Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy emphasises holding of a space and the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client(s). Yoga can be described as a psycho-somatic therapeutic technology. What unfolds during the process (outcome / impact / result) is change at a core level to bring about deeper healing and growth. With yoga therapy it should be noted that yoga tools and techniques are not explicitly applied to address symptoms and the work is holistic and person-centred. There can be general trends of practices or ways in working that can be applied to specific health conditions. 

Yoga therapy is led by a skilled and trained therapist who assesses and works within the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. Yoga practice, including breathwork and somatic, embodied movement, forms part of the unfolding discovery process and this fosters regulation of the nervous system so the body has time to open safely, regulate and change. Yoga therapy aims to create safety in the body through developing body literacy, self trust and self compassion.

The yoga therapy evidence base is a distinct discipline to yoga teaching and YHC will contribute to this growing professional field in Wales and the UK. The understanding of yoga as therapy and the research base is currently more developed in countries such as the USA and Australia, which can be seen in peer reviewed publications including International Journal of Yoga Therapy and Yoga Therapy Today (International Association of Yoga Therapy).