No prerequisite knowledge or experience necessary.
Yoga Therapy I
Touch-Free Certification
This program is often taught online and works extremely well in this format with plenty of individual coaching and partner practice in virtual breakout rooms. Yoga Therapy I can stand on its own or you may use your hours to go on to Yoga Therapy II where you will learn hands-on techniques of Yoga Therapy. Includes detailed digital manual and reference videos.
Photo credit: @bymaddieturnbull & Prana House
What is this course about?
This profound and innovative course takes Yoga Therapy to a deeper level. Learn specific and immediately useful tools to release trapped psychosomatic patterns and free the body’s innate healing potential. Presented in an applicable and relatable way, teachings on esoteric understanding of energy are combined with practical tools and practices. Body-based facilitation & coaching techniques can be applied with or without yoga poses in one-on-one private sessions or applied to any style of yoga, life coaching, therapy or bodywork you offer. Besides powerful facilitation techniques, you will learn how to guide poses to release and reprogram unhelpful physical, mental and emotional patterns. Support yourself and others to reduce symptoms and improve function not only from the outside in, but from the inside out!
You will learn:
- Fascinating insights & Yogic theory of energy, self-actualization & healing
- How to conduct a body scan & assess the results
- Lead an individual session or group yoga therapy class that addresses common holding zones in the body
- Step by step instructions on how to guide unique yoga therapy coaching techniques
- Use chakras as a map to identify gaps in personal maturation and self-actualization
- Healthfully integrate and release emotions for yourself and others
- Ideal for online sessions & hands-on limitations
- Includes digital manual and reference videos
Who is this course for?
- In addition to promoting your personal development, this training is excellent for yoga teachers, psychologists, counselors, health and healing professionals, and bodyworkers in search of new tools to serve their clients.
- Yoga Therapists are increasingly working in pain clinics, and in conjunction with doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, physical therapists, senior treatments centers and rehabilitation clinics.
- Ideal for online and concerns around touch.
- Especially suited for those interested in yoga therapy but with physical concerns which would prevent participation in the more rigorous partner assisted yoga therapy techniques of Yoga Therapy II.
- No previous yoga experience is required.
Yoga Therapy I: Program Overview
How Can I Use My Hours?
- Continue on to Yoga Therapy II to become a 120hr Yoga Therapy practitioner.
- Completion of Yoga Therapy I and II count towards Amrit Yoga Institute’s 800hr IAYT accredited yoga therapist program. Learn more here.
- If you are already a member of IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists), this course can be used towards continuing education hours
Practicum: For those going on to Yoga Therapy II you will need to complete and submit documentation for the following:
- Lead 3 yoga therapy classes.
- Practice all the facilitation techniques you have learned at least once.
- These hours will count towards the 120hr certification you receive in Yoga Therapy II
Yoga Therapy I and II are sometimes offered together as one course, often in a 10-11 day format.
"Bridges the gap between Yoga and Psychology."
Additional Resources
Discovering the Energetic Roots of Health Issues with Yoga Therapy
There are many styles of Yoga Therapy out there. In general, Yoga Therapy offers poses, breathwork, mudras, and other yogic modalities that will help the individual work with symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, insomnia or chronic pain. Yoga Therapy is a wonderful addition and a natural, healthy complement to other treatments a person may require.
Live Training Schedule
Preparatory Reading
It is strongly recommended for this book be read prior to or during Yoga Therapy I. It may be purchased as a paperback here.
Recommended Reading
It is strongly recommended this book be read for future reference as you progress in your yoga therapy training. It may be purchased as a paperback here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the origins of this style of Yoga Therapy and what makes it unique?
This training was developed by Kamini Desai and builds on techniques including Yogassage and Contact Yoga, developed by Ken Scott, Restorative Yoga, Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy created by Michael Lee, The Wave Work created by Sandra Scherer. The latter two were inspired by the work and teachings of Yogi Amrit Desai, Kamini’s father. This training draws on all these modalities and uniquely combines them to serve the intention of the Integrative Amrit Method (IAM) of Yoga Therapy. This is not therapy, it is a practice of wholly integrating all aspects of the human experience as a part of our spiritual journey. This style of Yoga Therapy is less about symptoms and more about resolving the root cause of those symptoms. By resolving and freeing various accumulated tensions left lingering in the body for variety of reasons, we free the body to heal itself.
Can I give a Yoga Therapy session after completing Yoga Therapy I?
Yoga Therapy I alone does not certify you as a yoga therapist, however it is the first step. Upon completion of BOTH Yoga Therapy I and II you will be certified to give Yoga Therapy sessions. In some cases, such as for Mental Health Professionals or those who already have counseling, yoga therapy or other qualifications, Yoga Therapy I alone can immediately provide a host of touch-free techniques to use with your clients without necessarily needing to go on to Yoga Therapy II.
Is this course appropriate as an introduction to the practice?
Yes. This is an excellent course for any beginner to learn theory, how to practice Yoga Therapy for yourself and how to get most out of your personal practice.
If I have previous experience with Yoga Therapy, can I place out of this course?
No. This course is foundational and crucial for your success in all other courses that follow. You will find that even if you have learned some of these techniques and concepts elsewhere, the teachings are put together, and combined in a unique way. Keep in mind that the hours completed in Yoga Therapy I, count towards the certification you receive in Yoga Therapy II.
Why does the length of my course differ from others?
Depending on location, content may be delivered in various formats including one 12 day segment (Yoga Therapy I and II together), 2 separate segments, (sometimes with Yoga Therapy I offered online), or over weekends. It can also be offered in an intensive format. However all curriculum and content is the same.
Where do I get my manual and program materials?
Program materials and other class resources are provided digitally through an online platform once you register. You have the option to have these materials printed on your own if you wish.
I have physical limitations, but would love to take this course. Is it for me?
Yes! You can take this course regardless of physical limitations.
