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.

€500 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)

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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.

Summer 2026

Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 June 2026 Friday 3 – Saturday 4 July 2026

09:30–16:30 (CET)*

*Includes a self-study day with a 1-hour live check-in on Friday July 3rd, 2026

Book this course at Trauma Sensitive Yoga Nederland

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 this course at Trauma Sensitive Yoga Nederland

*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

€500* excl. VAT

Please note that this course is hosted externally and must be booked directly through Trauma Sensitive Yoga Nederland.

Register Now!

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for this module?

To join this module, you must meet the following requirements:

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification from Yoga Alliance or equivalent
One year of Yoga teaching experience
One year of personal Yoga practice
Fluent in English
Minimum 18 years old

How can I join?

If you’re already a student at The Yoga Therapy Institute, you can join this module by booking your preferred dates directly on this page.

New students are warmly invited to contact us or submit an application form to begin the registration process.

Does this module offer continuing education credits?

No, this module does not offer continuing education credits because the module forms an integral part of our Yoga Therapy Diploma.

However, you can still earn continuing education credits by completing our other courses that are approved by Yoga Alliance.

What is included in the price of the module?

The price of the module includes access to all live module lectures, unlimited access to the educational platform, including written materials, presentations, recordings of the lectures, practice videos, audio files, and assignments. You’ll also have the ability to contact the team and faculty by email for support.

The price of the module doesn’t include books from the reading list, yoga mats or props, or any other materials or equipment that may be required for the module.

Do you offer a discount on your training?

We offer a variety of discounts and promotions on our Yoga Therapy training courses throughout the year. To see the current discounts and promotions, please visit our promotions page.

What is the difference between somatic counselling and psychotherapy?

Somatic counselling and psychotherapy are both forms of therapy that focus on the body and mind. However, there are some key differences between the two approaches. Somatic counselling is a more bottom-up approach, which means that it focuses on helping the client to become more aware of their physical sensations. Psychotherapy is a more top-down approach, which means that it focuses on helping the client to understand their thoughts and emotions.

Can I work as a counsellor after completing this module?

No, you can’t work as a counsellor after completing this module alone. This module is designed to teach you the skills of applied somatic counselling, which can be used in conjunction with Yoga Therapy. However, you’ll still need to complete further training in counselling or psychotherapy in order to be qualified to work as a counsellor.

Can I follow this module on demand?

This module is not available to follow on demand. Because of the sensitive nature of the subject matter, group discussions remain private within the cohort and are not recorded. We strongly recommend attending live — the live experience is a core part of what makes this training valuable.

If the scheduled dates are a challenge, please get in touch with us before booking at education@theyogatherapyinstitute.org and we'll see what we can arrange.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS COURSE