Introducing the Sally Roach Yoga Psychotherapy Scholarship
The Sally Roach Scholarship honours the life and work of Sally Roach, a dedicated yoga therapist, supervisor and psychotherapy trainee, and a deeply valued member of The Minded Institute community.
A Life in Practice
Sally had been teaching yoga full-time since 2002. Over two decades, she worked across Northumberland offering Scaravelli-inspired yoga, chair yoga, mindfulness-based classes and one-to-one support.
Having experienced ME in her twenties, health was never theoretical for her. It shaped her understanding of the body, vulnerability and what it means to support others responsibly. Her work was grounded in lived experience.
Before joining The Minded Institute in 2020, Sally had already completed years of training across several traditions. She brought maturity, depth of experience and enduring commitment to her development.
During her time with us, she stood out not because she sought recognition, but because she listened carefully and worked with care. She was bright, thoughtful and considered in her approach.
Clinical Maturity and Supervision
After qualifying as a yoga therapist, Sally was invited by the Institute to become a supervisor. This is not a role one applies for. It is offered in recognition of clinical maturity, discernment and the capacity to hold others with integrity.
She accepted this responsibility with seriousness and presence, supporting trainees with clarity and depth.
Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy (IYP)
Her decision to enter The Minded Institute’s inaugural Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy (IYP) training was a natural continuation of this trajectory. She wanted to deepen her therapeutic work so that she could support people more fully and more precisely in their suffering.
The Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy training enabled her to integrate contemplative insight with psychotherapeutic rigour in the service of that intention.
Her Final Months
Not long after completing the live elements of the training, Sally became unwell. She was subsequently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in 2024.
During her final months, she remained in contact with the Institute and with many within the community. Even as her health declined, her orientation toward others did not. She continued to express care, gratitude and connection.
The dignity and strength with which she met her dying reflected a life deeply rooted in spiritual practice.
When she could no longer speak, Minded held a vigil in her honour. Poems were read. Words were offered. Silence was shared. It was a moment of collective witness and respect.
Her death has been felt profoundly within the Institute.
Before her death, Sally knew that a scholarship would be established in her name, ensuring that her commitment to disciplined, ethical therapeutic work would continue through future trainees.
In her honour, The Minded Institute has established its only psychotherapy training scholarship in Sally’s name.
Introducing the Sally Roach Yoga Psychotherapy Scholarship
The Sally Roach Scholarship provides £5,000 toward Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy (IYP) training.
It is awarded to one accredited yoga therapist whose work reflects the depth, compassion and ethical grounding that Sally embodied, but who would otherwise be unable to undertake the Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy training due to financial constraint.
A non-refundable deposit of £1,200 is required from the recipient. The remaining £5,000 of course fees will be covered by the scholarship.
Eligibility for This Yoga Psychotherapy Scholarship
Applicants must:
- Be an accredited yoga therapist (e.g. BCYT, IAYT)
- Meet all entry requirements for the Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy (IYP) training
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show alignment with values of compassion, maturity and contemplative depth
Graduates of The Minded Institute are eligible to apply.
Yoga therapists who trained elsewhere must complete an assessment process and undertake the required bridging course before entering the Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy training.
Buddhism informed Sally’s life and work, and we hope that those applying will share an interest in its philosophical contribution to therapeutic practice.
Continuing Her Intention
This scholarship exists not only in memory of Sally, but in continuation of what she valued: disciplined training, contemplative depth, clinical integrity and compassionate service.
It carries her intention forward into future therapeutic work.
How to Apply
To apply for the Sally Roach Scholarship, applicants must complete the online application form and submit a reflective essay (800–1200 words).
All applications must be received by 15 May.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.
The final recipient will be notified by 1 June.
Learn More about Integrative Yoga Psychotherapy Apply for the Scholarship