What Is Yoga Therapy and Why Should You Try It?

You may have heard the words “yoga therapy” and wondered, “Isn’t that just yoga?”

Not quite. Yoga therapy uses the tools of yoga in a more personal and intentional way. Instead of following the same practice as everyone else in a group class, yoga therapy looks at the person first and then considers which practices may best support their needs.

That might include movement, breathing, meditation, relaxation, mindfulness, visualization, or simple practices you can bring into your everyday life. And no, you do not need to be flexible, experienced in yoga, or able to sit cross-legged for an hour!

What I am learning about yoga therapy

I am studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University as part of my graduate studies in Yoga Therapy. One of my classes is called Theoretical Foundations for Yoga Therapy. We are exploring the foundations of yoga, including the eight limbs of yoga, the Yoga Sutras, and the philosophy behind the practices many of us know today.

One of my recent assignments asked me two questions that made me stop and think:

What kind of yoga therapy approach am I most drawn to? And how might my beliefs influence the way I support my future clients? My answer was a combination of two approaches: embodiment and transcendence. But what does that actually mean?

Being present in your body

The embodied approach is about becoming more aware of what is happening in your body and your everyday experience. For example, you might notice your breathing, muscle tension, physical sensations, emotions, or how your body responds to stress.

Instead of automatically pushing those sensations away, yoga can give you tools to notice what is happening and respond differently. This can be especially helpful when someone is dealing with stress, discomfort, or feeling disconnected from their body.

Creating a little more space

The transcendent approach offers another perspective. Sometimes we can become so focused on what we are experiencing that it feels like the experience is all of us.

“I am in pain.” “I am anxious.” “I am overwhelmed.”

Yoga philosophy offers the idea that there can be a sense of awareness beyond those changing experiences. For me, transcendence does not mean ignoring the body or pretending that pain or difficult emotions are not there. It can simply mean creating a little more space around the experience so that it does not completely define us. Sometimes we need to come back into the body. Sometimes we need a little space from what the body and mind are experiencing. And I think there is value in both approaches.

The practice should fit the person

One of the things I practice is that my beliefs should never become more important than the person sitting in front of me. The session belongs to the client, not to me. This means that I want to understand what matters to each person, what they are comfortable with, what they believe, and what they hope to change or experience. There is no one-size-fits-all yoga therapy practice.

In my private practice, this is something I already value. Every person brings their own story, beliefs, experiences, and needs. If you are curious about this approach try my holistic healing program"The Lotus Effect." Next cohort starts 12 October 2026 and this time I have partnered with Kapiolani Community College to make it accessible to the community all over the world. In only 8-weeks you will go through a transformative experience. Registration: https://go.hawaii.edu/RN

So, why try yoga therapy?

Maybe you have tried yoga before and enjoyed it. Maybe you have never tried yoga at all.

Either way, yoga therapy can offer something different.

Yoga therapy starts with you. It can be a space to slow down, notice what is happening in your body and mind, and explore simple tools that may support you in everyday life. The goal is to find what supports you.

Curious about trying yoga therapy?

If you have been wondering whether yoga therapy might be a good fit for you, I encourage you to explore it. I have included a few resources below where you can learn more about yoga therapy and find qualified yoga therapists. And as I continue my education, I will be sharing more of what I am learning along the way. If you enjoy this read please share. Mahalo Resources: Free Group Yoga Therapy Sessions https://support.myvinyasapractice.com/hc/en-us/articles/45258056136724-Free-Group-Yoga-Therapy-Sessions The Lotus Effect Instructor: Leticia Rodriguez

Take time to pause, reconnect, and create space for yourself. This eight-week course explores self-awareness, self-trust, self-care, balance, and purpose through guided reflection and practical activities. Participants will develop simple practices to strengthen consistency, resilience, and well-being while exploring ways to move through everyday life with greater intention and connection to themselves. Activities include mindful movement, journaling, and meditation.

When: Mondays, 5:30–6:30 PM Dates: October 12, 19 & 26; November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Duration: 8 weeks Language: English Cost: $125 Location: Online via Zoom Registration: https://go.hawaii.edu/RNR Meet the instructor: https://youtube.com/shorts/l_xmlauDb10?si=PTtLPV3auhLThHsC * A PDF journal is included to continue the practice beyond the program