Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma Program (C-IAYT)

( 1,000 + hours total; 800+ hours plus the 200-Hour certification )

Become an Certified Yoga Therapist in this cutting-edge program. Ajna was one of the first programs to be accredited in 2014. We developed this diploma program based on our 15 years in the field of Yoga Therapy. Read an article on our program Ajna Yoga Therapy Today Article Jan 2019.

Choose from two routes to become a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) :

1. Register in the 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma Program (full-time or part-time)
2. Begin with the 300-Hour Advanced Teacher of Yoga Therapy program as a bridge program, then move into the 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma program (details here)

Bridge Program Info

Module Schedule

Click to Register for the 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma Program.

Online Registration

Click to access the 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma Program FAQ.

800-Hour FAQ

Click to learn more about Ajna Yoga’s bursary opportunities.

Bursaries

Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma (C-IAYT) Program Outline

Ajna’s C-IAYT Yoga Therapy Diploma Program is Accredited with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education, and Future Skills.

The Yoga Therapy Diploma Program is a module-based program. The program can be taken on a full-time basis (20-25 hours a week), or students can choose to take the modules in a go-at-your-own-pace format.

During COVID -19, our programs moved online. Being online made our programs more accessible for many of our students and it meant that we could continue the learning, even during restrictions. Another bonus of being online was expanding our studentship to include people from all over the world.

Now, some of our modules are online and others are blended (hybrid). Hybrid modules mean that there will be students both online and in-person

The 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma Program includes:

- 19 modules (usually Friday 5-9pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm PT)
- A Yoga Therapy Immersion Training
- A Yoga, Psychology and the Mind Immersion Training
- A Practice Teaching Mentorship

Sign up for individual modules on our Yoga Therapy Schedule page.

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Backcare Yoga Therapy

Back pain is the most common health complaint in North America and one of the top reasons for missed workdays. In this module you learn about the anatomy of the spine and the function of vertebrae and the major muscle groups that support the spine, including the pelvic floor muscles. We examine common back issues including sacroiliac joint pain, sciatica, scoliosis, osteoporosis, and muscle strain. The module centers on which poses help, which ones hurt, and how to sequence yoga therapy classes for people with back issues.

Yoga Therapy for Wrists and Shoulders

This module will address the anatomy of the shoulders and wrists, while exploring the balance of mobility and stability. We will learn how to keep these joint safe from injury and nourish them after injury has occurred. Learn how to work with specific injuries such as (rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, dislocation, carpal tunnel.) This is an experiential, hands-on opportunity to explore new techniques to improve how your body feels and how to share these techniques in your yoga therapy teaching.

Yoga Therapy for Knees and Hips

How can we support our yoga therapy clients with hip and knee issues? How does alignment from the feet influence the health of these joints? Learn the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the hips and knees and explore strategies that we as yoga therapists can use to educate our clients on the hips and knees. Learn about specific hip and knee issues such as bursitis, groin pull, hip replacement, Iliotibial syndrome, complete ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL Injuries/Tear/Repair, patellofemoral syndrome (Runner’s Knees), meniscal tear/repair, osteoarthritis and knee replacement

Sequencing for Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy requires a unique set of tools. Group yoga therapy classes are sequenced very differently from regular yoga classes. Yoga therapists need to be able to listen and understand verbal and non-verbal cues and language, and to be able to adapt sequencing to meet the individual needs of their clients in a group setting. In this course, we will learn the sequencing principles of group yoga therapy classes, with a particular focus on designing, implementing and evaluating group yoga therapy series.

Yoga, Trauma, and Mental Health

How can yoga be applied therapeutically for individuals who have experienced trauma? Traumatic events may lead to isolation and feelings of helplessness. Traumatized individuals may develop addictions, mental illness, and a variety of dysfunctional coping strategies. Trauma sensitive yoga teaching skills to effectively and compassionately work with this population include specific asana sequences, pranayama, and grounding techniques.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is accessible to all students and has incredible healing effects because of the restful nature of the practice. In this module, you will learn a syllabus of restorative yoga postures, learn what poses to use and why, and how best to prop and support your yoga therapy clients with varying mobility issues and injuries.

We will also spend time exploring how to incorporate the first two limbs of yoga – the yamas and niyamas – into our teachings of restorative yoga. We will explore the importance of restorative yoga in your private yoga therapy practice.

Yoga Therapy for Healthy Aging and Chair Yoga

How can yoga therapy be adapted to meet the needs of our growing aging population? What are the specific health concerns for yoga therapists to be aware of? We look at how to sequence yoga therapy on the mat and special sequencing for chair yoga. We examine specific health concerns such as arthritis, heart issues, osteoporosis, hearing loss and dementia. Included in this component are asanas, pranayama, meditation, mantra, and mudras geared to the 50+ age group.

Journey Through the Chakras

Yoga, Tensegrity, and Fascia

The Vayus and Alignment

This course will offer an exploration into the Inner Vayu practice and how to use the vayus to deepen your awareness of alignment of posture on and off the mat. The inner alignment of the vayus can to release holdings for yoga therapy clients. Students will learn how to use the vayus in pranayama to create emotional well-being for the body, mind and spirit. We will apply the theory of the vayus to individual and group yoga therapy sessions.

Pranayama for Yoga Therapy

Philosophy for Yoga Therapy

How does yogic philosophy fit into Yoga Therapy? This course examines teachings and the philosophy of the yoga tradition from the Vedic age to the present. We explore the philosophy of yoga therapy based on the principle branches of yoga including Hatha, Raja, Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti Yoga. Through our study of the principle branches of yoga and foundational texts such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Samkya Karika, and the Yoga Sutras, we learn how to integrate these teachings into our personal and professional practices.

Yoga Therapy in Pain Care

An estimated 20-25% of North Americans and 1.5 billion people worldwide live with chronic pain and a growing number of health professionals are recommending yoga to their patients particularly since we now have research to support yoga is a potentially safe and effective approach for improving function, pain and quality of life for people with chronic pain. Yoga therapists are well positioned to contribute to a comprehensive pain care plan. However, misunderstandings about pain by the therapist can result in suboptimal outcomes for the person in pain, where the therapist might use language that unintentionally limits the potential for recovery and resilience or might avoid yoga practices that ultimately would improve tissue health, reduce inflammation, support self-efficacy, help restore more ease of movement, and help regain activities that the person enjoys and values in life.

This module includes a combination of lecture and experiential components, including participation in awareness, breathing, meditation and movement practices. Resources will be shared that will be valuable for the therapist to use for themselves and to share with the people in pain they serve.

Meditation for Yoga Therapy

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provide instruction on the art of meditation, what constitutes a meditation practice and what happens when the mind becomes quiet. This course will examine relevant teachings, philosophy, neuroscience about meditation in yoga therapy. During our time together we will be exploring these teachings and tools and will learn how to integrate them into our yoga therapy practice.

The Therapeutic Relationship

Private yoga therapy sessions require a unique set of skills. Yoga Therapists need to be able to adjust to unique needs of each client, and to be able to develop a relationship with their clients. In this module, you will learn listening, presence, directive and non-directive dialogue. We will also explore the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship and learn how to create a safe and welcoming space.

The Business of Yoga Therapy

The field of Yoga Therapy is growing, evolving and becoming more widely recognized as an important part of holistic, complementary health care. Yoga Therapy training’s teach students how to be of service to their communities but rarely touch on how to navigate the world of business to ensure their own sustainability.

In this module participants will explore:

The key aspects to consider when developing a business plan.
Identifying and articulating your unique offerings as a Yoga Therapist.
Successful marketing strategies.
Tools for the effective day-to-day management of your business.
How to establish yourself as a professional in the field of Yoga Therapy.
Understanding credentialing
Determining the most practical paths to gain experience and professional development.

Anti-Oppression in Yoga Therapy

Designed for discourse, this module led by Sanjeet Takhar provides an exploration of anti-oppression, racism, and colonization in the yoga studio and the world. Together we will dive into what it means to create brave spaces, to build radical love, to serve communities and to live more mindfully. This workshop is designed to offer you the opportunity learn and discuss topics both on your own and within the group, including:
– Racism and White Supremacy
– Diversity, Inclusion & Intersectionality
– Yoga & Its Roots
– White Privilege & Yoga
– Living Your Yoga

Basic Principles of Ayurveda: The Attributes and Doshic Theory

Yoga Therapy Elective - Choose 1 From This List

Yoga, Psychology and the Mind Immersion

This course will give you an in -depth knowledge of Western and Yogic Perspectives on Mental Health including common psychological conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Bi-polar, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, and Eating Disorders. We also explore the connection between chronic pain and the mind. You learn Western Psychological treatments for mental health including Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Group Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Somatic Therapy. Yogic Theories of the five Kleshas, Dukha (suffering), and Daurmanasya (negative thinking) will be applied through the tools of yoga therapy. Students will apply their knowledge in practice teaching and presentation of case studies.

Yoga Therapy Immersion

In this immersion, you will learn how a holistic model for yoga therapy, incorporating kinesiology, vayus, chakras and panca maya theory. We will examine and analyse current yoga therapy research and learn how to work with various types of yoga therapy clients, including those who are active / athletic and those working with chronic health concerns. You will learn how to design and conduct private yoga therapy sessions, including how to do yoga therapy intakes, what to look for during your intake, and how to create a yoga therapy sequence unique to the needs of your client.

Practice Teaching Mentorship

10 classes of mentorship with a member, or members, of the Ajna faculty.
63 hours of group yoga therapy sessions taught on your own and mentored by a faculty member.
50 individual yoga therapy sessions with feedback and mentorship support from your faculty mentor.
6-week groupwork weekly mentorship with faculty members.

Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma (C-IAYT) Admission Requirements

Students must be at least 19 years of age, have at least one year of personal practice, at least one year of yoga teaching experience, and hold a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Online Application
Copy of photo ID proving you are at least 19 years of age
A copy of your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
Letter of reference from your RYS-200 Yoga Teacher Training School where you received your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
A resume or word doc outlining your minimum 1 year experience teaching yoga (please include the settings where you have taught, the types of classes, the clientele you have worked with and for how long you have taught the class).
Personal Statement

Your personal statement should be a maximum two-page letter that speaks to the following criteria:

Your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. Please respond to all of the following: a) why are you interested in this program? b) What do you hope to learn? c) Why do you feel called to this program at this moment in time?
Other relevant non-yoga experience or training that you bring to the program; and
The areas you would like to improve upon as a student in the 800 Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma Program and the area(s) in yoga therapy you are most passionate about.

Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma (C-IAYT) Program Details

Duration:
Full Time: In class modules January – July. The Practice Teaching Mentorship will be completed within the following year. This is a two year program in total.
Part Time: 3-4 years. Start anytime and complete at your own pace.
An $800 deposit is required to hold your spot ($1,800 for International students).
The deposit is applied to the Yoga Therapy Immersion.
$200 is a non-refundable application fee ($700 for International students).

Module Schedule

Module	Tuition
19 Modules	$7,260
Yoga, Psychology and the Mind	$1,000
Yoga Therapy Immersion (note: your $800 deposit is applied directly to this component)	$1,600
10 Yoga Therapy Classes with a Mentor  (Practice Teaching Mentorship Module)	$300
63 Hours Teaching Yoga Therapy Group Classes (Practice Teaching Mentorship Module)	$400
50 Individual Yoga Therapy Sessions and Mentor Coaching (Practice Teaching Mentorship Module)	$650
6-week groupwork weekly mentorship with faculty members (Mentorship Module)	$380
Total for Canadian Students (Deposit $800) $200 non-refundable	$11,590
Total for International Students (Deposit $1,800) $700 non-refundable	$12,590

Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma (C-IAYT) Payment Options

Option 1: Full Payment at Registration

Option 2: Full Program Payment Plan

Option 3: Pay-As-You-Go

Option 4: Apply for a Student Loan

Pay by:

Cheque made out to Ajna Yoga
To pay by cheque, please mail to:
- Ajna Yoga
  209-2250 Oak Bay Avenue
  Victoria, B.C.
  V8R 1G5

E-transfer sent to: jules@ajnayoga.ca
Visa or Mastercard through our Wellness Living registration site

Pay by Visa or MC

Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma (C-IAYT) Graduation Requirements

Students must completely fulfill the following requirements:

All modules must be completed in a maximum of four years. If you are unable to attend a workshop, you may attend the same workshop the following year. All workshop modules are repeated each year.
Students must be prepared for each class by either having their computer for online learning, or bringing a notebook, writing material (pens, highlighters, etc.). Students must wear clothes suitable for asana practice.
During class modules, students are required to take part in group assignments, practice teaching and written assignments.

Accredited Yoga Therapy Diploma (C-IAYT) Course Reading

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Required Books

– The Yoga Sutras (any translation you have) We reference these translations in the program:

- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda
- The Secret Power of Yoga- Translation by Nishchala Joy Devi 
- Yoga Darshan by Swami Shyam

– A translation of the Bhagavad Gita. Recommended Translations:

- The Bhagavad Gita – Translation by Eknath Easwaran
- The Bhagavad Gita – Translation by Stephen Mitchell
- Path to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita – Ram Dass

– An anatomy book. Choose one from the list below:

- The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy – Jo-Ann Staugaard
- Yoga Body – Judith Lasater
- The Key Muscles of Yoga – Ray Long