Yoga Alliance certification does not cover the field of “yoga therapy”. To actually serve in the field of ‘yoga therapy’, one has to be certified by “International Association of Yoga Therapists”. That is, to call oneself a ‘yoga therapist’, one needs a very in-depth training beyond the 200 hours or the 500 hours teacher training approved by Yoga Alliance.
In fact, in the recent public statement, yoga teachers certified by Yoga Alliance were, in no uncertain terms, cautioned NOT to use the term “yoga therapy” to describe their classes or their teachings. This might be a bit of a challenge for many of us who hear the term used indiscriminately – while aromatherapy, any number of touch-therapy, art-therapy, sound-therapy, nature therapy (whether it be by the waters, wilderness or “shinrin-ryoku” – literally means bathing in the woods or forest energy) are certainly valid, how about shopping therapy, chocolate therapy… really? How about Girls Night Out therapy:) ??? I mean, everything can turn into a “therapy” these days – thus, ‘yoga therapy’ too was a term used ubiquitously often times with good intentions mixed with some marketing purpose or this wanna-be notion of sounding more medical/clinical for more respect (?) and validation …
For most of us really into yoga, I think, yoga and yoga therapy is synonymous so this is rather interesting for Yoga Alliance, a professional group that oversee the quality of teachers by credentialing/licensing to make this statement to distance ourselves from the term “therapy”. I mean, if it isn’t, what is it then? Aren’t we drawn to the practice because it makes us feel better and BE better (as in being the true-self that we actually like)? Yet understandable from a business liability standpoint and besides, many of the yogis are all about finding “freedom” from all that enslaves us so … Here’s the Yoga Alliance statement released recently. Obviously, they are distancing themselves from that term for liability reasons where the general public may get confused with the actually regulated health care providers such as Physical or Occupational Therapists and other kind of professional, regulated Therapists in general.
In contrast, International Association of Yoga Therapists will continue to stand behind the training of yoga instructors who are interested in serving to provide this alternative and complementary medicine. It’s like this – you don’t feel well, you go see a doctor, you get bunch of tests so that a diagnosis can be made, the tests find that nothing is wrong with you and you still feel … out of synch – you still do not feel well – how do you cure this common condition? Is it from Lack of exercise? Lack of Rest and Relaxation? Lack of sleep? Lack of “right” nutrition? OR is it “just in your mind”? Then are you to feel like a mental case now? Or suppose you are in pain, you go see a doctor and he gives you a diagnosis and to deal with it which usually means that medication is prescribed. (America has the highest prescription drugs addictions and OD related deaths). The medication makes the pain go away but … you still feel lousy. In fact, Lousier. So… what does one do? Has anyone mentioned we have a soul? Energy? That Light, inner Light is shrouded – why is that?:
* Yoga therapy, derived from the Yoga tradition of Patanjali and the Ayurvedic system of health care refers to the adaptation and application of Yoga techniques and practices to help individuals facing health challenges at any level manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality, and improve attitude.
-American Viniyoga Institute Gary Kraftsow
* Yoga therapy is that facet of the ancient science of Yoga that focuses on health and wellness at all levels of the person: physical, psychological, and spiritual. Yoga therapy focuses on the path of Yoga as a healing journey that brings balance to the body and mind through an experiential understanding of the primary intention of Yoga: awakening of Spirit, our essential nature.
-Integrative Yoga Therapy (U.S.A.) Joseph LePage, M.A.
* Yoga therapy adapts the practice of Yoga to the needs of people with specific or persistent health problems not usually addressed in a group class.
-Samata Yoga Center (U.S.A.) Larry Payne, Ph.D.
* Yoga therapy is the adaptation of yoga practices for people with health challenges. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research shows that Yoga therapy is among the most effective complementary therapies for several common aliments. The challenges may be an illness, a temporary condition like pregnancy or childbirth, or a chronic condition.
-Yoga Biomedical Trust (England) Robin Monro, Ph.D.
* Yoga comprises a wide range of mind/body practices, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation. Yoga therapy tailors these to the health needs of the individual. It helps to promote all-round positive health, as well as assisting particular medical conditions. The therapy is particularly appropriate for many chronic conditions that persist despite conventional medical treatment.
-Yoga Therapy and Training Center (Ireland) Marie Quail
*(Yoga therapy is) the use of the techniques of Yoga to create, stimulate, and maintain an optimum state of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
-Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D.
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Leslie Kaminoff’s article is very interesting – yes, there is that idea that therapists are basically better than regular instructors or more learned in the field in a more holistic approach – that yoga is more than an exercise of poses. Yoga instructor, teacher, educator, therapists … whatever the title, it’s too bad that we have to keep renouncing the role as the healer; it’s true, the healer is the student. But it takes a good teacher to give the guidance for the student to find that dormant wisdom within because some of us in this modern lifestyle have lost touch with nature outside and inside our body. Here he is renouncing being a therapist, opting for a the title ‘educator’ while I am pursuing the role of a therapist. ohhhh…
While I don’t quite agree with him 100% maybe because I don’t have the decades of experience that he has, I of course deeply respect his viewpoint; seems the role of a therapist vs. an educator – is virtually the same. Okay, a diff. between a high-level professor of yoga vs. yoga therapist/teacher on the front-line, out in the field, face-to-face. To me, both are serving and both are … needed. We just don’t need the litigious society nor a bureaucratic insurance approval process. Much the same way, our needs are not really met by a fitness instructor, while well-meaning, posing as a spiritual healer, even a heath care provider. That may not sit well with many – 200 hrs. of studying anatomy and yoga poses and some mantras and crash course on yoga philosophy is probably not enough to call oneself a “therapist”. (BUT they, with this incredible positive energy can inspire.) I am humbled by those senior teachers who has been teaching for years, if not for decades. There’s so much to learn and I love that. While it would be very cool to be a “healer” or a “therapist”, I would be just as happy as a travel companion and a guide (I happen to go a little further down the path and decided to come back to meetup and share:) on our journey, merely inviting the fellow students to recognize the healer and the guru within. Going from darkness to light:) That’s my hope.
… There you have it (okay, you didn’t ask for it) – ramblings of one yoga instructor embarked on Yoga Therapy Teacher Training that she underestimated – it’s work work work … yet so enriching. I can’t wait to sharpen my skills but first … self-care. There’s no learning when one is depleted so off I go to get some rest before the flight.
A little snapshot from a Restorative Yoga class in Vancouver – different and good, done in the morning. A bit more of a fusion – it’s all good. It was a Sunday morning worship time – a time for “restoration”. 
Precious Moment…is now when you are with that precious person.