Yoga therapist

Yoga therapists use yoga to help people with physical issues, emotional issues or specific health problems.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

32 to 34 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become a 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 approved by the British Council for Yoga Therapy. To do this you'll usually need:

• a yoga teaching qualification
• a minimum of 120 hours of teaching yoga over one year
• to have been regularly practising yoga for a minimum of 3 years

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

More information

Registration

• 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 find more details about working in yoga from the British Council for Yoga Therapy.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• to enjoy working with other people
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of psychology
• to be flexible and open to change
• sensitivity and understanding
• leadership skills
• being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks could include:

• doing a consultation with new clients to find out their physical condition, medical history and any related lifestyle factors
• deciding on an personalised programme of therapy to help with issues or symptoms
• working with clients on a one-to-one basis or in group classes
• teaching a range of yoga postures from simple moves to more complex ones
• teaching breathing exercises, relaxation and visualisation techniques
• giving advice on how to maintain good health and a sense of inner peace and relaxation

Working environment

You could work at a fitness centre or at a health centre.

Career path and progression

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

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a yoga therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a yoga therapist?

Search for training courses near you.

Related careers

• Alexander Technique teacher
• Pilates teacher
• Yoga teacher

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