FAQs
What is Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness that integrates the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern medical and psychological knowledge. It focuses on treating the individual as a whole, considering the root cause of dis-ease in addition to addressing symptoms.
Yoga therapy is often used as a complementary treatment for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress management, cardiovascular & respiratory diseases, injury recovery, and more.
What’s the difference between a yoga class and yoga therapy?
Yoga classes are usually offered in a structured group setting with generalized practices intended to serve a broad group of people. Yoga therapy is an individualized approach that uses yoga techniques that support healing to address specific health issues. Some of the key differences are broken down in the table below.
What can Yoga Therapy help with?
Yoga therapy is a versatile tool that can support healing and improve quality of life for a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions. Yoga therapy has been shown to benefit a variety of health conditions including:
- Body aches, joint pain, arthritis, stiffness and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD and a variety of mental health conditions.
- Nervous system regulation. Vagal tone.
- Sleep disorders. Insomnia. Sleep apnea.
- Life transitions: pregnancy, grief and loss, peri- and menopause, retirement, etc.
- Hypertension, heart health, asthma and other cardio-respiratory conditions.
- Emotional and behavioral disorders. Addiction and recovery.
- Management of endocrine and metabolic disorders.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), headaches and neurological conditions.
- Digestive conditions including constipation, indigestion, ulcers, gastritis, IBS
What should I expect from a Yoga Therapy session?
A Yoga Therapy session is a collaboration between the client and therapist that aims to improve quality of life through personalized practices that include a combination of asana (postures & movement), pranayama (breath), mantra, somatic movement, meditation, relaxation techniques and lifestyle adjustments intended to facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal.
The yoga therapist considers the unique aspects of the client’s life and health history and works with them on the therapeutic application of yoga in sessions designed specifically for the individual’s needs and capabilities.
Are yoga therapists licensed?
Yoga therapists are certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) after completing an accredited training program that takes place over 1000 hours and 3 years.
Where do sessions take place?
If you’re in the Denver area, in-person sessions take place at a yoga studio near 33rd & Federal. In some cases, Becky can come to you (additional fee applies).
Zoom sessions are available for anyone in or outside the Denver metro area.
How much does it cost?
The first session is free. For follow up sessions, Becky is offering donation based Yoga Therapy while she is an intern working on clinical hours. Suggested donation of $50 per session. Cash or Venmo accepted. Prices will increase as she progresses in the program and after graduation.
How do I schedule a session?
Click here to schedule.
What’s the difference between a yoga class and yoga therapy?
| Yoga Class | Yoga Therapy | |
| Purpose and intention | Many people take yoga classes as part of a general fitness or wellness routine. Classes aim to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yoga is usually practiced for fitness, flexibility, balance, strength, mindfulness and relaxation. | Focuses on addressing specific health conditions or life challenges from a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals manage or recover from physical, emotional, or mental health issues such as injury, anxiety, depression, pain or chronic diseases. |
| Personalization | Studio yoga classes often have a generalized “one-size-fits-all” structure, with sequences that are designed for a broad group of people. While they may vary by level or style (e.g., Hatha, Vinyasa, Power, Yin), they are not usually focused on individual needs or health concerns. | Yoga therapy is tailored to an individual’s needs. A yoga therapist assesses the client’s physical and mental health, then designs a personalized program to address their condition. The focus might be on rehabilitation, managing symptoms, or improving specific functions related to the individual’s health. |
| Instructor vs. Therapist | Taught by a certified yoga instructor who is trained to lead general classes, focusing on poses, alignment, breathing exercises, mindfulness and meditation practices. | Facilitated by a trained yoga therapist who has additional knowledge of Eastern and Western anatomy, physiology, psychology and body systems. Yoga techniques are integrated with therapeutic knowledge to support health and healing. |
| Health Conditions | Suitable for generally healthy individuals who want to improve fitness, flexibility, and mental focus. | Geared towards individuals dealing with specific health conditions, injuries, or illnesses. It can be part of a broader treatment plan, working alongside medical or psychological treatments. |
| Structure | Classes tend to follow a set format or sequence that is similar for all participants, typically involving a warm-up, asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and relaxation or meditation. | Sessions are one-on-one or in small groups, where the therapist closely monitors progress and adjusts the practice as needed. The practice varies greatly depending on the individual. |
Schedule a session
Questions? Contact here.
