Yoga therapy, explained
What is yoga therapy?
And how it can help you feel at home in your body again, one small, steady practice at a time.
By Tess Jewell-Larsen, C-IAYT · Certified yoga therapist
Yoga therapy is a personal approach to well-being that brings together the ancient wisdom of yoga and modern, evidence-informed practice. Instead of a one-size-fits-all class, it’s shaped around you: your body, your health, your goals and the season of life you’re in.
It uses the tools of yoga (movement, breathwork, meditation and mindfulness) and adapts them to what you actually need, giving you a supportive, whole-person path to feeling better.
Yoga vs. yoga therapy
They sound alike, but they do different jobs.
Yoga
Usually taught in group classes, with general practices designed to benefit lots of people at once. It can build flexibility, strength, balance and relaxation.
Yoga therapy
One-to-one and built around you. It focuses on your specific challenges, whether physical (like chronic pain or an injury), emotional (like stress or anxiety) or lifestyle-related (like poor sleep or fatigue), and adapts yoga’s tools to fit.
How yoga therapy can support your well-being
Yoga therapy can play a supportive role in many areas of health, from stress and sleep to chronic pain, healthy aging and recovery from illness.
What the research says
Research continues to show yoga therapy’s positive impact on physical and mental health, including managing chronic pain, supporting heart health, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving overall quality of life.
According to research compiled by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), yoga therapy can be especially helpful for:
- Easing stress-related conditions by helping regulate the autonomic nervous system
- Building breath awareness, which can support respiratory function and lower stress
- Supporting physical rehabilitation by improving mobility and reducing chronic pain
- Building emotional resilience and mental clarity
Want to dig deeper? Explore the research compiled by the IAYT.
Please note: Yoga therapy is a complementary practice that supports your well-being alongside your primary medical care. It is not a substitute for medical treatment. Yoga therapists do not diagnose, treat, heal or cure physical or mental health conditions. As with any movement practice, please check with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional to make sure yoga is right for you.
Who is a yoga therapist?
A yoga therapist is a highly trained professional who adapts yoga to support people’s physical, emotional and mental well-being. Unlike general yoga teachers, yoga therapists complete specialized training through accredited programs recognized by the IAYT.
That training covers anatomy, physiology, mental health and the therapeutic use of yoga, plus supervised work with clients. I’m a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) with over 2,000 hours of specialized training and client work.
What happens in a yoga therapy session?
Sessions are collaborative and paced to you. We start by understanding your goals, then build a practice that fits your real life. Sessions are online, so you can join from anywhere.
Your first session
Intake form and conversation
You’ll fill in a short form about your health, energy, daily routines and goals. Then we talk it through together, so I get a clear picture of what you need.
Gentle assessments
Depending on your goals, we might look at how you move (range of motion, posture, any areas of discomfort), how you breathe, and how your daily habits are supporting you, or not.
Your personalized plan
Together we create a plan that fits your goals and your life. It might include tailored movement, breathing techniques, mindfulness practices and simple lifestyle shifts.
Following sessions
Each session builds on the last and meets you where you are that day, adapting to your progress, energy and changing needs. The goal is for you to feel supported, confident and equipped with tools you can use on your own.
How yoga therapy can help you
Because it looks at the whole person (body, mind and spirit), yoga therapy can help with:
- Easing stress and anxiety
- Better sleep
- Mobility and strength
- Easing pain and dis-ease
- Recovery from illness or injury
- Mindfulness and emotional balance
- And so much more
Ready to see what yoga therapy can do for you?
Start with a private session designed around your needs and goals. Apply to work with me and I’ll be in touch within 48 hours. Or start small with the free Life Shift Playbook.