What’s the difference between a yoga therapist and a yoga instructor?
| Yoga Therapist | Yoga Instructor | |
| Audience | Work one-on-one and in group settings with clients in a therapeutic relationship. | Work with groups of people and teach general yoga classes. |
| Approach | Help clients address health concerns and achieve relief from physical and emotional pain through the practice of yoga. Helping clients to cultivate greater wellbeing through the practices of yoga. | Teach students how to perform yoga poses and practices. |
| Focus | Focus on the individual goals and needs of clients and use therapeutic practices tailored to mitigate symptoms, restore wellness, improve function, and avoid re-injury. | Focus on yoga poses and alignment, breathing, meditation, and relaxation for general maintenance of well-being and exercise. |
| Emphases | Emphasize personal empowerment of clients in self-care. | Emphasize correct yoga technique. |
| Progress | Measure the impact of therapy over time and adjust therapeutic practices based on clients’ progress. | Provide opportunities for the structured and regular personal practice of yoga. |
| Collaboration | Collaborate with other health care and medical practitioners to provide integrated care. | Collaborate with other yoga instructors in learning and designing classes. |
| Settings | Private practice, conventional health care and medical settings, hospitals and hospital systems, and health and wellness centers. | Yoga studios, fitness clubs, gyms, and corporate settings. |