The Yoga Therapy Institute graduate Brigitte Wezel reflects on the grassroots beginnings of Belgium’s growing Yoga Therapy community – and how connection, collaboration and shared purpose led to the creation of a national association…
Looking back at the beginnings of BAYT (Belgian Association of Yoga Therapy), what stands out most is how unplanned – and yet how essential it was – to come together around a still largely unknown field in Europe, one that is becoming increasingly relevant within a healthcare system in need of more integrative approaches.
What prompted the initiative?
It all started during Monika Neuman’s training time with The Yoga Therapy Institute (2020-2023): in breakout rooms and informal exchanges, she kept meeting fellow Belgians. Conversations flowed easily between them, there was a shared language and such an inspiring community feeling. And yet, once the sessions ended, everyone seemed to disappear back into their own corners. Yoga Therapy in Belgium is still relatively unknown. As practitioners, many of us were working in isolation, without a visible network, and without peers to exchange with regularly. There was a quiet sense of fragmentation.
In 2022 Monika created a simple WhatsApp group: Yoga Therapists Belgium. There was no strategy behind it, no big announcement – just an invitation to stay connected.
The steps to get it off the ground
The first phase was informal: a WhatsApp group simply created a shared space to connect.
The real turning point came after her graduation in March 2023, when Monika suggested meeting in person. In July 2023, six of The Yoga Therapy Institute’s graduates gathered for the first time: there was no agenda planned, just a meal, a walk, and conversations. That simple encounter had a powerful impact though; it transformed a loose network into a real sense of belonging. For many, it was the first time experiencing Yoga Therapy as a shared field rather than a solitary path. In November 2023, a second meeting brought together eleven participants in Ternat (Belgium), including future board members. This time, a light structure emerged, with space to share professional backgrounds, explore wider initiatives, and open the conversation on collaboration. It was during this gathering that the idea of forming an association emerged as a logical next step rather than a forced decision.
From there, things became more intentional. We created working groups to distribute energy and responsibility:
- A setup group to define the structure, roles, and legal framework which will later on become the Board of the Association.
- A networking group to continue connecting practitioners.
- A website team to build visibility.
People volunteered based on their interests and availability, which kept the process efficient and sustainable. Over the following months, the setup group (composed of four members initially with Monika Neumann, Krishna La Gaïté, Chantal Faurès and me, Brigitte Wézel) focused on shaping the foundations: clarifying purpose, drafting bylaws, and imagining activities formats such as learning circles, reflections spaces, informal gatherings. After several months, Maarten Coart, active in the website team, joined the set-up team to develop the website further and create a logo to give the initiative a visible identity.
Step by step, what started as a simple connection point evolved into a structured and shared project. In May 2025, this journey led to the formal creation of a non-profit association: the Belgian Association of Yoga Therapists, with a Board and official members.
Its work is guided by three core objectives:
- Awareness: Raise public and healthcare institutions’ understanding in Belgium of Yoga Therapy and its benefits for a wide range of health conditions.
- Recognition: Advocate for its integration into the healthcare system, grounded in scientific evidence, and engage with public institutions to support funding or reimbursement, particularly for vulnerable populations.
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Community: Build and sustain a Belgian network of Yoga Therapists through a public directory, clear membership standards, and a platform for exchange, training, and professional support.
The benefits so far
One of the most immediate benefits has been the shift from isolation to connection. With 15 members so far, practitioners who once worked independently are now starting to share a space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and support one another.
Visibility has also grown. Through a website and an Instagram presence, our work is aiming at reaching a wider audience. At the same time, our learning circles and reflection spaces are fostering collaboration, referrals, and ongoing professional development.
Looking ahead, the Board is currently actively setting up dedicated working groups, focusing on areas such as membership, communication, integration into the national healthcare system, ethics, and education (among others) to support the continued growth and impact of the association in the years to come.
Advice for others looking to do something similar
- Start simple. 😊
- You don’t need a fully formed vision.
- A basic communication channel such as a WhatsApp group or an email thread is enough to begin.
- Let it grow organically. Trust the network effect.
- Meet in person! Real connection happens in person. It builds trust, depth, and a genuine sense of community 🤝
- Let structure come later, and let it emerge naturally.
- Share responsibility early on. Small working groups keep things moving, prevent burnout, and create ownership.
- Once the structure is in place, regularity becomes key. We’ve been meeting every week for 1.5 hours. This project is really the result of a step-by-step approach, built with discipline, joy, and consistency 🌱
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Stay rooted in the original intention: connection, sharing, and collaboration 💛
You can visit the website for The Belgian Association for Yoga Therapists at www.bayt.be and follow them on Instagram @bayt_belgium.
