Now that I’m teaching more therapeutic yoga—both privately and in small group settings—I’ve been getting one question from people a lot: “What exactly is yoga therapy?”
This is a really great question, especially because yoga therapy can look a little different depending on who’s teaching it and who’s receiving it. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Honestly, that’s kind of the point – it’s completely customized to your needs.
The short answer:
Yoga therapy is a personalized, therapeutic approach to yoga that uses the principles and practices of yoga to support health, healing, and overall well-being.
Unlike a typical yoga class—which might be designed to improve fitness, flexibility, or relieve stress—yoga therapy is centered on you: your body, your history, your goals, and the specific challenges you’re navigating. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, managing illness, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your body and mind, yoga therapy adapts the tools of yoga to support your unique healing process.
So what does a yoga therapist actually do?
A yoga therapist, like myself, is trained to use a wide range of tools—including movement (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, guided relaxation, and mindfulness practices—to help clients feel more balanced, comfortable, and capable in their bodies and minds. We look at the whole person, not just a list of symptoms or diagnoses.
Yoga therapy sessions are typically one-on-one or in small groups, allowing for individualized attention and support. A session may include:
- Gentle, purposeful movement designed to meet your current abilities and needs
- Breathwork to calm the nervous system, enhance focus, or build emotional resilience
- Meditation and mindfulness practices to increase awareness and reduce stress
- Lifestyle or self-care suggestions inspired by yogic wisdom to support daily well-being
It’s a collaborative and evolving process. We work together to explore what feels helpful, what supports your goals, and what aligns with where you are right now. The intention isn’t perfection or performance—it’s about creating a safe, grounded space for healing and restoration, in a way that genuinely works for you.
Who is yoga therapy for?
Yoga therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of people, including:
- Those living with chronic pain, such as back pain, arthritis, migraines, or fibromyalgia
- Anyone recovering from an injury or surgery and looking for a gentle, supportive path back to movement
- People experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, or emotional overwhelm who want tools to regulate their nervous system
- Individuals with limited mobility who want to move in ways that are safe, accessible, and empowering
- Anyone curious about using yoga as a personalized tool for healing, self-awareness, and growth
Yoga therapy meets you where you are—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You don’t need to be “flexible,” fit, or have any prior yoga experience to benefit. All that’s required is a willingness to slow down, listen inward, and explore what your body and mind need in this moment.
If you’re curious to learn more, here’s a short video I made that explains a bit more about what yoga therapy is and how I work with clients. You can find this and many other videos on my YouTube channel that might be beneficial to you!
Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just wanting a more mindful, compassionate approach to your body, yoga therapy might be exactly what you need. And I’d be honored to support you on that journey.
Ready to start your healing journey?
Contact me today to schedule a private yoga therapy session and discover how personalized care can improve your well-being.
Did you know I also offer free 20-minute consultation appointments to discuss what options are best for you? Click below to schedule your free appointment today.
