The program is presented in six residential modules, with homework assigned between all modules and it is as well delivered through online lectures, teacher-hosted Zoom group discussions, and through Zoom or phone, mentorship sessions. Practicum hours take place in trainees’ home communities and are mentored in person and through Zoom meetings. 

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The program takes place at the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus located at 952 Bethany Turnpike, Honesdale, PA 18431. 109 guest rooms are available with a range of single, double, deluxe, and apartment-sized accommodations. Three nutritionally and ayurvedically balanced vegetarian meals are served daily. A dedicated meditation hall (The Sri Vidya Shrine) is open for meditation practice to program participants at various times throughout the day.

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The program is delivered in defined cohorts that move through the program as a community of peers. The program is begun in Module One and trainees progress through the subsequent modules until graduation. 

 

THE MODULES

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Module One: January 15-24, 2021

Module One focuses on the foundations of how yoga works to heal and vitalize, cleanse and balance each person in a perfectly tailored way. The roots of this remarkable tradition, yoga psychology and the mind, and observing and working with the body in stillness and motion are begun. Yoga tools and teaching is addressed as it will be throughout the course. We also orient toward and begin the fascinating study of anatomy from an experiential perspective that covers both knowledge of “what and where”, and terminology along with the embodied wisdom of exploration of anatomical understanding that deeply and richly informs the practice and application of yoga techniques.

 

Module Two: May 14-23, 2021

The first module courses are continued through homework and online work between sessions and with more experiential anatomy, observational and analytic skills in biomechanics and movement analysis. Yoga's view of health versus disease and the process of healing is further explored including such factors such as diet, environment, stress, trauma, constitution, mental habits, and more - presented from a holistic context. Teaching skills are further defined and explored.

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Module Three: September 17-26, 2021

Refinement of teaching methods enabling work with specialty groups comes to the fore, as well as professional issues of working as a yoga therapist. We continue and deepen into experiential and modern anatomy and integrate this understanding into working with the physical structure and dynamic patterning of movement as it functions in the activities od daily living and in yoga practice.

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Module Four: December 10-19, 2021

More clinically oriented coursework takes the lead in these next three advanced modules as the focus turns toward clinical documentation, guidance and interaction skills and application of yoga tools. Anatomical understanding of common yoga injuries, and common physical mis-alignments, mis-use issues, and ailments is addresses as are more in-depth perspectives that integrate all aspects of the process of yoga therapy as a wellness and healing modality.

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Module Five: May 13-22, 2022

Integration of learning continues as we deepen into western perspectives on pathophysiology and mental health. Understanding and skill in working with each unique client progresses. Design and application of therapeutic methods for most common ailments and conditions is further explored. The focus is on competence and confidence. Establishing rapport, safety, deep listening, and attunement and engagement skills are refined throughout the course content presentations, group work and collective discussion, mentorship and other means of engagement.

 

Module Six: October 7-16, 2022

In this final module western psychology and its relation to the inner aspects of yoga’s ancient teachings are understood. Demonstration of mastery in working with individuals and small single concern therapeutic groups - from in-take to conclusion - using all clinical skills and course knowledge is achieved. Review and integration of the major themes and skills from the various courses takes place, and do refining assessments as therapists graduate and take their places in this new field of yoga therapy!

 

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Because we do not have the restrictions of university semesters and other formatting concerns, and can design for what we consider optimal learning, this program is taught through progressive learning that continues along several course tracks. The classes include lecture, discussion, and experiences that constantly integrate material as it is presented. Here are the course tracks under the IAYT Educational Standards Competency Areas. 

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Competency Area One: Yoga Foundations

Course Tracks Under This Competency:

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1. The Roots of Spanda® Yoga Movement Therapy

2. Yoga Psychology & the Mind

3. Always Becoming: A Yogic View of Health, Disease & Healing

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Competency Area Two: Biomedical and Psychological Foundations

Course Tracks Under This Competency:

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4. Human Anatomy & Physiology for the Yoga Therapist

5. Body in Motion: Movement, Action & Force Analysis

6. Understanding Western Allopathic Pathology & Methods of Treatment

7. Topics in Western Psychology for the Practice of Yoga Therapy

8. At the Center of the Circles: Social & Developmental Influences on the Whole Person

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Competency Area Three: Yoga Therapy Tools & Therapeutic Skills

Course Tracks Under This Competency:

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9. Interaction and Guidance Skills in Therapeutics & Specialized Teaching

10. Teaching Methodology: Appropriate Methods, Applications & Adaptations

11. Spanda® Yoga Movement Therapy Vocabulary of Practice

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Competency Area Four: Practicum

Course Tracks Under This Competency:

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12. Application of Practices, Principles & Methods of Delivery

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Competency Area Five: Professional Practice

Course Track Under This Competency:

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13. Professional Issues

Completion of all six modules earns enrollees certification as a professional Spanda® Yoga Movement Therapist from an International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) Accredited School.