Although the nature of Yoga is to enhance well-being, there is a significant difference between a Yoga Teacher and a Yoga Therapist, a yoga class and a yoga therapy session, a yoga student and a yoga therapy client. While a Yoga Teacher’s goal is to teach students yoga techniques or styles, a Yoga Therapist focuses on the client’s individual needs to improve their health condition. A yoga therapist is tasked with applying yoga techniques to specific health conditions and therefore, must be trained in both the techniques (asana, pranayama, chanting, philosophy or point of view and meditation) and the therapeutic applications of these techniques.
A certified Yoga Therapist goes through four times more hours of education then a Yoga Teacher.