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Completed Yoga Therapy Training and CPD courses through The Minded Institute and would highly recommend all of these. Heather has a passion for evidence-based practice as well as a strong spiritual approach and this is evident in all offerings. By training with The Minded Institute you will be joining a wonderful, supportive community.
Arlene Gray
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The Minded Yoga Therapy has helped me to truly understand the connection between body, mind and heart, not only for myself but also in my work as a psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher. It is doing some wonderful work bringing minded yoga to communities that wouldn't otherwise have access.
Cassandra Fairweather
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I first heard Heather Mason talk at a yoga therapy conference in London and fell in love with the work of the Minded Institute instantly. A truly compassionate organisation that is clearly shaping the way in which yoga therapy and mindfulness for mental and physical health is approached in the UK and beyond.
Nicole Schnackenberg
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I found the training personally and professionally transforming. It's been invaluable in my career as a clinical psychologist, helping me to integrate mind body approaches into my work, as well as opening up a whole new area of practice. I love that the training constantly evolves to keep up with the latest research and developments in the field.
Samantha Tibber
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The Minded Institute offers something completely unique. It elegantly merges advanced knowledge of yoga, physiology, modern medicine and research and teaches the theory and practical application of this, in order to help people improve both their mental and physical health. It simply changed the course of my life completely.
Adele O'Neill Budd
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I had high expectations upon joining the course, but so far it has managed to exceed my expectations, delivering the highest standard of academic and professional training I have ever received. I couldn't be happier I made the decision to study with Minded and I can't wait for the rest of the journey ahead with them.
Marie Williams
Further Information
“A truly inspirational course! A journey of learning, growth and empowerment with leading experts who are passionate about their work and the benefits of yoga to support wellbeing. Through the unique blend of neuroscience, yoga principles, physiology, anatomy and therapeutic principles I have been able to reach out and help many people in a genuinely remarkable way which has truly complimented my yoga teaching. On a personal note I have met many amazing friends during the course and enjoyed the family style Sangha. I didn’t want it to end!”
– Louisa Caine, Yoga Therapist
The Minded Institute is an international leader in the field of yoga therapy training, and our Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy course will allow you to immerse yourself in one of the most well respected yoga therapy training, both in the UK and across the world.
Since 2007, we have been providing world-class compassion-focused initiatives, blending the wisdom of the Yogic and Buddhist traditions with detailed medical knowledge, neuroscience and psychology.
Our yoga therapy teacher training is recognised for a comprehensive approach where students are taught cutting-edge mind-body research and its relevant applications to yoga and mindfulness, as well as how to teach specific evidence-based models of yoga and mindfulness to different conditions and how to develop their own unique modes of working.
The Minded Institute offers two entry points to the same comprehensive 600 Hour Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy training and an additional optional progression onto achieving C-IAYT status with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), as outlined below:
- Entry Point 1: 600 hour Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for yoga teachers, with BCYT (British Council for Yoga Therapy) and National Council of Integrated Psychotherapists (NCIP) accreditation.
- Entry Point 2: 600 hour Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for health professionals, with NCIP accreditation. This is a chance for medical professionals to gain a diploma in yoga therapy, without the requirement of any previous yoga teacher training offering accreditation with the National Council of Integrated Psychotherapists (NCIP)
- Progression for Yoga Professionals: 815-hour Advanced Diploma in Yoga Therapy for yoga professionals, with International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) accreditation. This is inclusive of the 600 accredited course + 235 additional hours. Ours is the only Yoga Therapy Diploma training in the UK to be accredited by the IAYT and is available for Entry Point 1 students only.
Across all these options, our unique course structure and teaching methodology balance the theoretical and the practical, and build knowledge and skills in a structured way to ensure students graduate as fully rounded therapists.
The course begins with a deep dive into an understanding of the brain and the major physiological systems of the body, and examines the evidence linking brain, behaviour, physiology, and pathology, all within the context of the kosha model. From the foundations of this understanding, in each module we undergo in-depth study in one specific mental health condition and one physical health condition, the relevant therapeutic yogic and mindfulness techniques used to help them, and the evidence supporting their use. Experiential anatomy is explored from structural, energetic, and psychological perspectives, with practical assessments and tutorials.
We teach clinical skills relevant to therapists and yoga teachers, examine breathing practices and their energetic, physiological, and psychological effects, and spend time both meditating and learning how and when to offer an array of different meditation techniques, with a particular focus on mindfulness. (In fact, our training has a Buddhist slant as the founder is a long-time Buddhist practitioner). As outlook and behaviour are essential to health and well-being, we explore key yogic philosophical concepts and how to share these with clients from varying world views in a way that best supports their growth.
We offer an array of learning approaches to provide you with a 360-degree perspective of topics, including: lectures and discussions; experiential learning, where we jointly craft and practise modified asana sequences; breathwork and meditations; clinical and teaching skills; additional group activities, partner work and practical exercises; observations of yoga therapy sessions; reflection and journaling. Regular home practice and personal study is a requirement and between modules, students practice their skills in client sessions, as well as engaging with reflective assignments to consolidate learning and critical thinking.
After completion of the taught modules, students undertake an in-depth written exploration of a research topic, and then commence three case studies.
You can watch our video about the professional yoga therapy diploma here.
Our 2024 Cohort is now full – Dates for 2025 will be released soon and are available upon request!
Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for yoga teachers, with certification by the British Council for Yoga Therapy and the National Council of Integrated Psychotherapists (NCIP)
DESCRIPTION
600 hours Professional Yoga Therapy Training with BCYT and NCIP certification for yoga professionals.
CONTENT
- Modules 1-16 yoga therapy core curriculum
TIMELINE
- 22 months taught modules
- 10 months dissertation and case studies
COURSE BENEFITS
- With the BCYT certification, you can register with the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC), the UK’s professional accreditation body for Yoga Therapy.
- With the NCIP certification, you can become a NCIP student member, which brings many benefits and the opportunity to work towards full NCIP individual professional accreditation once qualified (see the Accreditation and Certification section of the 2024 Prospectus for more details).
START DATE
- May 2024
INVESTMENT
- £7,200
Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for health professionals, with National Council of Integrated Psychotherapists (NCIP) certification
DESCRIPTION
600 hours Professional Yoga Therapy training for health professionals, without the requirement of any previous yoga teacher training.
CONTENT
- Modules 1-16 yoga therapy core curriculum
TIMELINE
- 22 months taught modules
- 10 months dissertation and case studies
COURSE BENEFITS
- Highly comprehensive training available for yoga therapy skills as an adjunct alongside an existing healthcare professional practice or the opportunity for a new career
- NCIP accreditation (see the Accreditation and Certification section of the 2024 Prospectus for more details).
START DATES
- May 2024
INVESTMENT
- £7,200
Advanced Diploma in Yoga Therapy enabling C-IAYT accreditation by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
815 hours IAYT-accredited professional yoga therapy training that enables yoga therapists to apply for C-IAYT accreditation with the IAYT.
CONTENT
- Modules 1-16 yoga therapy core curriculum
- Any two additional modules from the following list:
- Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy and Perinatal Mental Health
- Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain
- Chair Yoga Therapy
Prices for these CPDs range between £550-£700 as of October 2023 and may be subject to changes on an annual basis. Please refer to the website for prices when specific CPDs are listed. Certain tutors will offer a discount to Minded trainees for these CPDs.
TIMELINE
- 22 months taught modules
- 10 months dissertation and case studies
- Additional IAYT requirements to be completed within 30 months from the time of final contact hours of the 600 hour course. See the Course Requirements and Assessment section of the 2024 Prospectus for details.
COURSE BENEFITS
- The most comprehensive yoga therapy training available in the UK, providing international recognition and leading to certification as C-IAYT.
START DATE
- May 2024 for the core 600 hours. Additional 235 hours can be undertaken when requirements for Entry Point 1 have been completed.
INVESTMENT
- £7,200 for 600 hour core curriculum
- £1,100 – £1,400 for two additional CPD courses
- £2,000 – £2,500 for private supervision for clinical work
- £300 – £500 for own yoga therapy sessions
‘Yoga Therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and wellbeing through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga.’
International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
Our key objectives for teaching are:
- To equip yoga teachers, therapists, and healthcare professionals with the tools and skills to work with mental health and physical health conditions in a holistic, integrated, multi-dimensional, and evidence-based way.
- To train professionals to seek the root cause of suffering as it presents with each unique client and co-create a yoga therapy plan that supports the client’s healing journey.
- To ensure that yoga professionals are equipped with a keen understanding of relevant research and how this may inform best practice and the growth of yoga therapy as a health discipline.
- To empower a generation of yoga therapists to work effectively within healthcare by clarifying how they may support, add to, and work within the pre-existing system.
- To support individuals in their growth within their areas of interest and encourage exploration into new areas.
- To provide space and support to trainees on their own journey of self-enquiry.
- To encourage and support graduates to become leaders in their fields of interest.
In order to enrol on our Professional Yoga Therapy Training course, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements depending on your existing qualifications. These are outlined as follows:
ENTRY POINT 1 (Minimum requirements)
- 3 years of personal yoga practice
- 200 hours yoga teacher training certificate
- 150 hours of yoga teaching
- 1 year of teaching experience
- Evidence of prior recognised academic achievement to Level 4 or higher, as per the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) or the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) in England and Wales, OR Recognition of Prior Learning/ Experiential Learning portfolio submission.
Note: this track is only available to entrants that fulfil the above criteria prior to beginning the course.
ENTRY POINT 2 (Minimum requirements)
- 3 years of personal yoga practice
- Health Care Professional (HCP), e.g., doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist, mental health nurse or equivalent health care professional experience
ADVANCED DIPLOMA ROUTE (Minimum requirements)
- 3 years personal yoga practice
- 200 hours yoga teacher training
- 150 hours yoga teaching
- 1 year of teaching experience
- Candidates are required to complete the 600 hour Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy – Entry Point 1, in order to proceed with the clinical practice requirements for C-IAYT accreditation in this progression route.
Note: this track is only available to entrants that fulfil the above criteria before beginning the course.
Following our in-depth 600 hour Professional Training in Yoga Therapy, graduates go on to work in NHS settings, charities, develop their own professional training programs, conduct yoga research, integrate their skills into clinical practice, work in yoga studios across Europe, and see private clients. Those who graduate from our IAYT-accredited 815 hour Diploma in Yoga Therapy are also qualified to operate as a yoga therapist internationally, although few countries regulate the profession of yoga therapy.
Chronic Diseases/Physical Conditions
- Autoimmune Conditions
- HIV
- Cancer
- Skin Diseases
- OCD
- IBS
- IBD
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Diabetes
- COPD
- Infertility
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Lymphatic Issues
- Chronic Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney Disorders
- Skin Conditions
- Lower back pain
- Traumatic brain injury
- A variety of musculoskeletal issues
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility
Psychological Conditions
- Anxiety
- Postnatal depression
- Prenatal depression
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD
- Schizophrenia
- Addictions
- Eating Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder
You also learn to work with anatomical issues under the guidance of our expert physiotherapist/yoga therapist.
At The Minded Institute, we personalise payment plans to best work with your financial needs. Our 2024 training costs are as follows:
Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for Yoga Professionals [600 hours]
- £7,200
Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for Health Professionals [600 hours]
- £7,200
Optional additional CPD modules for IAYT accreditation
- Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy and Perinatal Mental Health
- Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Yoga Therapy for Chronic Pain
- Chair Yoga Therapy
Prices for these CPDs range between £550 – £700 as of October 2023 and may be subject to changes on an annual basis. Please refer to the website for prices when specific CPDs are listed. Certain tutors will offer a discount to Minded trainees for these CPDs.
Advanced Diploma in Yoga Therapy with C-IAYT certification [815 hours]
- £7,200 for 600 hour core curriculum
- £1,100 – £1,400 for two additional CPD courses
- £2,000 – £2,500 for private supervision for clinical work
- £300 – £500 for own yoga therapy sessions
All Minded Institute course manuals are included within the course fees.
To secure your place once you have been made an offer, you must pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,850 upon an offer of course acceptance being issued to you. Before you pay your deposit, we will discuss with you how you would prefer to pay the remaining balance and confirm the agreed payment plan in writing.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss what payment terms we can offer you.
Additional costs (all courses):
- Required books (costs vary).
- Five Yoga Therapy Observations: £20-£25 each if arranged by the Minded Institute or costs may vary externally (this is based on the 2023 rates and is subject to change).
- Six (minimum) supervision sessions for the case studies: £45 per 45-minute session (this is based on the 2023 rates and is subject to change).
- Twelve private yoga therapy sessions—to be arranged by the student (costs vary).
- Thirty yoga classes that are no less than one hour long—to be arranged by the student (costs vary).
- DBS check, first aid certification, and yoga therapy trainee insurance (to be kept up to date throughout the training).
Our course is taught by some of the most esteemed yoga therapists and clinical practitioners in the UK and beyond. Our core lecture team includes a neuroscientist, psychologist, psychotherapist, physiotherapist, medical doctor, clinical psychologist and a philosophy/bioscience expert – all of whom are also experienced yoga therapists.
Our expert guest speakers are world leaders in their field including Dr Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Charlotte Watts and Nancy Sinton.
The level of personal support on your journey through the Minded course is exceptional. You will be assigned a personal supervisor who acts as a professional support, mentor, and catalyst for self-enquiry.
During each module, students are given individual supervision, with a short meeting by video or phone between modules. Your initial ‘getting-to-know-you’ call takes place before the course starts, and is a chance to ask any questions, to discuss what you are hoping for from the course, and how it will integrate with your other commitments. The main focus of supervision sessions thereafter is reflection on your practical client sessions, while your supervisor also supports your learning and personal growth through the journey of the course. All members of the supervision team are Minded graduates and understand first-hand the full life-cycle of the course and how it builds to lead students to their intended goals.
Our 2024 Cohort is now full – Dates for 2025 will be released soon and are available upon request!
| Module | Date | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 (In-person) |
30th May – 2nd Jun 2024
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• Introduction to the course • Mindfulness • Minded Yoga • History of Medicine • The Immune System • The Endocrine System • The Autonomic Nervous System • Stress and Disease • The Koshas • Creating Safety • The Skeletal System |
| Module 2 (In-person) |
4th – 7th Jul 2024 | • Respiration • Yogic Energy Systems • Introduction to the 8-Week Course • Cellular Biology • Cancer • Neurons and Neuroplasticity • Immunological Disorders • Anxiety Disorders • Creating Safety and Mirroring • Muscular Anatomy |
| Module 3 (Online) |
19th – 22nd Sep 2024 | • Exam 1 • Ujjayi Pranayama • The Vayus • Respiratory Disorders • The Central Nervous System (Part 1) • The Brain and Anxiety • The Healthy Spine • Therapeutic Language |
| Module 4 (Online) |
24th – 27th Oct 2024 | • Kapalabhati Pranayama • The Therapeutic Use of Chating • Angi • The Central Nervous System (Part 2) • Parkinson’s Disease • Depression • Asana Anatomy: Forward Bends |
| Module 5 (In-person) |
28th Nov – 1st Dec 2024 | • Dirga Pranayama • Space and Boundaries • The Somatic Nervous System • The Body in Emotional States • Chakras and Emotional Healing • The Digestive System • Nutrition (Part 1) • The Brain and Depression • Asana Anatomy: Back Bends |
| Module 6 (Online) |
23rd – 26th Jan 2025 | • Sitali and Sitakari Pranayama • The Bhagavad Gita • Attachment Theory and Considering the Client’s Development Needs • Attunement • The Reproductive System • Reproductive System Disorders • Perinatal Mental Health • Restorative Yoga • Asana Anatomy: Hip-Openers |
| Module 7 (In-person) |
27th Feb – 2nd Mar 2025 | • Exam 2 • Alternate-Nostril Breathing • Yoga Nidra • Grounding and Forming Safety in Therapeutic Relationships • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Part 1) • Asana Anatomy: Foot, Ankle, Knee and Standing Poses |
| Module 8 (Online) |
10th -13th Apr 2025 | • Body Scanning • Body Awareness: Interoception and Proprioception • Tracking Sensations to Resolve Psychological Distress • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Part 2) • Chronic Pain • Spinal Pathology and Asana |
| Module 9 (Online) |
15th – 18th May 2025 | • Hatha Yoga Pradipika • Uni-Nostril Breathing • Psychosis and Schizophrenia • Sensory Awareness and Altering Brain Functioning • Nutrition (Part 2) • Eating Disorders • Bone Health and Bone Disorders (Part 2) |
| Module 10 (In-person) |
19th – 22nd June 2025 | • Practical Assessment • Walking Meditation • Yogic Perception of the Mind • Diabetes • Dementia • Kirtan Kriya Meditation • Countertransference • Fascia: A Wholistic Perspective of the Mental Physical Body • Accessible Yoga and Chair Adaptions |
| Module 11 (Online) |
24th – 27th Jul 2025 | • Exam 3 • Bahya Kumbhak Pranayama • Teaching Seated Mindfulness Meditation • Mindfulness of the Mind • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • The Bandhas • Addictions • Core Anatomy |
| Module 12 (In-person) |
18th – 21st Sep 2025 | • The Impact of Love and Loving Kindness Meditation • Mudras • The Cardiovascular System • Balance and Balance Disorders • The Vestibular System • Trajectory of Client Work: A Short-Term and Long-Term Approach to Healing • Shoulder and Arm Anatomy |
| Module 13 (In-person) |
23rd – 26th Oct 2025
|
• Motivation and Motivational Interviewing • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Cardiovascular Diseases • Emergency Situations and Legal Regulations • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder • Tax and Business Basics |
| Module 14 (Online) |
4th – 7th Dec 2025 | • Cultivating Inquiry Skills • Stroke/TBI • Larger Bodies and Appropriate Adaptations • The Renal System and Kidney Disorders • Dermatology and Yoga Therapy • Hypermobility • Borderline Personality Disorder |
| Module 15 (In-person) |
15th – 18th Jan 2026 | • Final Assessments (Group Teaching) • Grief • Lymphatic System • Ethics in Practice • Record Keeping and Advertising • Chair-Based Yoga—Review • Ending Yoga Therapy: Considerations and Best Practice |
| Final Assessments | 6th – 7th Feb 2026 | • Final Assessments of Individual Client Sessions • Final Exam |