The tree of yoga and life is vast and eternal. It's branches include each and every one of us.

In this course, you will have the opportunity to explore the needs, and desires of one or more at risk or underserved communities and how therapeutic yoga may address those needs and desires.  You will gain a deep understanding of how history, trauma, and culture affect specific communities of underserved and at-risk such as those suffering from socio-economic challenges, mental health issues, and/or incarceration.  You will learn how to design, develop, initiate and lead a complete group program of therapeutic yoga that specifically addresses the individual needs as well as shared goals and common obstacles. Gain sensitivity training, and a deeper understanding of trauma and its potential risks of acquiring other diseases and compromised status in society.  Become an advocate and successful communicator with other health professionals and partners. Learn how to become an activist and change maker in your community and the world.  

In this course you will explore:

• Understanding specific needs and desires of common at-risk and underserved communities such as overall health concerns, post-trauma health and typical diseases. 

• Demonstrate and implement leadership skills that are based on the Yamas, Niyamas, Bhagavad Gita and informed through Sensitivity Training for specific populations

• Knowledge of Pathologies and common treatments for specific diseases and concerns that are typical within certain at-risk populations

• Understanding and application of the human development system, emotional growth and life cycles and how trauma may impact this journey of growth.  

• Identifying and understanding typical family, history, cultural inculcations and beliefs and how they affect the well being of individuals

• Design and implement a complete program that addresses all 5 koshas with an ability to recognize, adapt and adjust to specific needs and evolving relationship.

• Utilize specific practices from all 8 limbs of classic yoga that are appropriate for specific populations common concerns, diseases, and shared goals.

• In-depth knowledge and observed capacity for well- developed communication skills in Implementing a progressive therapeutic alliance that includes rapport, safety, security, personalized attention, non-violent communication, and deep equanimity.

• Collaborate effectively with other students, partner organizations and/or a team to design and implement a case study program for one at-risk population

• Familiarity with group dynamics including; communication, time management, priorities, boundaries and utilize techniques to address specific needs of individuals within a group setting.

• Demonstrate the ability to take a history of clients, elicit goals, and appropriately assess several baseline markers of health such as breathing, balance, strength, flexibility, and perceived well-being.  

• Present case study to peers with clear and measurable data of assessment, appropriate session strategies and formats, and progress. 

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and utilize advocacy techniques based on karma yoga

This course has required prerequisites - Introduction to Holistic Yoga Therapy and Yoga for Mental Health

This is an elective course that may be used toward completion of our 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training or Holistic Yoga Coach Certification. Save money by registering as a 300-Hr YTT.