Yoga therapist

You can get into this job through:

• specialist courses run by private training organisations

Other Routes

You could take a course in yoga therapy with a training organisation approved by the British Council for Yoga Therapy.

To do this you'll usually need to:

• complete a yoga teaching course of at least 200 hours
• have at least 2 years' experience of teaching yoga

You may need to show examples of recent study to prove that you can cope with the academic content of the course. An understanding of anatomy and physiology will also be useful.

More Information

Registrations

you could join an accredited register managed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists

Further Information

You can learn more about working in yoga from the British Council for Yoga Therapy.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to enjoy working with other people
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of psychology
• to be flexible and open to change
• leadership skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks  as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
• have a good level of fitness

Day-to-day tasks

As a yoga therapist, you could:

• talk to clients about their physical and emotional health and lifestyle
• agree a personalised programme of therapy to help with issues or symptoms
• work with clients on a one-to-one basis or in group classes
• teach simple yoga postures to target specific health needs
• teach breathing exercises, relaxation and visualisation methods
• give advice on how to maintain good health and a sense of inner peace

Working environment

You could work at a health centre, in a therapy clinic or at a fitness centre.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You could be a yoga teacher , as well as practising as a self-employed therapist.

With experience, you could teach or supervise yoga therapists in training.

You might also complete extra courses to offer other complementary therapies to clients.