International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) was founded in 1989 by Larry Payne, PhD, and Richard Miller, PhD. The International Association of Yoga Therapists has championed yoga as a healing art and science. Membership is open to all who are aligned with their mission—yoga practitioners, yoga teachers, yoga therapists, healthcare practitioners who use yoga in their practices, and yoga researchers. Studios and schools are welcome to join through school membership.
Yoga therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.
In the world envisioned by IAYT, yoga is routinely considered in settings around the world as a therapeutic option for physical health, emotional well-being, mental balance, and spiritual consciousness.
To become an IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and qualified healthcare providers must first complete an IAYT-Accredited Training Program. After graduating from such a program, they are eligible to apply for the Certification Exam and seek certification as a C-IAYT. Alternatively, candidates with significant education in yoga therapy, extensive practice experience, and active engagement in the field can apply through the Portfolio Review & Evaluation (PR&E) process. This pathway allows for certification based on a comprehensive portfolio rather than completing a traditional training program.
IAYT also provides membership opportunities for students.
Each membership has different eligibility criteria, fee structure and set of benefits. For example, for student membership fees are $50/year. This membership gives one of the Online subscriptions to the International Journal of Yoga Therapy and Yoga Therapy Today (searchable current and past issues) as well as an optional print subscription to Yoga Therapy Today.
Individual members of IAYT have access to a dynamic online profile where they can create a mini website to showcase their work. Additionally, the IAYT offers a searchable directory for Certified Yoga Therapists (C-IAYTs) to connect with one another and for the public to find yoga therapists in their local area. Members also benefit from a growing resource library specifically designed for yoga therapy professionals. To support career development, the organization provides online job postings and the ability for members to create an online resume.
Apart from individual memberships, IAYT also offers Organization/ Institution Memberships & School Memberships.
For more information, Click https://www.iayt.org/page/MemberSchoolOverview
The IAYT plays a pivotal role in advancing the practice and integration of yoga therapy within healthcare and wellness systems. Through its commitment to high standards of education, research, and professional development, the association ensures that yoga therapists are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and personalized care. As the field of yoga therapy continues to grow, the association remains dedicated to supporting its members, promoting evidence-based practices, and fostering collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Ultimately, the work of the International Association of Yoga Therapists helps to further the recognition of yoga as a valuable therapeutic tool, empowering individuals to achieve better physical, mental, and emotional health.
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