’ve built a strong foundation. You’ve taught countless classes and explored different styles – and now you’re ready to go deeper. For many, it feels like the natural next step. It is almost like doing a master’s degree in Yoga. That’s where Yoga Therapy comes in.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
What makes Yoga Therapy different?
Sal Flynn:
It’s a completely different kind of work. You’re no longer guiding a group through asana and other Yoga practices. You’re drawing on your experience and really personalising the practice which means you’re thoroughly assessing the client’s needs and building a truly collaborative therapeutic relationship. It requires maturity – personally and professionally. And it’s deeply satisfying because you’re helping people use their practice to create long-term, sustainable change in their lives.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
It sounds like it also offers something many teachers are looking for — a sense of purpose and contribution.
Sal Flynn:
Yes, and real transformation. One of our graduates – a very experienced teacher in her 30s – told me something that stuck with me. She said:
“My students love their sessions, but a few days later, the effects wear off. I want to offer something that lasts. I want to take them on a journey where Yoga becomes part of their life — not just something they do for a quick boost.”
That’s why she chose to train as a Yoga Therapist.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
Very interesting. I also find a lot of teachers feel that even with years of teaching under their belt, there’s still a gap when it comes to truly supporting people with complex needs.
Sal Flynn:
Yes, many teachers are already trying to go deeper – they’re weaving in mindfulness, they’re adapting practices -but they’re often doing it without formal tools, without support, and they’re burning out. Yoga Therapy gives them the framework, the confidence, and the skills to do it sustainably and safely.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
So it’s a way to keep growing as a teacher – and also care for your own wellbeing?
Sal Flynn:
Absolutely. And it opens new doors. Many Yoga Therapists go on to work in clinical or allied health settings. They build referral networks, they run specialised therapeutic groups, they create a career that feels both meaningful and sustainable.
Trina Bawden-Smith:
So Sal, it sounds like the natural next chapter for a Yoga teacher who wants more than another class plan or who has had enough of trying to come up with yet another creative sequence to keep their students satisfied.
Sal Flynn:
Exactly. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I help people in a more lasting way?” – Yoga Therapy training might just be the answer.
Thinking of deepening your impact?
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Authors:
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.
Sal Flynn is a highly experienced Yoga therapy educator, and counselling and psychotherapy supervisor. She is one of Australia’s leading Yoga therapy educators. Sal has trained more than 400 Yoga therapists across a total of 32 deliveries throughout Australia. She mentors Yoga therapists around the world.