What is Yoga & Movement Therapy?

Yoga & Movement Therapy is the process of self-empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga and functional movement. It addresses injury/illness in a multi-dimensional manner and aims to alleviate suffering in a progressive, non-invasive and complementary manner.

This practice comprises a wide range of mind/body practices, from postural and breathing exercises to deep relaxation and meditation and tailors these to the health needs of the individual. It helps to promote all-round positive health, as well as assisting particular medical conditions and physical rehabilitation.

How Does This Practice Differ From a Yoga Class?

Although yoga as a practice is therapeutic, there are significant differences between a yoga teacher and a yoga therapist and between a yoga class and a yoga therapy session.

Yoga provides the tools for a process of self-investigation and self-development that ultimately guides practitioners toward self-realization, but the practice is, generally, still seen as a system of exercise.

Clients Seeking Yoga as a Therapeutic Tool

are usually not coming to learn yoga, but to get help with or relief from some symptom or health condition that is troubling them.

The therapist, In most cases, focuses on the presenting condition and how yoga techniques can help the client to feel better and improve their function. The therapist’s role is to understand why their clients have come to see them and determine what they can do to support them. Therapists look for ways to help their clients reduce or manage their symptoms, improve their function, and help them with their attitude in relation to their health conditions. After assessing clients, therapists establish appropriate goals, develop a practice intervention, and then teach clients to practice that intervention.