Syllabus
Theory:
- yoga therapy as a holistic system
- relevant philosophical ideas and concepts relating to yoga therapy and the development of our own practice from identified texts such as
o Yoga Sutras
o Upanishads
o Bhagavad Gita
o Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- ayurvedic principles in relation to yoga therapy
o samkhya philosophy
o triguna
o tridoshas
o ayurveda as a lifestyle
- yoga’s subtle energy systems including
o koshas
o gross, subtle and causal bodies
o vayus
o nadis
o chakras
o marma points
- eastern psychological models of Self
- western psychological and therapeutic models of self
o psychodynanic
o person centred
- transference, counter transference, projection and presence
- neuroscientific research in relation to yoga therapy
- trauma release and yoga therapy
- the main body systems:
o musculo skeletal
o digestive
o respiratory
o cardiovascular including lymphatic
o nervous
o reproductive
o endocrine
o urinary
o immune
- and how they relate to:
o the koshas
o western anatomy, and psychology
o pathology, medical conditions and common ailments
o mental health and emotional well-being
o pain management
o current drugs and medication
Yoga therapy skills
- yoga therapy practices
o kriyas
o asana
o mudra
o bandha
o pranayama
o meditation
o mantra
o relaxation techniques
- basic self massage techniques
- diet
- cautions and contra-indications of yoga therapy practices
- assessing a client and taking a thorough case history
- design of health questionnaire and pre therapy forms
- body mapping and observational techniques including gross and subtle
- listening skills
- referring clients on: who, where, when
- experience and application of counselling skills
o person centred
o psychodynamic
- energetic protection techniques
- ayurveda as a lifestyle
Becoming your own therapist
- deepening your own practice of asana, pranayama, meditation
- journalling and reflective practice
- self study/ reading/ research
Yoga therapy as a profession
- therapeutic relationship
- confidentiality
- boundaries
- setting up a practice
- case management
- presentation
- client/therapist contract
Assessment
- group supervision
- on-going practical assessments
- tutor observation including observed client assessment
- 6 case studies including 3 detailed case studies working with a client over 5 sessions
- final assignment: title to be agreed with the tutors