Yesterday, I was in the process of renewing my insurance coverage and I had the pleasure of adding an enhancement to my policy to cover my work as a now certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT). This got me to thinking about all of the benefits of working with a certified yoga therapist, not just the assurance of liability coverage. So, I decided to come up with this list. Here are my Top 5 Reasons for why you should consider working with a Certified Yoga Therapist.

1) Extensive Training - In order to apply to enroll in an accredited yoga therapy program, an applicant must have first successfully completed, at minimum, a 200 hour yoga teacher training program. Once enrolled in a yoga therapy program, the applicant will go on to complete at least 800 additional hours of training, mentorship and hands-on practicum work. That's a commitment to a minimum of 1,000 hours of training and practice. This is one of the leading advantages for working with a yoga therapist. You'll have a greater assurance that the yoga professional you choose has a sound foundation of knowledge to support your wellness goals.

2) Greater Commitment to Ethics and Scope of Practice - In addition to meeting the 800-hour training requirement, certified yoga therapists must also demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to ethical practice and working within the limits of their scope of practice (i.e., personal and professional knowledge and expertise). Part of the certification process involves passing a quiz that demonstrates their knowledge in this area. Any C-IAYT you work with should be able to clearly communicate their scope of practice and have reliable resources on hand to make a referral when needed.

3) Commitment to Ongoing Continuing Education - In order to maintain the C-IAYT credential, each certified yoga therapist agrees to take at least 24 hours of continuing education (CE) in each 3-year certification cycle. This demonstrates their commitment to ongoing learning, education, and professional development. I can personally attest that many yoga therapists far exceed this minimum requirement. I attained my credential in November 2023 and have already accrued 50 CE hours.

4) Holistic Support - In today's medical care environment and health system, we all tend to feel rushed. Our doctors and other medical care providers are often limited to giving us 10 to 15 minutes of their time and attention with a focus on the single highest need. Working with a certified yoga therapist will provide space for a more comprehensive and holistic discussion. Don't get me wrong, a yoga therapist does not and cannot replace the care of your medical providers, but they can work with you in support of your personal health and wellness goals using a Whole Person Approach. This can include conducting a intake assessment, reviewing your intake and feedback, providing support for your wellness goals, and developing a protocol in support of your goals. Regular reassessments will also be conducted to evaluate your progress. Working with a yoga therapist can feel more personalized and be a great complement to your wellness plan.

5) Eligibility for Professional Liability Coverage - As I was adding my yoga therapy enhancement to my insurance policy, I was quick to note that the insurance provider highlighted a specific requirement. In order to be covered for yoga therapy services, the professional must be certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), among additional requirements. Working with a certified yoga therapist can mean greater security and peace of mind for you. So, don't be afraid to ask any yoga therapist you're working with or considering working with if they are certified by IAYT, if they are able to use the C-IAYT designation (they'll typically list it behind their name along with any other professional designations), and if they're services are insured? It provides greater assurance that the services they provide are covered by an insurance carrier. You can also conduct your own check by going to the IAYT website and using their search engine to "Find a C-IAYT". You can search by name, city, state, country, or even zip code.

if you'd like to explore yoga therapy services, I'm glad to discuss options with you. I offer in-person and virtual services. See my website for more details, follow me @yesyouyoga_wellness or call me direct at 205-612-3600.