In this article, explore the definitions, applications and professional distinctions that differentiate Yoga Therapy from Therapeutic Yoga.
Yoga has long been recognised for its profound impact on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, within the professional Yoga community, there is often confusion between Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga. While both approaches utilise Yoga principles and practices to support health and healing, they differ in scope, application, and professional requirements.
Understanding the Difference Between Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga
To understand what is the difference between Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga, it is helpful to look at their definitions, applications, and professional distinctions.
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy is a specialised and individualised application of Yoga. According to Yoga Therapy pioneer, Leigh Blashki, “Yoga therapy is a well-defined profession with its own set of standards, accreditation and a rich history.” It is an evidence-informed practice that adapts Yoga techniques to meet the unique needs of an individual. Yoga Therapy is typically delivered one-on-one or in small, specialised groups and is facilitated by an accredited Yoga Therapist who has undergone extensive training beyond standard Yoga teacher qualifications.
Key characteristics of Yoga Therapy:
- The Yoga therapist tailors a program to meet a client’s individual needs;
- The program Incorporates a range of practices that may include postures, breathwork, meditation, and lifestyle guidance;
- It is grounded in contemporary health science and traditional Yogic wisdom;
- Conducted by a trained and certified Yoga Therapist;
- May be integrated into clinical or complementary healthcare settings.
What is Therapeutic Yoga?
Leigh Blaski explains: “There is no widely accepted definition for therapeutic Yoga. Nor is there a clearly defined accepted standard for therapeutic Yoga in the world at this time.” In this article we propose this definition of therapeutic Yoga: Therapeutic yoga is the application of Yoga for a specific therapeutic purpose. Examples include Yoga for back care, Yoga for heart health, Yoga for insomnia and so on.
Key characteristics of Therapeutic Yoga:
- Primarily taught in a group setting;
- May include restorative postures, gentle movement, breath awareness, and meditation;
- Taught by certified Yoga teachers who may have additional training in therapeutic applications.
Training and Accreditation: Yoga Therapy vs. Therapeutic Yoga
The main difference between Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga is the level of professional training and accreditation required.
Training for Yoga Therapists
Yoga Therapists undergo advanced education beyond a standard Yoga teacher training. Accredited Yoga Therapy training typically involves a minimum of 650 hours – or more – over 2 years or longer.
What do you Learn in a Yoga Therapy training?
- Therapeutic relationship and counselling skills;
- Specialised knowledge about specific illnesses and injuries;
- How to work in a healthcare setting;
- How to assess a clients’ needs holistically;
- A deep understanding of Yoga philosophy and Yogic principles and how to apply this knowledge to best meet an individual’s needs;
- How to create a personalised Yoga Therapy program.
Yoga Therapists are accredited with recognised Yoga Therapy organisations, such as the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Yoga Australia or AusActive AAYT
Training for Therapeutic Yoga Teachers
A Yoga teacher offering Therapeutic Yoga may undertake additional studies in areas such as:
- Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, trauma-sensitive Yoga, Back care, or other specialised approaches;
- Workshops or short courses in anatomy and physiology.
The Growing Role of Yoga Therapy in Healthcare
With increasing recognition of the benefits of Yoga in clinical and therapeutic settings, Yoga Therapy is becoming a sought-after complementary approach to health and well-being. Many healthcare practitioners now collaborate with Yoga Therapists to provide holistic care.
Final Thoughts: Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga in Practice
Both Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga are valuable offerings for the community. By understanding the differences between the two, Yoga teachers and Yoga therapists can ensure they offer the most appropriate support and care, whether through an individualised Yoga therapy program or Therapeutic Yoga.
If you’re a Yoga teacher looking to work in a one-on-one setting and you are keen to expand your skills and your knowledge, consider enrolling in a Yoga Therapy training course.
Leigh Blashki: Yoga Therapy Pioneer
Leigh Blashki says, “Some people may think that the difference between Yoga Therapy and therapeutic Yoga is just semantics. Many people, myself included, have spent many years ensuring that as we have developed this new field of Yoga Therapy, the public can be assured that when they work with a Yoga Therapist they can be certain that the Yoga Therapist has the right qualifications. That the client can be confident that the Yoga Therapist has the skills to attend to their needs professionally. To be clear, someone who offers therapeutic Yoga without Yoga Therapy training should not claim that they are providing Yoga Therapy.”
And some final words from Leigh Blashki, “In the spirit of Yoga itself, Yoga therapy and therapeutic Yoga can and ought to live side by side and do some good in the world.”
Are you interested in undertaking Yoga Therapy training? Explore our Accredited Yoga Therapy Training Program and take the next step in your professional journey!
Leigh Blashki is a pioneer in Yoga Therapy training and education. In 2007 he conducted the world’s first independently accredited Yoga Therapy training through the Australian Institute of Yoga Therapy. He was the founding secretary of the Australian Association of Yoga Therapists, which was the first independent association in the world to register Yoga therapists and accredit Yoga therapy training programs. He is also a past president of Yoga Australia and former member of the IAYT Board, Certification Committee and Accreditation Committee.
Trina Bawden-Smith is the founder and director of the Yoga Therapy Institute, which has trained more than 400 Yoga therapists. She has been overseeing the development of the Graduate Certificate in Yoga Therapy since 2012, has conducted eight Yoga therapy conferences and directed numerous professional development programs for Yoga therapists and Yoga teachers since 2003.