800 Hour Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training - Enrollment Now Open!

From Yoga Teacher to Yoga Therapist

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

YogaLife Institute Presents:
800 Hour Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training

Get started today with bridge course and personalized mentorship.
Live online classes start September 2023.

Welcome to the Comprehensive Yoga Therapy (CYT) Training at YogaLife Institute - a uniquely powerful perspective on health and healing. Our school has been a destination for yoga lifestyle education for 25 years now. In many ways, the transformational process of yoga therapy is at the heart of everything we teach in our training programs.

The CYT program is designed differently, with roots in my training at The Yoga Institute of Mumbai, India, and integrated during my Ph.D. studies in Yoga Therapy at the California Institute of Integral Studies. All of this learning has now grown into a full-scale training professional training program.

Being a Yoga Therapist is an incredible journey - a sacred calling to develop your yoga skills and teaching gifts and take them out into the world. Is it the right program for you? We are here to help you answer that question. Please read on.

On behalf of the entire CYT teaching team, we look forward to helping you expand your knowledge and skillset on your journey from Yoga Teacher to Yoga Therapist. Please feel free to reach out for a free program consultation to see if the program is the right fit for you.

Bob Butera, Ph.D., Program Director

Ready To Take the Next Step?

Contact us today for a pressure-free telephone consultation with Founder, Bob Butera, to learn more about the program...and see if it’s right for you.

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Is Comprehensive Yoga Therapy the right program for you? Find out one of two ways.

  1. Contact us today to set up a Free Program Telephone Consultation where we will discuss your Yoga Journey and aspirations. We will be happy to offer specific details around how the study/time allocations will work.
  1. If you prefer to conduct more research on your own, please download our FREE GUIDE; titled "To Be or Not To Be a Yoga Therapist?" using the button below.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE A YOGA THERAPIST?

Hear About the Program Experience From Graduates

Advanced Yoga Education

Discover the benefits of a Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Education

Level One


Build Foundations

  • Learn powerful yoga lifestyle principles, assessments and interventions. Dive deep into the applications of yoga philosophy and psychology.
  • Apply Yoga Therapy to your self - transform your perspective and experience of yoga therapy from the inside out.
  • Expand your skillset – create a database of new and exciting movement experiences that will innovate your classes and private teaching sessions.
  • Learn how to teach to the individual instead of teaching poses – gain insight into yoga poses and creating meaningful and innovative practice experiences
  • Gain concurrent RYT500 Certification - This program meets and exceeds the standards.
    • Level Two
    Clinical Skills

    The Training Style: 6 Reasons Why It’s So Effective

    Comprehensive Yoga Therapy empowers people to explore the deeper lifestyle issues that lie at the root of many modern disease conditions. The program shifts the current cultural healthcare perspective from a passive disease-driven model to a more proactive model where the Yoga Therapist and their clients are continually engaged in the process of restoring or maintaining physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health. 

    In this program, Yoga Therapists learn how to guide clients using a holistic perspective that encompasses all of the transformative perspectives and practices of Yoga. Each aspect of the human experience is viewed as having the potential to be a source of healing and inspiration and is explored and mastered during the duration of the program.

    This is not a one-size fits all program. Comprehensive Yoga emphasizes that addressing individual needs and goals is key. Two people with the same disease condition might walk on completely different pathways to healing. CYT focuses on creating powerful mind/body spirit/connections, and yoga therapists draw from a large database of practice experience to create personalized practice and self care protocols for their clients.

    Comprehensive Yoga Therapy does not look to replace medical modalities, the focus is on helping clients to augment their current care model with a holistic focus that embraces the many different and interrelated levels on which health and healing can occur.

    In this model, the Yoga Therapist works with medical and healing professionals, augmenting the patient care plan with lifestyle interventions, stress management tools, movement, breathing, visualization, nutrition, changes of habitual thought patterns and other healthy lifestyle practices.

    While a human being may not always be able to control pain or the outcome of the healing process, Yoga therapy teaches that each individual may overcome the resistance to pain or suffering and be more skillful at self-regulation and care regardless of health or disease conditions

    The Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Program is Accredited by IAYT, one of the first 12 programs in the world to receive this honor.
    CYT-New-Logo-2017-land

    Praise for the Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training Programs

    “Making the decision to enroll in the Teacher and Yoga Therapist Training Programs with YogaLife Institute made so much sense for my educational needs and lifestyle. The quality of the content, expert faculty, and the amazing community of students I encountered were exactly the perfect fit for me. Many of the students and faculty have become trusted colleagues and friends. I’ve been a part of the educational and community experience for many years and I always look forward to the new programs and classes that this organization has to offer.”

    Angela Megasko
    President & Owner
    Market Viewpoint, LLC
    Yoga Teacher Training & Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training Graduate

    “After my first training with YogaLife, I knew I had ‘come home’ to something I had been searching for ... myself. Over the years, I have completing more than 700 hours of yoga teacher and yoga therapy training, and I am a successful yoga teacher and studio owner. I have always appreciated that the training programs at YogaLife are rooted in the tradition of classical yoga, but taught in a way that is meaningful for modern living. I highly recommend YogaLife for in-depth yoga teacher training, continuing education or simply to grow your personal practice.”

    Suzanne Accardo, M.Ed.
    Owner of The Yoga Place in Ephrata
    Yoga Teacher Training & Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training Graduate

    "After hours of research I found YogaLife or maybe YogaLife found me. I initially wanted to enroll into the Yoga Therapy program because I wanted to enhance my clinical skills. Bob and I spoke for maybe about 30 minutes and he explained the importance of going through Yoga Teacher Training in order to learn the foundational principles of yoga before starting Yoga Therapy. I agreed and a few months later, enrolled into the Yoga Teacher Training and began a new journey to self. After three years at YogaLife, I have learned a lot about myself. I use the skills daily not only for myself but with everyone I encounter. As year two of Yoga Therapy Program comes to a close, I am grateful for my experiences and furthering my yoga education for many years to come."

    Djuan D. Short, LCSW
    Owner of Dahlia Rose Wellness
    Yoga Teacher Training Graduate & Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Student

    “YogaLife Institute’s programs are comprehensive. The Teacher Training program goes well beyond the basics. Along with learning how to safely teach and sequence different types of classes, you will go in depth with learning the philosophy of yoga and how to practically apply it in daily life. As a result of engaging with these teachings, I find that I am less stressed, even in the midst of chaos. The instructors make understanding the material accessible, practical, and fun.”

    Rebecca Cate, LPC, MPH, CCTP, E-RYT 200, C-IAYT
    Owner, Rebecca Cate Counseling
    Yoga Teacher Training & Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training Graduate

    "I appreciate the integrity of the Yoga Therapy training program and the knowledge base of the Teaching staff. It’s been a great time in training and I’ve learned a lot personally and professionally. I am finding that many of my yoga therapy clients tend to come in with chronic pain and want to feel better in their bodies or work through injury. I see people face their anxieties or work through big life changes like retirement. I enjoy working with people one-on-one and empowering them through Yoga Lifestyle principles and practices. I feel fortunate to be doing it all."

    Dawn Shawley, RYT500
    Owner, Embark Yoga
    Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Graduate

    “As an executive coach for over 10 years, I was finding more and more leaders seeking support in health, wellness, stress management, and work/life balance challenges. In researching a deeper yoga understanding, I found the Yoga Therapy program at YogaLife Institute. This program provided me with a new way of thinking and a deeper level of self-awareness; and, of course, my clients benefitted from this learning journey too. Unlike yoga teacher training, this program addressed evidence-based research, offered yoga tools and techniques that support the whole person, and introduced skills that meet the client where he/she is: providing space, educating and allowing clients to find their optimal self today and their desired self tomorrow. The teaching team is the real deal. I am grateful for their dedication and sharing of knowledge.”

    Dr. Patricia A. Sullivan, C-IAYT
    Owner, Patricia Sullivan, PhD Consulting
    Yoga Teacher Training & Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Graduate

    Meet Our Teachers

    Bob Butera, PhD, ERYT500, C-IAYT

    Program Founder, Yoga Training & Yoga Therapy Specialist

    Bob is the founder of The YogaLife Institute and the publisher of Yoga Living magazine. He studied yoga at The Yoga Institute of Mumbai. He holds Masters in Divinity from the Earlham School of Religion and a Ph.D. in Yoga Philosophy & Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. With over 25 years of full-time teaching experience, he is known for sharing Classical Yoga Lifestyle principles in a practical way that connects students with their own divinity. He is also is the author/co-author of multiple books including The Pure Heart of Yoga, Meditation for Your Life, Yoga Therapy for Stress and Anxiety and BodyMindful Yoga (Llewellyn Worldwide)

    Erin Byron, MA, ERYT500, C-IAYT

    Program Founder, Yoga Training & Yoga Therapy Specialist

    Erin Byron is the Director of the Canadian Welkin/YogaLife Institute in Brantford, Ontario. She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Yoga for Trauma. She is an educator of yoga and meditation teachers who brings more than ten years of experience as a professional Yoga Therapist and practicing Psychotherapist to her teachings. She is the co-creator of Comprehensive Yoga Therapy Training and author/co-author of multiple books including Yoga Therapy for Stress & Anxiety, Yoga for the Creative Soul and Yoga Therapy for Arthritis.

    Erika Tenenbaum, ERYT500, C-IAYT

    Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, Skincare & Vinyasa Yoga Specialist

    Erika found her home at YogaLife and has been teaching here since 2004. She holds advanced certifications in Yoga & Yoga Therapy. She is also a skin care specialist and manual lymphatic drainage massage practitioner. Erika is a firm believer in the tenets of yogic tradition, she relishes the opportunity to share her yoga vision and experience with her students.

    Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, C-IAYT

    Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist

    Jennifer is a dedicated Yoga practitioner of over 20 years. She is the founder of Yoga for Eating Disorders, mother of two girls, Yoga Therapist and the author of Body Mindful Yoga: Create a Powerful and Affirming Relationship With Your Body. She writes and speaks on the healing and empowering practices and philosophies of Yoga. Her Yoga Therapy specialties include eating disorder recovery and body image. Jennifer is passionate about studying Yoga philosophy and connecting and working with new yoga teachers and yoga therapists. Jennifer is deeply honored to be a member of the YogaLife community.

    Jennifer Hilbert, MS, RYT500, C-IAYT

    Yoga Teacher & Yoga Therapist, Neuroscientist

    Jen has been dedicated yoga practitioner of over 20 years. She discovered YogaLife in 2004 and has since completed specialized training in Yoga & Yoga Therapy. She has a Masters Degree in Neuroscience, and as a mother and athlete her passions include educating families about the benefits of healthy eating and breath awareness, along with playing tennis, biking, traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

    Staffan Elgelid, PhD, RYT500, C-IAYT

    Yoga Therapist, Somatic & Physical Therapy Specialist

    Dr. Elgelid is Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at Nazareth College. At Nazareth College he teaches health and wellness and is the director of the college’s health and wellness programs. He has presented on a multitude of topics both nationally and internationally. He is also a Feldenkrais Practitioner and has been active in the Feldenkrais and Somatic Education community both at a national and international level. Staffan sat on the Advisory Council for the International Association of Yoga Therapists from 2011-2013, and has published several articles in IAYT publications and holds a yoga therapy certification from YogaLife Institute. Staffan is the co-author of Yoga Therapy for Stress & Anxiety and Yoga Therapy: A Personalized Approach for Your Active Lifestyle.

    Rebecca Cate, LPC, C-IAYT, E-RYT

    Yoga Therapy Trainer, Licensed Professional Counselor

    Rebecca is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), and an experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT 200). She has masters degrees in Counseling Psychology and Public Health. Rebecca is also a Provisional Master in Traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu. Practicing yoga, living by its tenets, guides her in all her endeavors and day to day life. Rebecca enjoys sharing yoga philosophy with others and facilitating the process of learning, healing, and feeling more at ease in life.

    Kristen Butera, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, PGDip

    Programs Director, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist

    Kristen has been studying and teaching yoga full time for fifteen years, accumulating more than 5000 hours of professional and academic training in a variety of yoga traditions and somatic methods, with special focus on Yin, Restorative, deep ecology and the therapeutic applications of Yoga. Her passion is for creating dynamic learning environments that create space for deep connection, spiritual processing and restoration.

    She is the author of Yoga Therapy: A Personalized Approach for Your Active Lifestyle, and as Program Director, she oversees all aspects of the YogaLife educational programs. An artist and a lifelong student of language, cosmology and consciousness, in 2021 she completed a post graduate diploma in Mythopoetics with Dartington Arts, and she is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Somatic Ecology with Schumacher College.

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