Who is this module for, and are there prerequisites?

This module is for yoga therapists and trainees who want to bring somatic counselling skills into their work. To join, you will need: • a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification (Yoga Alliance or equivalent) • one year of yoga teaching experience • one year of personal yoga practice • fluency in English (let us know if you need any special assistance) • a minimum age of 18

Applied Somatic Counselling Skills for Yoga Therapists

35 Hours (4 Days Online + Home Study)

625-hours 875-hours IAYT accredited

This unique module supports self-awareness, reflection and compassionate listening while giving you practical tools to work safely and empathetically with clients. You’ll learn counselling techniques tailored to Yoga Therapy — including bottom-up approaches, invitational language and how to build a safe therapeutic relationship — to support healing on both physiological and psychological levels.

Guided by Esther van der Sande, psychotherapist and founder of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Nederland, you’ll also deepen your own interoceptive awareness and develop essential skills such as self-regulation to better support your clients.

€575 excl. VAT · Register Now!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS COURSE

Foundations of Somatic Counselling in Yoga Therapy

Build a clear understanding of somatic counselling principles and how they safely integrate into Yoga Therapy.

Core somatic counselling skills relevant to Yoga Therapy
The development of psychotherapy vs. somatic counselling
Boundaries and scope of practice for Yoga Therapists
Recognising issues of transference in client interactions

Self-Awareness & Therapeutic Presence

Cultivate the internal steadiness and awareness needed to support clients effectively.

Developing your own interoceptive and emotional awareness
Understanding therapist presence and self-regulation
Establishing trust and authentic connection with clients

Trauma-Informed Communication & Client Support

Learn communication tools that promote safety, empowerment and body positivity.

Active listening, intentional silence and compassionate language
Using metaphor and invitational cues appropriately
Body Positivity-Centred practices to support client agency
Creating a safe, accepting environment for change

Applied Skills in Session Design & Timing

Integrate somatic counselling tools thoughtfully into Yoga Therapy sessions.

Understanding therapeutic timing and pacing
Applying somatic counselling skills within your professional scope
Designing sessions that blend embodiment, awareness and safety
Supporting clients through structured, compassionate guidance

A Focused and Immersive 4-Day Training

Join an intensive four-day module designed to support deep learning, reflection and practical skill-building.

Expert Guidance from Experienced Faculty

Learn directly from skilled Yoga Therapy educators who bring extensive clinical and teaching experience to every session.

Dynamic and Interactive Live Presentations

Engage in accessible, interactive lectures with opportunities to ask questions, share insights and participate in real-time discussions.

Real-World Insight Through Case Studies

Explore real client scenarios to understand how somatic counselling and Yoga Therapy principles come together in practice.

Personalised Support & Global Community

Receive tailored feedback while connecting with a diverse, supportive international group of peers.

Ongoing Access to Learning Resources

Enjoy unlimited access to the educational platform, replays of all sessions and a practical module assignment to consolidate your learning.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for Yoga Therapy trainees currently in training to become certified yoga therapists, as well as experienced yoga teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of Yoga Therapy principles and applications. It also welcomes healthcare professionals—including medical doctors, physiotherapists, coaches, and other therapeutic practitioners—who are interested in integrating a multidisciplinary approach into their work.

What our students say

"This module had the greatest impact on transforming my approach as a yoga therapist. Before taking it, I believed that mastering the right techniques was what would make me a great yoga therapist. Thanks to Esther, I learned that while techniques are important, it is even more essential to build a genuine connection with your clients so they feel safe enough to receive and benefit from those techniques. Esther shares numerous practical tools and insights that help cultivate this therapeutic relationship. For me, it was a profound shift in perspective. I credit this module with helping me become a more effective, compassionate and client-centred yoga therapist."

— Mandeep (875-hour diploma graduate & TYTI Guest Teacher)

"This is the most essential module to enhance your work as a yoga therapist. It empowers you with skills and a toolbox you can use in your sessions to create and maintain safety for your clients. Invest, engage and enjoy."

— Sangeeta (875-hour diploma student)

"This module offers reflections and contemplations that will empower and transform you before you can support others. Esther holds space with such grace and clarity, because this is a module that really touches those who choose to do it. One quote shared during the module has stayed with me: you can only bring people as far as you have come yourself. This module really brings us to ourselves too."

— Sofia (625-hour diploma graduate)

"This module gave me practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to support clients safely in yoga therapy. As both a counsellor and a trainee yoga therapist, one of the things I found most valuable was gaining clarity around the unique role of yoga therapy and how it complements, rather than mirrors, the work of counselling. It has given me greater confidence in my work with clients."

— Tea (875-hour diploma student)

"Esther helps you understand how to develop an appropriate, trusting relationship with the people you work with, which is vital to our work as yoga therapists."

— Helen (625-hour diploma student)

1 / 1

Upcoming Module Dates

Each module is held entirely online, welcoming students from all countries to study, learn, and grow together in our virtual classroom. We encourage students who have never studied with us before to complete an application form before booking a module.

Autumn 2026

Friday 25 - Sunday 27 September 2026 Friday 9 October 2026

09:30 – 16:30 (CET)*

*Includes a self-study day with a 1-hour live check-in on Sunday September 27th, 2026.

Book Now!

Spring 2027

Friday 21 - Sunday 23 May 2027 Friday 28 May 2027

09:30–16:30 (CET)*

*Includes a self-study day with a 1-hour live check-in on Sunday May 23rd, 2027.

Book Now!

*Module hours are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the flow and pace of each class.

PRICING

Includes all course materials

Ongoing access to the learning platform

Learn more about our full diploma pricing

€575 excl. VAT

VAT calculated at checkout based on your location. Professional organisations may be eligible for reverse-charging — [contact us to find out more]

Register Now!

Meet Your Teachers

Esther van der Sande

Psychotherapist, Trainer, Consultant & RYT 500 Yoga Teacher

Esther is a senior psychotherapist, business consultant, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga trainer with over 20 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals and organizations overcome psychological challenges and embrace change with her well-known gentle, inclusive approach.

Learn more

NEED HELP?

Contact us

READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?

Apply today

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

This module is for yoga therapists and trainees who want to bring somatic counselling skills into their work. To join, you will need:

a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification (Yoga Alliance or equivalent)
one year of yoga teaching experience
one year of personal yoga practice
fluency in English (let us know if you need any special assistance)
a minimum age of 18

You can book your preferred dates directly on this page, or submit an application form and we will guide you through registration. Questions first? Contact us any time.

No. Because of the sensitive nature of the subject, group discussions stay private within the cohort and are not recorded. Attending live is a core part of what makes this training valuable. If the dates are difficult for you, please email education@theyogatherapyinstitute.org before booking and we will see what we can arrange.

Yes. It forms an integral part of our Yoga Therapy Diploma, so it doesn't carry separate continuing education credits. You can earn Yoga Alliance CE points through our other courses.

All live lectures and unlimited access to our learning platform, including written materials, presentations, lecture recordings, practice videos, audio files and assignments. You can also contact the team and faculty by email for support. Books from the reading list, mats, props and other equipment are not included.

Both work with the connection between body and mind, but they start from different places. Somatic counselling is a bottom-up approach: it begins with physical sensations and helps the client become more aware of what they feel in the body. Psychotherapy is generally top-down: it begins with thoughts and emotions and helps the client understand them.

No. This module teaches applied somatic counselling skills to use within your yoga therapy work. To work as a counsellor, you would need further training in counselling or psychotherapy.

We run discounts and promotions throughout the year. Visit our Promotions page to see what's currently available.