You may be wondering what the difference between a traditional yoga class and yoga therapy is. In our traditional yoga class, whether taking place in a dedicated studio or a fitness/ recreational facility, there is a general population that partakes in class. Even specialized classes such as pre/post-natal, Warriors, or a chair class is typically a general population class because there is no health screening or intake form completed before class. I understand that this might not be the case at certain facilities, for example, when I was teaching pre/post-natal yoga I required a doctor’s approval before the student could join, so I’m not lumping ALL yoga classes everywhere this way.
With a yoga therapy session, either one-on-one or a small group class, a health screening and intake form are done with each student or client who is showing up to participate. This is so the yoga therapist can have a much better grasp of those who are seeking this modality of healing and clear outcome. A health screening is basic info you would provide a doctor’s office when first seeing that office; age, emergency contact info, if you have certain common ailments or injuries, and what you hope to gain from yoga therapy or have questions about. A health intake interview is also conducted to go deeper with that information and for the yoga therapist to have more insight on how to guide the client on their healing journey. The sky is the limit with what a yoga therapist might work on with a client; chronic pain, insomnia, spinal conditions, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, anxiety & depression, TBI/PTSD, cancering, pre/post joint replacement surgery, addiction, reproductive issues, mortality, even spirituality. You might be wondering why I used the word “cancering” instead of cancer. My yoga therapy teacher who passionately taught my cohort about this topic had the point of view that cancer is a thing that is happening, not who we are. So a person doesn’t have cancer, they are going through a cancering process.
Another point to consider with a yoga therapist is these are not just drop-in sessions; if the relationship is a good working one you can expect to work with a yoga therapist just as you would would with a massage therapist, chiropractor, PT, talk therapist, or a hairstylist! In fact, these are all great options that can work together in harmony on the client’s healing journey. You should have a support team and there are many people you can find to be the right fit for you.
Consider, too, the cost of yoga therapy. While a drop-in rate at a yoga studio ranges from $10-$20 per class, depending on where you live, yoga therapy can range from $45-$150 per session. That might sound steep, but look at the big picture. If you see a yoga therapist once a week, you are getting individualized care from that highly trained professional and they are addressing all the aspects of YOU, the human being, instead of a pin pointed issue, plus, at the end of every session you get a write up of the work you did to take home with you. Think back, have you ever experienced a pain in your neck only to discover that the source of the pain was from your shoulder, or perhaps, incorrect habitual sleeping and seated posture. Maybe you noticed that with increased water intake and eating a little cleaner diet made a difference in how you experienced that pain too. Or how becoming aware of breathing more fully made a world of a change for you. These are some of the lenses a yoga therapist looks through, that’s a lot! But the outcome may very well be less pain and stress, better quality of sleep, more strength and mobility, and better posture (which has its own profound ripple effects through the body). And all things add up to your specific needs. You are worth the investment to feel good.
It’s worth mentioning that you can talk to your doctor about prescribing yoga therapy or movement therapy with a certified yoga therapist, and your insurance may cover some or all of the costs. Do make sure your yoga therapist is certified through the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) or is in an accredited program if you are working with an intern. Do not hesitate to ask to see their credentials or simply go the IAYT website and look up their name there. There really is a difference in the amount of advanced yogic training a professional has received, and working with someone who is certified is extra insurance of your care.
Here’s a PDF if you like visuals of what yoga therapy is.
Disclaimer: Jennifer Rodrigues does not diagnose or treat any illness, disease, or any other physical or mental disorder. The information provided on this site does not and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical advice given by doctors and health care professionals in your state. Jennifer Rodrigues is not dispensing advice, diagnoses, or prescriptions, either directly or indirectly. The information provided is for educational purposes only and to give general information about various options for wellness. Clients are directed to follow the directives of their licensed health care provider before, during, and after embarking on programs. Jennifer Rodrigues makes no warranties with respect to the information provided through this site. Testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction.
If you are struggling with something that hasn’t been clearly identified in the specialties, know that they are not exhaustive. These are some of the most common issues that arise. There are additional conditions that Jennifer Rodrigues is trained to treat. Additionally, if you find that you are self-diagnosing as you read about mental health conditions as you browse online resources, please take a step back and know that since all humans have mental health, we can find pieces of ourselves in any description of a condition or diagnosis and that is natural. One of the most important aspects of successful mental health treatment is the therapeutic relationship between client and practitioner.