Core Curriculum

CORE CURRICULUM for Yoga Therapy May 2022

Written by: The British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT) Revisions are to be approved by members of the BCYT. All rights reserved.

This document details the minimum additional curriculum, The British Council for Yoga Therapy (BCYT) considers, a proficient yoga teacher needs to successfully complete before becoming a yoga therapist who is able to give safe yoga therapy to individual members of the public in the UK.

CONTENTS

1 - Introduction

2 - Competencies for yoga therapists

• The scope and models of yoga therapy

• The scope of yoga techniques applied for yoga therapy teaching

• The therapeutic relationship

• Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist

• Practice and provision of yoga therapy

• Professional practice

3 - Guidance notes for accredited training organisations

4 - Minimum Learning Hours for yoga therapy training

5 - Assessment of trainee yoga therapists

6 - References, abbreviations, Sanskrit glossary

7 - Appendices [Not included below - contact BCYT for full version]

A – Definitions for yoga therapy

B – Yoga values underpinning yoga therapy, the Yama and Niyama

C - BCYT and CNHC overview and membership

D - National Occupational Standards for yoga therapy

E – Guidance on updating training to meet UK educational levels

F – BCYT yoga therapy case study guidelines

G - Guidance on Working in an On-line Medium for Yoga Therapy

COMPETENCIES FOR YOGA THERAPISTS

This section gives the additional competencies which yoga teachers are expected to fully embrace - as a minimum - to become yoga therapists who are able to safely deliver yoga therapy to members of the public in the UK.

Additional depth and breadth of the yoga therapy approach adopted by the individual / training organisation is also expected.

Continuing personal practice and development are essential during the journey a proficient yoga teacher makes to become a yoga therapist, but this is not enough in itself. Technical and practical input from one or more yoga therapy trainers is also essential so that each potential yoga therapist fully understands and can demonstrate achieving the skills and competencies necessary to be a yoga therapist.

The competencies are described as learning outcomes in these sections:

1. Scope and models of yoga therapy

2. Scope of yoga techniques applied for yoga therapy teaching

3. The therapeutic relationship

4. Knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist

5. Practice and provision of yoga therapy

6. Professional practice

The levels used to describe the depth of each learning outcome are taken from the UK Education system’s National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Level 3 normally equates to pre-university ‘A’ level and level 4 to the first year of a degree. Guidance on the type of evidence to meet these levels is in Appendix E.

Knowledge competencies:

Level 3: foundations level – an introductory knowledge sufficient to bring awareness of the existence and central essence of that subject and for the yoga therapist to be able to recognise when further knowledge is required for the practice of yoga therapy.

Level 3: specific knowledge – an overview and understanding of principles of the specific subject, including general awareness of its relevance to and/or potential use in the practice of yoga therapy.

Level 4: applied knowledge – have developed an understanding of all aspects of the subject and its specific applications to the practice of yoga therapy.

Level 4: analysis of applied knowledge – through study and practice have acquired a confident depth of knowledge in the practice of yoga therapy, including its multiple applications and potential limitations. Have used research study e.g. into a particular pathology, to inform the practice of yoga therapy.

Practical competencies:

Level 3: demonstrated practical skills – in particular tasks associated with the work of yoga therapy.
Level 4: demonstrated advanced practical skills – of theory to practice in all therapy working.

A. SCOPE AND MODELS OF YOGA THERAPY

A1 Foundation knowledge (level 3) in the source, breadth, and depth of the yoga tradition and its relevance and application to yoga therapy through these texts:

a)  Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

b)  Hatha Yoga Pradipika

c)  Bhagavad Gita

d)  Upanishads related to the therapeutic application of yoga

e)  Traditional texts relevant to the yoga therapy approach adopted. These may come from supporting systems such as Samkhya, one or more of the above texts, other traditional yoga texts

f)  Selected modern day yoga/yoga therapy texts, research, and/or studies which are relevant to the yoga therapy approach adopted

A2 Applied knowledge (level 4) of at least one of the traditional texts a) to e) and its use as a reference and guide for yoga therapy.

A3 Foundation knowledge (level 3) in the use of yoga models, for observation and yoga therapy diagnostics in order to guide therapeutic assessment and analysis:

1. panca kosha or panca maya – the holistic model showing five dimensions or domains (e.g. seeing an inter relationship between the domains for the client, understanding whether yoga therapy may help, whether referral is needed)

2. asana as a physical/physiological model (e.g. seeing how a person stands/sits/moves; the use of the spine as a reference)

3. models of energy systems (e.g. prana vayu, nadi, cakra) as a reference for possible imbalances

4. models of mental and emotional behavior (including as a minimum: klesa (causes of suffering), abhyasa/vairagya(practice/dispassion), antaraya (obstacles to a clear mind)

A4 Applied knowledge (level 4) in the models within the yoga therapy approach adopted in order to make detailed assessment and plans for a programme of practices.

A5 Foundation knowledge (level 3) of Ayurvedic principles relevant to yoga therapy.

B. SCOPE OF YOGA TECHNIQUES APPLIED FOR YOGA THERAPY TEACHING

B1 Analysis of applied knowledge (level 4) of a range of yoga tools/practices, with benefits, limitations, and contraindications for therapeutic application, including but not limited to:

a)  asana – including ranges of posture with their modifications, variations, use of breath

b)  pranayama – to also include simple breath awareness and development

c)  relaxation, and dharana/dhyana (concentration techniques/meditation), based on yoga philosophy. It may include techniques such as bhavana (visualisation), mantra (recitation), mudra (symbolic gesture), nyasa (generic gesture)

d)  vihara (lifestyle modification)

B2 Applied knowledge (level 4) of contraindications of yoga practices for specific conditions and circumstances.

B3 Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) of:

• observation

• teaching in a therapeutic setting including how to adapt/modify techniques for an individual’s specific needs

C. THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP

C1 Applied knowledge (level 4) of professional boundaries as they relate to yoga therapy

C2 Applied knowledge (level 4) of effective communication, including:

• evaluation of boundaries/limits to the scope of practice

• competency in basic interpersonal skills including: listening, reflecting, summarising, challenging, ‘mirroring’ to bring rapport, developing trust.

• recognition and management of subtle dynamics inherent in the therapist/client relationship

C3 Applied knowledge (level 4) of various modes of communication appropriate to the practice of yoga therapy, including:

• verbal and non-verbal communication

• mutual positive regard

• confidentiality and mutual trust

C4 Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) of a sensitive and intuitive approach to clients and their needs, including skills needed to connect with the client from a quiet inner place where the therapist’s own conditioning or disturbances are minimized.

C5 Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) in obtaining permission before touching the client as required, for example during diagnostic purposes during observation.

D. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY, AS RELEVANT TO THE WORK OF A YOGA THERAPIST

D1 Specific knowledge (level 3) of human anatomy and physiology as relevant to the practice of yoga and the work of a yoga therapist, covering the structure and function of the main systems of the body and their inter-relationships including: skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, lymph and immunity, digestive, urinary, reproductive systems.

D2 Specific knowledge (level 3) of the mechanics of movement as they relate to the practice of yoga and the work of a yoga therapist.

D3 Specific knowledge (level 3) of common medical conditions of the major systems of the body, including: symptoms, management, prognosis, and contraindications, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.

D4 Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) of, or ability to find information on, medical conditions suspected or diagnosed in clients.

D5 Specific knowledge (level 3) and Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) of

1. how to recognise when a medical diagnosis is needed to support their assessment of the client’s needs

2. the circumstances in which yoga therapy can be given as a first line of action without the need for medical interventions e.g. anxious breathing

3. the circumstances in which yoga therapy may or may not be given alongside other treatments e.g. during cancer treatment

4. the circumstances in which yoga therapy cannot be a first line of action e.g. traumatic blood loss, arrested breathing

D6 Specific knowledge (level 3) and Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) of how to work with a diagnosis given by a medical professional such as a G.P. or consultant.

E. PRACTICE AND PROVISION OF YOGA THERAPY 

E1 Essential qualities and skills

i. Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) to provide yoga therapy in accordance with the approach of her/his yoga therapy training and the requirements and standards contained in this core curriculum.

ii. Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) to provide effective yoga therapy.

iii. Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) in treating every client as an individual.

iv. Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) in knowing when to refer a client to a medical / psychological practitioner or a more experienced yoga therapist

v. Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) to communicate effectively when:

• explaining to the client how yoga therapy will be provided

• discussing the commitment of the client and the likely number of sessions needed.

• checking the client’s well-being during the session and give reassurance as needed providing clear and accurate advice with regard to yoga therapy and any relevant after care and self-care

E2 Observation and evaluation of a client

i. Application of knowledge (level 4) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) to analyse an individual client using:

• a case history which includes recording:

  • personal details

  • medical history of conditions and other factors conveyed by the client, together with the acute/chronic nature of each issue

  • observation through; dialogue, seeing physical aspects including posture, movement, safe and appropriate touch

• the client’s priority for improvement

• assessment of current health issues using yoga models in an holistic manner

ii. Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) in understanding the reasons for some caution in apparently minor complaints (e.g. dizziness; lack of balance) as these may mask an underlying disease.

iii. Application of knowledge (level 3) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 3) within medical situations when special care must be taken, e.g. medical emergencies where the client should be immediately referred to a medical practitioner (e.g. heart pain), acute situations where yoga therapy should be temporarily stopped e.g. violent sickness / diarrhoea; acute pain (e.g. migraine), extreme care situations where yoga therapy can only be practised in a greatly modified way (e.g. palliative care).

E3 Planning

i. Application of knowledge (level 4) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) of how to identify priorities for a yoga therapy programme, including short and long term goals, and taking into account preferences and needs of the client, current abilities or limitations, potential for improvement, time constraints for practice, the needs of a home practice, choice of one-to-one, or a tailored practice within a therapy group setting.

ii. Application of knowledge (level 4) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) in designing practices to begin to meet the needs of the individual and to develop, over several sessions, the prescribed practices and techniques in ways appropriate to the specific individual.

iii. Application of knowledge (level 4) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) in understanding the reasons for caution in proposing or excluding yoga practices for clients with major health conditions, or when such conditions are suspected.

E4 Teach/deliver appropriate practices

i. Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) to teach or deliver the appropriate practices for an individual and individuals within therapy groups, taking into consideration assessment of conditions, limitations, and the overall practice direction and goals.

ii. Application of knowledge (level 4) of actual and potential effects of yoga practices and techniques.

iii. Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) to facilitate the client’s experience of the practice including

a. Instruction, demonstration, education of the client using multi modes such as auditory, visual and kinaesthetic (use of appropriate touch and movement) to suit individual needs.

b. Design, provide and tailor support materials to help the client practise at home (e.g. written instructions, audio recording etc.).

iv. Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) to encourage, motivate and support the client to practise regularly. (This may include review or other planned contact outside the main therapy sessions.)

E5 Follow up and re-planning

i. Application of knowledge (level 4) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) in gathering feedback, evaluating the client’s progress over time, re-assessing, and refining the practice and re-determining short term and long term goals and priorities.

ii. Application of knowledge (level 4) and demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) to address additional/new/changing conditions and goals.

iii. Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) to bring closure for the therapy sessions.

F. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 

F1 Essential skills:

i. Demonstrated practical skill (level 3) in preparing her/himself appropriately to provide yoga therapy.

ii. Demonstrated advanced practical skills (level 4) in creating an environment to meet the needs of each individual client and to ensure any equipment and materials used are safe and suitable for use.

iii. Demonstrated practical skill (level 3) in completing and maintaining confidential records securely in accordance with professional and legal requirements

iv. Demonstrated practical skill (level 3) in working within professional codes of conduct including holding appropriate insurance, first aid certification, and De-Barring Service (DBS) certification (replaced CRB for working with children) if required.

F2 Business skills:

i. Foundation knowledge (level 3) of how to set up a practice, to meet accounting requirements, and to market the practice.

ii. Foundation knowledge (level 3) of financial considerations in calculating charges for treatment.

F3 Ethical principles, legal, regulatory issues

i. Applied knowledge (level 4) of CNHC Codes of Conduct, Performance & Ethics (found on www.cnhc.org.uk under publications) and yoga’s ethical principles (see Appendix B).

ii. Demonstrated applied practical skills (level 4) of CNHC codes of conduct, performance and ethics and related concepts from the yoga tradition to professional interactions and relationships.

iii. Analysis of knowledge (level 4) of the scope of practice of yoga therapy, and limits of self- competence, training and expertise, resulting in the demonstrated ability to discern when to refer a client to a yoga therapist with more experience or other complementary / medical practitioners.

iv. Foundation knowledge (level 3) of UK advertising standards requirements.

v. Specific knowledge (level 3) of how to acknowledge and promote equality, diversity and individual’s rights.

vi. Specific knowledge (level 3) of legal and ethical responsibilities in relation to the client’s health & safety.

vii. Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) in communicating the role of a regulator (the CNHC) in protecting the public by providing a register of verified therapists, and a mechanism for handling complaints against a therapist.

F4 Relationships with peers, mentors, medical professionals, organisations:
Demonstrated practical skills (level 3) in liaising with other health professionals, and in the ability to work both independently and within a team.

F5 Personal and continuing professional development:
Specific knowledge (level 3) of the fundamental value of ongoing personal practice, long term mentorship/supervision and skills maintenance/development related to yoga therapy through continuing education.

Guidance notes for accredited training organisations

3.1  Competencies

Training organisations are required to include within their syllabus all competencies at the levels shown, and to provide evidence of trainees meeting the required levels as indicated in Section 5, Assessment.

3.2  Training organisations additions to the curriculum

The core curriculum gives minimum requirements. Training organisations are expected to add more depth and breadth in the approach they adopt for yoga therapy.

3.3  Minimum length of training – 18 months

It is accepted that some training organisations are able to offer training that meets this

Core Curriculum requirement within 18 months. However, it is more likely that training will

3.4  Trainee entry requirements

Yoga teachers who are able to provide evidence of the following are suitable for entry to yoga therapy training.

i. a yoga teaching qualification from training of a minimum of 200 hours and 180 contact hours (for example the 200 hour yoga alliance training)

ii. teaching as a yoga teacher for a minimum of 120 hours over 1 year

iii. continuous professional development, once qualified as a yoga teacher, of at least 15

iv. hours per year

v. commitment to their own regular personal yoga practice for a minimum of 3 years

Whilst entry requirements are mandatory for training which is accredited, on a case by case basis the training school may determine the suitability of a candidate who does not fulfil the criteria above, but can be shown to have the equivalent of it based on the candidate’s past experiences within the field of yoga training, teaching, and personal practice.

It is advisable that training schools have a documented Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) procedure within their initial assessment process to assess such candidates.

3.5  BCYT Accreditation

Training organisations able to demonstrate they meet all aspects of this core curriculum are invited to apply for their yoga therapy qualification to be accredited by the BCYT.
Please follow contact details on www.bcyt.org.

Graduates of accredited training may apply for direct entry to the CNHC’s register as a yoga therapist.

4. MINIMUM LEARNING HOURS for yoga therapy training

Each proficient yoga teacher is expected to take, as minimum, additional yoga therapy training of 600 learning hours which includes 300 hours of direct contact (face to face) learning with yoga therapy trainers and 300 hours of non-contact learning, plus 6-8 hours per week of recommended home study.

4.1 minimum 300 direct contact hours – these shall include:

30% theory minimum

50% practicum (practical experience) minimum

20% either theory or practicum

Practicum must include observation of yoga therapy being delivered by experienced yoga therapy practitioner(s). At least 5 hours of such observations must be written up.

Course Delivery - Up to 50% of course hours may be on-line and 50% Person to person  

On-line hours include i. synchronistic and ii. asynchronistic learning as defined below:

 i. synchronistic learning – the tutor and the trainee engage with the course content at the same time but from different locations.

                Examples of types of learning that is class as synchronistic learning:

• Lectures which are normally classroom based can be delivered using a live streaming platform and need to include interaction between tutor and trainee

• Q & A sessions

• discussion groups

• Small group and/or individual mentoring sessions

Learning competences that may be covered by synchronistic learning delivery methods:

-  A1

-  A2

-  A3: theory elements of this competency – observation and yoga diagnostic practice needs to be person to person delivery

-  A5

-  C1

-  C2

-  D4

-  D5

-  E1 theory element

-  E2 (ii, iii)

-  F1 (i, ii)

-  F4

ii. asynchronistic learning – trainee learning from on-line materials within own schedule but within a set timeframe.  There must be a set evaluation/assessment of this learning, this can be ipsative (self) assessment or tutor led assessment.

                Examples of asynchronistic learning:

- Recorded materials that the trainee can watch in own time and complete an appropriate assessment to demonstrate learning is taking place.     

Learning competences that may be covered by asynchronistic learning delivery methods:

- D1

- D2

- D3

- E2 (i)

- E 3 (i, ii, iii)

- F2 (i, ii)

- F3

- F5

  No more than 50% of delivery hours dedicated to the above competences

Person to person contact hours are when the trainee is directly with a tutor approved by the training organisation, and may include:

• classroom based teaching

• practical workshops

• mentoring on therapy aspects of the course - face to face, (including ‘live’ online)

• individual tutorials

• observations of yoga therapy being delivered by experienced practitioners

• supervised clinical practice

Learning competences that require person to person learning methods of delivery

-  A4

-  B1

-  B2

-  B3

-  C3

-  C4

-  C5

-  D6

-  E1 – practical element

-  E2 (ii)

-  E4

 Person to person learning: at least 50% of delivery

4.2 minimum 300 non-contact hours – these shall include:

1. assignments

2. peer group work – without tutor present

3. own clinical practice

4. minimum 50 non-contact hours for conducting and writing up as case studies at least 3 of the range of clients the trainee has seen under supervision

4.3 An additional 600 hours guided learning is advised for home study

Between 6 and 8 hours of home study per week is considered necessary in order to explore the breadth and depth of yoga therapy. Guided learning hours may include:

• home study – experiential learning; the application of yoga therapy

• guided reading – relevant to topics taught

• research – through the web or reading – for example, internet researching medical conditions.

5. ASSESSMENT OF TRAINEE THERAPISTS

Throughout the training on-going tutor and peer assessment are required. Trainee therapists are to be assessed on an individual basis and in groups to demonstrate their knowledge, skill, and experience; to provide a basis for feedback, and to identify aspects which need improvement.

5.1 INITIAL ASSESSMENTS to be carried out by the trainer prior to, and at the beginning of training, to assess the suitability and motivation for the individual to train as a yoga therapist. This should include an assessment of the quality of the trainee’s practice and depth of engagement with yoga.

5.2 ASSESSMENTS DURING TRAINING to be carried out by the trainer to ensure each trainee meets all aspects of the requirements of the core curriculum. An appropriate range of assessment evidence is required. Tasks set must include 30% written work and 30% practical work, with the remaining 40% set at the training organisation’s discretion. Oral assessment e.g. interview, discussion, may be included in the 40%. For a specific trainee, on a needs only and case by case basis, some oral assessment may be included in the practical and written work categories.

Trainees must successfully complete sufficient assessments to show they meet the required educational level for each competency specified in Section 2. Guidance for the required levels, together with examples, is shown in Appendix E. Written work to meet level 4 is to be well referenced and at least one ‘research’ project on a yoga therapy related topic must be presented with a reference list. Harvard is the suggested referencing method.

5.3 WRITTEN ASSESSMENTS (minimum 30%) – shall include:

a. Compulsory - 3 written case studies taken from the range of clients the trainee has seen under supervision.

• two case studies are to be one-to-one, and the third either one-to-one or a small therapy group (max 6 clients).

• each case study is to include an initial and at least four subsequent sessions.

• each case study is to include a client testimonial, suggested wording in Appendix F [not included below, contact BCYT for full details].

• reflective practice is required to be demonstrated throughout.

All requirements and outcomes shown in Appendix F, BCYT yoga therapy case study guidelines, must be given in the write up – even if the layout adopted by the therapist differs from the template shown.

b. Other assessed written work may include: worksheets, answers to set questions, essays, multiple choice questions, presentations, hand-outs (e.g. for presentations), projects, practice or case journal and research work.

5.4 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS (minimum 30%) - shall include:

i. Compulsory: 3 hours assessed teaching in a therapeutic setting, with written feedback. The trainee is to be assessed by an experienced yoga therapist whilst teaching their own, or borrowed, or specially constituted therapy group class, or teaching in a one-to-one setting which is appropriate and safe.

Assessment of the trainee teaching one-to-one is to include the trainee assessing the needs of a previously unknown client, analysing the client’s needs and setting priorities, devising a yoga programme (initial and over time), teaching a yoga therapy practice, and providing appropriate aftercare. This is to ensure the student is capable of independent professional practice with the public.

ii. Other assessed practical work
This may include observation of the trainee giving yoga therapy: to fellow trainees one to one or in small groups, to members of the public, in demonstrations in class or to trainer/mentor, in role play, and through presentations which includes practical demonstrations.

5.5 OTHER EVIDENCE of the trainee meeting aspects of the core curriculum may come from client testimony/evaluation, professional discussion, etc.

5.6 FEEDBACK to trainees is essential:

1. on formal assignments, assessments, and case studies - this is to be in writing (or by electronic means), and given promptly.

2. on progress made, together with areas for development and how to achieve them. 

5.7 TRAINEE PORTFOLIO - Trainees are to maintain a portfolio of work to include:

• marked assessments with tutor feedback

• personal reflective journal evidencing personal practice

• record of observation of experienced therapist

• observation records from tutors of trainee within a clinical setting

• clinical practice records

5.8 FINAL ASSESSMENT of the trainee should ideally be carried out by assessor/s who have not been tutors closely involved in the training and education of the trainee they are assessing. This assessment may be made at appropriate points during the training when specific aspects, e.g. a topic area, are complete.

6. REFERENCES AND ABBREVIATIONS

BCYT – British Council for Yoga Therapy - See www.britishcouncilforyogatherapy.org.uk Client – the individual seeking yoga therapy.

CNHC – The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council – www.cnhc.org.uk

CPD – Continuous Professional Development. Compulsory when qualified.

NOS – National Occupational Standards – from Skills for Health – www.skillsforhealth.org.uk

T.O. - Training organisation – in this document, providing training in teaching yoga therapy.

Sanskrit glossary terms

Abhyasa – practice
Ahimsa - consideration to all living beings embracing the value of non-harming
Antaraya – obstacle to a clear and stable mind
Asana – yoga posture
Bhavana – visualisation
Cakra – energy centre(s)
Dharana - concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Klesa – causes of suffering
Mantra – a sound often used as a focus during meditation
Mudra – symbolic gesture
Nadi – subtle passage in the body through which life force moves
Nyasa – generic gesture
Niyama – personal discipline
Panca kosha/maya – 5 ‘sheaths’/dimensions or domains of an individual’s being
Prana – life-force energy
Pranayama – regulating breathing technique
Samkhya – one of the oldest philosophical systems of India, with a close connection to yoga Vairagya – detachment, letting go
Vayu – air, breath, wind, energy
Vihara - lifestyle
Yama – discipline concerning our dealings with society and the world