Yoga Therapy Training 580-Hour Professional Diploma

RegisterDownload 2023 Prospectus

Date: May 2024 - Registration has now began for 2024, please complete a registration form above to be contacted for an interview. Our 2024 prospectus, which is essentially the same as the 2023 one, will be uploaded by the beginning of April. If you register your interest, we can send you the new dates for 2024, which we already have and very soon you will have access to the prospectus.

Time: Our professional yoga therapy teacher training is based in the UK and runs over either fifteen or seventeen modules. Modules 1 - 15 are Thursday to Sunday, Module 16 - 17 are Wednesday to Sunday. All Modules are 9am - 6pm. Online modules take place over Zoom, in-person modules take place at The Minded Institute in Camden, London UK. 

The Minded Professional Training Ltd. Diploma in Yoga Therapy offers three tracks for gaining your qualification with us.

Track One is our renowned 580-hour Diploma in Yoga Therapy for Yoga Professionals, accredited by The British Council of Yoga Therapy (BCYT).

Track Two is a different entry point to the same 580-hour course and is designed with health professionals in mind. This course offers the chance for medical professionals to gain a diploma in yoga therapy, without the requirement of any previous yoga teacher training.

Advanced Track is 815 hours, and includes the 580 hour diploma course accredited by the BCYT, with an additional 235 hours. Ours is the only Yoga Therapy Diploma  in the UK to be accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapy. All yoga teachers participating on the Track One course may opt to continue tuition to reach the additional 235 hours.

Hybrid Learning
The learning environment across all educational institutions is evolving. In reflection of this, The Minded Institute is now delivering seven of its fifteen modules of the 580 hour diploma online via zoom over live Zoom classes. The in-person modules take place at The Minded Institute in Camden, London UK. 

You can watch our video about the professional yoga therapy diploma here.

We are the only yoga therapy training organisation in the world to have diploma courses accredited by both the British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT) and International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

 

   

Description

“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 Diplomas in Yoga Therapy 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 and 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 three comprehensive professional yoga therapy training options for diplomas in yoga therapy, all sharing a core curriculum and ethos:

  • 580-hour Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy (for Yoga Professionals, with BCYT accreditation)
  • 580-hour Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for Health Professionals
  • 815-hour Advanced Diploma in Yoga Therapy (for Yoga Professionals, with IAYT accreditation) 

Across all these options, our unique course structure and teaching methodology balances the theoretical and the practical, and builds knowledge and skills in a structured way to ensure students graduate as fully rounded therapists.

All courses begin 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 study in depth 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 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. 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 360 degree perspective of topics, including: lectures and discussion; experiential learning, where we jointly craft and practice modified asana sequences; breath work 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, and engage 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.

Yoga Therapy Training Courses

The Minded Institute’s yoga therapy training offers three tracks for gaining your qualification with us. 

Track One is our renowned 580-hour Diploma in Yoga Therapy for Yoga Professionals, accredited by The British Council of Yoga Therapy (BCYT).

Track Two is the same 580-hour course and includes the same students as those in track one, but is designed with health professionals in mind. This course offers the chance for in the medical field to gain a diploma in yoga therapy, without the requirement of any previous yoga teacher training.

Track Three is 815 hours, and includes the 580 hour diploma course accredited by the BCYT, with an additional 235 hours. Ours is the only Yoga Therapy Diploma  in the UK to be accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapy. All yoga teachers participating on the Track One course may opt to continue tuition to reach the additional 235 hours.

Hybrid Learning
The learning environment across all educational institutions is evolving. In reflection of this, The Minded Institute is now delivering seven of its fifteen modules of the 580 hour diploma online via zoom over live Zoom classes.

Here is the list of modules that will be online and or in person.  Please note, this may be subject to change as per government guidance and health and safety requirements.

Track 1

Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy with endorsement by the British Council for Yoga Therapy

DESCRIPTION

580 hrs professional yoga therapy training with BCYT accreditation for Yoga Professionals, with optional modules in pregnancy and perinatal mental health, and children and adolescents.

CONTENT

  • Modules 1-15 Yoga Therapy core curriculum
  • Dissertation (Research Essay)
  • Case Studies
  • Optional modules for up to 625 hrs certification:
  • Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy and Perinatal Mental Health (£500)
  • Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health module (£500)
  • Yoga Therapy and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain (£500)
  • Yoga Therapy for Cancer (£600)

TIMELINE

  • 24 months taught modules
  • 10 months dissertation and case studies

COURSE BENEFITS

With BCYT certification you can register with the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC), the UK’s professional accreditation body for Yoga Therapy.

START DATE

  • May 2023

INVESTMENT

  • £6875 (£6800 Early-Bird Rate until 15th July 2022)
  • Plus, privately arranged supervision for case studies (c. £300-360) and your own yoga therapy (c. £300-600)

Track 2

Professional Diploma in Yoga Therapy for Health Professionals

DESCRIPTION

580 hrs professional yoga therapy training for Health Professionals, with option to obtain Yoga Alliance YTT-200 certification.

CONTENT

  • Modules 1-15 Yoga Therapy core curriculum
  • Dissertation (Research Essay)
  • Case Studies
  • Optional module for additional 200 hrs Yoga Teacher certification:
  • Minded Yoga Teaching Skills for Health Professionals module (£600)
  • Optional modules for up to 625 hrs certification:
  • Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy and Perinatal Mental Health module (£500)
  • Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health module (£500)
  • Yoga Therapy and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain (£500)
  • Yoga Therapy for Cancer (£600)

TIMELINE

  • 24 months taught modules
  • 10 months dissertation and case studies

COURSE BENEFITS

  • The most comprehensive training available for yoga therapy skills as an adjunct alongside an existing professional practice.
  • Eligibility to register as a YTT-200 yoga teacher recognised by Yoga Alliance if optional skills module completed.

START DATES

  • May 2023

INVESTMENT

  • £6875 (£6800 Early-Bird Rate until 15th July 2023)
  • Plus, privately arranged supervision for case studies (c. £300-360) and your own yoga therapy (c. £300-500)

Track 3

Advanced Diploma in Yoga Therapy with C-IAYT certification by IAYT

815 hrs IAYT-accredited professional yoga therapy training

C-IAYT certification for Yoga Professionals

CONTENT

  • Modules 1-15 Yoga Therapy core curriculum
  • Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy and Perinatal Mental Health module
  • Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health module
  • Dissertation (Research Essay)
  • Case Studies
  • 190 hours of additional supervised and documented Clinical Practice as a yoga therapy lead.

TIMELINE

  • 24 months taught modules
  • 10 months dissertation and case studies Clinical Practice requirements to be completed at candidate’s preferred pace within three years of case studies.

COURSE BENEFITS

  • The most comprehensive yoga therapy training available in the UK, providing international recognition and leading to certification as C-IAYT.
  • Opportunities for internship at The Minded Clinic and other work placements. 

START DATES

  • May 2023

INVESTMENT

  • £6875 course fees for 15 modules (£6800 Early-Bird Rate until 15th July 2023)
  • Approximately £1,000-£1,1000 pounds for two additional modules. 
  • Plus, cost of private supervision for case studies and clinical experience (c. £2000-2500) and your own yoga therapy (c. £300-500)

 

Objectives

‘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 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.

Module Content and Dates

Module Date Content
Module 1 4th – 7th May 2023
  • Introduction to the course
  • Mindfulness
  • Minded Yoga
  • History of Medicine
  • The Immune System
  • The Endocrine System
  • The Autonomic Nervous System
  • Stress and Disease
  • Koshas
  • Creating Safety
  • The Skeletal System
Module 2 15th – 18th June 2023
  • 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 14th – 17th Sept 2023
  • 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 26th – 29th October 2023
  • Kapalabhati Pranayama
  • The Therapeutic use of Chating
  • Angi
  • The Central Nervous System (Part 2)
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Depression
  • Asana Anatomy: Forward Bends
Module 5 14th – 17th December 2023
  • 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 18th – 21st Jan 2024
  • Sitali and Sitakari Pranayama
  • The Bhagavad Gita
  • Attachment Theory and Considering Development Client Needs
  • Attunement
  • The Reproductive System
  • Reproductive System Disorders
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Asana Anatomy: Hip-openers
Module 7 22nd – 25th Feb 2024
  • 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 4th – 7th April 2024
  • Body Scanning
  • Body Awareness: Interception and Proprioception
  • Tracking Sensations to Resolve Psychological Distress
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Part 2)
  • Chronic Pain
  • Spinal Pathology and Asana
Module 9 16th – 19th May 2024
  • 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 27th – 30th June 2024
  • Practical Assessment
  • Walking Meditation
  • Yogic Perception of the Mind
  • Diabetes
  • Dementia
  • Kirtan Kriya Meditation
  • Counter-Transference
  • Fascia: A Wholistic Perspective of the Mental Physical Body
  • Accessible Yoga and Chair Adaptions
Module 11 5th – 8th Sept 2024
  • Exam 3
  • Introduction to the course
  • Bahya Kumbhak Pranayama
  • Teaching Seated Mindfulness Meditation
  • Mindfulness of the Mind
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • The Bandhas
  • Addictions
  • Core Anatomy
Module 12 3rd – 6th Oct 2024
  • 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 7th – 10th Nov 2024
  • Motivation and Motivational Interviewing
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Emergency Situations and Legal Regulations
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Tax and Business Basics
Module 14 12th – 15th Dec 2024
  • Cultivating Inquiry Skills
  • Stroke/TBI
  • Larger Bodies and how to adapt
  • The Renal System and Kidney Disorders
  • Dermatology and Yoga Therapy
  • Hypermobility
  • Borderline-Personality-Disorder
Module 15 16th – 19th Jan 2025
  • 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 15th – 16th Feb 2025
  • Individual Client Assessments
  • Final Exam

Eligibility

In order to enrol on our diploma in yoga therapy training courses, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements depending on your choice of course. 

TRACK ONE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (Minimum)

  • 3 years of personal yoga practice
  • 200 hrs yoga teacher training
  • 150 hrs of yoga teaching
  • 1 year of teaching experience
  • Note: this Track is not available to entrants without a prior yoga teaching qualification on entry.

TRACK TWO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (Minimum)

  • 3 years of personal yoga practice
  • Health professional qualification (eg Doctor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Nurse) or equivalent professional experience.

TRACK THREE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (Minimum)

  • 3 years personal yoga practice
  • 200 hrs yoga teacher training
  • 150 hrs yoga teaching
  • 1 year of teaching experience
  • In addition, candidates are required to pass the BCYT Professional Diploma in order to proceed with the Clinical Practice requirements.
  • Note: this Track is not available to entrants without a prior yoga teaching qualification on entry.

Graduate Opportunities

Following our in depth 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 815hr Diploma in Yoga Therapy are also qualified to operate as a yoga therapist in the USA.

View our Graduate Yoga Therapist Directory

Conditions You Learn to Work With

Chronic Diseases

  • Autoimmune Conditions
  • HIV
  • Cancer
  • Post Natal Depression
  • Skin Diseases
  • OCD
  • IBS
  • Parkinson’s
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Diabetes
  • COPD
  • Infertility
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Lymphatic Issues
  • Chronic Pain
  • Osteoporosis
  • Kidney Disorder
  • Skin Conditions
  • Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility

Psychological

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Schizophrenia
  • Addictions
  • Eating Disorders
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke

You also learn to work with anatomical issues under the guidance of our expert physiotherapist/yoga therapist.

Cost and Payment Plans (2023)

At The Minded Institute we personalise payment plans to best work with your financial needs.

Our 2023 training course costs £6,875 (£6,600 Early-Bird Rate until 15th July 2022)

Optional additional modules:

Yoga Therapy for Pregnancy and Perinatal Mental Health module (five days) £500

Yoga Therapy for Child and Adolescent Mental Health module (five days) £500

Yoga Therapy and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain (five days) £500

Yoga Therapy for Cancer (six days) £600

Yoga Teaching Skills for Health Professionals (two blocks of four days) £600

 

To secure your place once you have been made an offer, you must pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,800. 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). All Minded Institute course manuals are included within the course fees.
  • Five Yoga Therapy Observations. £20 each if arranged the Minded Institute or costs may vary externally.
  • Six (minimum) supervision of Case Studies sessions. From £45 per 45 minute session.
  • Twelve (minimum) private Yoga Therapy sessions. To be arranged by the student; costs vary.

For the Advanced Diploma 815 hr course:

  • As above, plus 36 hours of supervision of clinical practice; costs vary but applicants should budget for £2000-2500 to cover this.

Faculty

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 whom are also experienced yoga therapists.

Our Faculty

Our expert guest speakers are world leaders in their field including Dr Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Charlotte Watts and Nancy Sinton.

Guest Lecturers

Supervision

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 Supervisors