Hello,

I'm a dedicated yoga student and an undergraduate psychology student. I have a deep interest in the curative properties of yoga. I'm interested in taking a yoga therapy intensive training course. Can anyone recommend one? I'm in the New York City area but will be able to travel for a program if it's worth it, especially to India.

Also, while I am a dedicated student, I am hesitant to attend a teacher training, because I feel they are so often money making schemes. I don't want to be a teacher, but is that considered somewhat of a prerequisite in the yoga therapy world?

What are the standards for a credible practicing yoga therapist?
posted by:
Michelle
offline Michelle
New York City
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  • Mand...
    Manda-B/
    offline 77

    Re: Becoming a yoga therapist and standards for yoga therapy

    Wed, October 18, 2006 - 7:56 PM
    I'm a new teacher myself...I have a goal of eventually developing my knowledge to the point where I could be a yoga therapist.

    Here are some of the programs I've heard of - in general, I'd say that the yoga therapists I have encountered are treasure troves of knowledge. The depth, the specificity of their teaching is just...well, it boggles my mind.

    anyway...
    CHARLES MATKIN: at Yoga Works. Teaches therapeutics classes, privates, and has a series of Therapeutics Teacher Trainings (the level one training is 4 weekends - most of the attendees are already teachers, but not all. It's 20 hours/weekend, divided by topics. I did one weekend, and it was very good - I just don't have the cash right now to take the other ones.) www.yogaworks.com/newyork
    LESLIE KAMINOFF: at the Breathing Project. They have ongoing advanced teacher trainings too. www.breathingproject.org
    ZACH KURLAND: used to be at the Breathing Project - I think he now has a weekly class/occasional teacher trainings at Om Yoga.

    I'd love to hear about other NY teachers that specialize in therapeutics - these are just the ones I know of. I'm especially interested in working with people with cancer.

    And - re: India - Desikachar's school? Or Bihar?
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    • Ms. ...
      Ms. Leah
      offline 32

      Re: Becoming a yoga therapist and standards for yoga therapy

      Mon, October 30, 2006 - 10:19 PM
      One of the best programs is with Larry Payne Phd.

      It's like a year program at Loyola Marimont in LA. Or you should find somebody practicing yoga therapy and try to apprentice with them. I think one on one is the best way to go.
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      • Antonio
        Antonio
        offline 67

        Re: Becoming a yoga therapist and standards for yoga therapy

        Thu, November 30, 2006 - 12:17 AM
        Probably the best is to go to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org) and look for someone in your area using their search engine. They also offer the most serious standards here in USA.

        I'd be very cautios about a 20 Hour TTC, it is a delicate matter that needs deep knowledge of both the Yogi tradition and practice and suficient knowledge regarding the body's anatomy and functions.

        The organization is doing their first Symposium (SYTAR) this coming January in LA (18 - 21) and I am organizing the International Yoga Therapy Conference in San Francisco in May (18-20) , two good opportunities to learn and practice more of this discipline.
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  • Antonio
    Antonio
    offline 67

    Re: Becoming a yoga therapist and standards for yoga therapy

    Mon, January 15, 2007 - 11:52 PM
    Hi! I suggest you visit www.iayt.org where you can find a yoga therapist and course in your area. Some basic standards are also presented on their website. The truth is that is not regulated and even though is not a pre-requisite to be a teacher, you would probably benefit from being one to better understand the depth of the science and to have the biggest possible set of resources. On the other hand you can be a professional applying Yogic techniques.

    The same organization is having a Symposium (www.sytar.org) and I will be producing the International Yoga Therapy Conference (www.yogatherapyconference.com) in May 18-20 in the San Francisco Bay Area.

    I have been personally mixing Yoga and Psychotherapy for more than 18 years now with great success for one complement the other and they are somehow united. I specialize in Yoga for Grief Relief and will be teaching in your area sometime towards the end of the year.

    Hope this helps

    Namaste.

    Antonio.
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