III. PYT Internship Program

Application of Yoga Therapy

The PYT Internship is the third component you'll need to complete in order to be certified as a Yoga Therapist. This internship is a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years in length. You may apply for an extension if needed. It consists of a total of thirty sessions (a mixture of therapeutic classes and one-on-one Yoga Therapy sessions) and ten chapters of written work centering around a particular theme or aspect of Yoga Therapy. The internship program includes monthly phone check-ins with a mentor as well as regular e-mail communication of your session reports. Your mentor will closely follow your progress and support your development in all areas of one-on-one and group work. Your session reports can be sent automatically to your mentor through this website.

Each of the ten chapters of written work has a specific focus and theme and as designed to be completed in approximately one month. Each module is accompanied by a packet of background information and suggested reading. These packets are available on this website to registered students. The Internship chapter themes are:

 1. Interviewing, Assessing and Creating a Safe Space- Learning how to communicate with your client and create a safe space which allows them to discover within themselves the healing potential of Yoga. This chapter includes use of client interview forms, body mapping, communication skills and mandala drawing.

2. Assessing and Healing with Breath and Energy- Using pranayama and related breathing techniques, along with mudra and prana vidya as therapeutic modalities. This chapter includes breath assessment skills.

3. Assessing the Physical Body and Modifying Poses for the Individual- Understanding the mechanics of movement and how to prescribe specific Yoga postures for specific Yoga movement needs. This chapter includes a Yoga sequence for assessing range of motion.

4. Ayurvedic Assessment and Program Development- Understanding how to read the doshas and translate them into an effective program of Yoga Therapy based on the needs of the individual. This chapter includes ayurvedic assessment forms.

5. The Chakras as a Key to Health- Understanding the subtle body and how to use this understanding in supporting the client in a health healing and awakening process. This chapter includes methodology for chakra assessment and balancing.

6. Science of Stretching and Movement- Working with various stretching and movement modalities including Somatics and assisted stretching techniques to facilitate freedom of movement for the client.

7. Working with the Mind and Emotions- Using specific stress reduction techniques including Yoga Nidra, restorative Yoga and guided imagery to facilitate relaxation, peace and inner harmony.

8. Designing Programs for Specific Conditions- In your two week program you are introduced to a complete methodology and process for designing Yoga Therapy programs . In this chapter you'll design a program for a specific condition and follow the progress of the client over several sessions.

9. Yoga Psychology as the Foundation of Yoga Therapy Sessions- The Yoga Sutras form the theoretical and practical foundation of Yoga Therapy. This chapter includes the application of concentration and meditation techniques within the Yoga Therapy process.

10. Building a Yoga Therapy Practice- Practice putting together complete programs based on a five part evaluation including movement, breath, stress levels, the energy body and ayurvedic constitution. Develop resources for building a private Yoga Therapy practice.

 

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Beth Gibbs is the director of the PYT Internship Program. Her masters degree from Leslie College is in Integrative Yoga with a special focus on Yoga for Menopause.

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