Yoga Therapist
What is the work like?
Yoga therapists use yoga to help people with physical and mental problems such as asthma, arthritis, back pain, heart conditions, anxiety and depression.
As a yoga therapist, you would start with a consultation, taking note of the client's physical condition and any related lifestyle factors. You would then:
- decide on an appropriate programme of therapy, which could involve either one-to-one sessions or classes
- teach a combination of simple movements and postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
- give advice on how to maintain good health and a sense of inner peace and relaxation.
Your clients may also be receiving treatment by traditional medicine or other complementary therapies.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To practise as a yoga therapist you will need:
- to be a qualified yoga teacher, preferably with some yoga teaching experience (see Yoga Teacher profile), and
- to complete the Foundation Course in Yoga Therapy developed by the Yoga Biomedical Trust (YBT) and the Life Centre (LC).
Before you begin the foundation course you would find it helpful to have knowledge of anatomy and physiology. You will need to be able to prove that you can cope with the academic content of the course, which is regarded as postgraduate level.
The course is run over four weekends. For more details on entry requirements, contact the YBT and LC who will be able to check with you the eligibility of your yoga teaching qualification.
When you have successfully completed the foundation course, you can go on to the YBT and LC Diploma in Yoga Therapy.
If you have medical or paramedical experience you may be exempt from parts of the diploma course.
What further training and development can I do?
You can study the YBT and LC Yoga Therapy Diploma over a period of two years or more. This will usually include 24 weekends and a residential retreat.
You will complete the Diploma by a mixture of home study, practical work and yoga practice. Contact the YBT or LC for more details.
The diploma is recognised by the Institute of Complementary Medicine and the NHS. Once you have completed the qualification you will become an accredited YBT/LC yoga therapy practitioner and will be eligible to join the NHS Register of Complementary and Alternative Medical Practitioners.
Where can I go for more information?
15 Edge StreetLondon
W8 7PN
Tel: 020 7221 2626
Islington
London
N1 9HS
Tel: 020 7689 3040
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- A new entrant may earn around £11,000 a year.
- A practitioner with experience may earn up to £27,000 a year.
However, most yoga practitioners are self-employed and incomes can vary considerably. Most charge either a sessional or hourly rate, usually ranging from £20 to £60 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually set your own working hours, which may include evenings and weekends to meet the needs of your clients.
You could work at several centres, including sports centres or health clinics and other therapeutic environments. This would involve local travel.
You would need very little equipment, other than a non-slip mat for safety.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- skill as a yoga practitioner
- a genuine desire to help people
- good communication and listening skills
- the ability to understand medical terms and information
- a logical approach to problem solving, offering clear solutions to complaints
- a good level of physical fitness.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work in medical practices, hospitals, clinics, holistic health centres, health clubs, special needs centres and in private gyms and health clubs.
Most opportunities are for self employment. If you run your own business your career prospects would be dictated by demand for the therapy, as well as your ability to generate business and establish a good reputation, either alone or with partners.
You could teach as well as practising as a therapist.
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