200-Hour Therapeutic
Yoga Teacher Trainings

FAQs

What experience do I need to be eligible to participate?

This is the first level of a yoga teacher training program known as a 200-hour level training program. The requirement for participation is a deep desire to learn more about yoga. Our groups are comprised of students who consider themselves beginners to yoga, those who have been practicing for a few to many years, and those who are already teaching yoga and want to dive more deeply into the therapeutic approach.  All of our students, from beginners to advanced, learn a tremendous amount. If you love yoga and want to learn more we welcome you to join us. 

FAQs

I am not sure if I want to (or if I am ready to) teach yoga but I am very interested in deepening my own understanding of this amazing path, am I still allowed to take this training? 

Yes, absolutely! Many students immerse themselves in yoga teacher trainings to deepen their own knowledge and understanding. The experience brings great benefit to all levels of oneself - body, mind, heart and brain.

In the words of one of our graduates:  "This training allowed for such broad and deep learning that went way beyond how to teach yoga. It empowered me, and has provided me with foundational tools that I can use for the rest of my life—not only as a yogi, but also as a productive human on Earth. Perspective is everything and learning to first see myself with loving kindness has allowed me to develop a more balanced and peaceful inner world where I can listen to my deepest intuition and let it guide me. Whether or not you come here to teach yoga, you will find empowerment and the ability within yourself to do anything and everything you hope to do." —Sierra Martin

FAQs

Do I have to be able to do a handstand to take this program?

Absolutely not. All students, regardless of their physical ability or proficiency in the poses are encouraged to attend. Yoga is a journey and not a destination. Therefore all students are encouraged to begin where they are and take the modifications that they need to create health and safety in their body and mind. In fact, a diversity of abilities and body types in the group provides a rich, fertile ground for the teaching-learning environment. Please note: if you have medical considerations please check with your health care professional about the practicality and safety of attending an active yoga intensive.

FAQs

When this is complete are you considered a certified yoga teacher or does that require additional hours?  

Upon completion of the program, you will be a certified 200-hour level yoga instructor through Soma Yoga Institute. This teacher-training program is also a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance (YA) and our graduates are eligible to apply for Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) status. Registration with the Yoga Alliance is not mandatory although it is encouraged for those who wish to teach yoga. Once a student completes this training program they will be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200-hour level (RYT-200). 

FAQs

What is Yoga Alliance and the RYT 200 Credential?

Yoga Alliance is a national non-profit organization that “exists to confer credibility on qualified yoga teachers and schools so the public can have confidence in the quality of yoga instruction they receive”. Due to the popularity and growth of yoga in the United States, the need for competent teachers and safe classes is apparent. Yoga Alliance sets standards, maintains a registry of yoga teachers whose training and experience meet these minimum standards, along with a registry of yoga schools whose curriculum meet their minimum standards.

Soma Yoga Institute is a registered school with Yoga Alliance at the 200 and 300 level (RYS200 & RYS300). Upon graduation from our immersion programs, our students are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT-200 and for those who complete the advanced training as an RYT-300.

The Yoga Alliance Registry does not certify yoga therapists, solely yoga teachers. For more information visit: http://yogaalliance.org/

FAQs

I have already taken a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, is there benefit to take this program?

Yes, without a doubt. We do have yoga teachers and students of yoga attend this program who have already taken another 200-hour YTT. These students consistently report that they are able to absorb the material on a much deeper level then the first time through. In fact, our most recent graduate stated: "I thought this was the best YTT I had attended (and, I have done many). Students became confident teachers. After this training for only 200-hours many students taught classes that were professional, classes as good as many I have attended. The quality of the yoga instruction was outstanding; the alignment was beautifully taught. The instruction in meditation got me started to meditate successfully after years of trying. The kula (community) we created was stellar." - Sandy G., Pennsylvania

FAQs

How intense is this training? Is it life changing? 

Speaking personally, yoga has changed my life in tremendous and wonderful ways. What I have found is the more we are able to open into the present moment, reflect with loving kindness on our challenges and shortcomings, and awaken to our innate and unique gifts, the more life-changing this experience becomes. I think that if you attend the program with the desire to learn with an open heart, the wisdom you will gain will stay with you for the rest of your life. We have many student testimonials posted on the website which answers this question from a students perspective. 

FAQs

Is this yoga teacher training the right choice for me?

This program is an immersion into the practices and teachings of yoga. It will deepen your experience of yoga and life itself.  You will not only journey into the full experience of what yoga is, you will also transform your limiting beliefs, step into a fully empowered you, and learn to share the practices with others in a safe, effective, and powerful way.

This adventure is waiting for you on your path to a more fulfilled existence with a compassionate community of yogis and facilitated by a world class faculty team steeped in the traditions of Yoga.

Many of our faculty members are C-IAYT Certified Yoga Therapists and recognized as “senior teachers”, having over 25 years of solid teaching experience combined with their long-term adhikara (studentship).  Each faculty holds a role in their home community as an innovator and influencer, inspiring radical change through Yoga and playing a profound role in the holistic wellness movement. 

As a collective vision, we offer you an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your own practice, connect into your innermost divine nature, develop your professional credentials and teach from a place of authenticity.

FAQs

What type of yoga am I qualified to teach when I graduate? 

Our program provides a strong foundation in yoga and teaches frameworks for sequencing and alignment that allow our students to modify their classes according to the populations they serve. Our graduates teach in yoga studios, community centers, universities, health care facilities and privately. These graduates teach a variety of classes including all level flow classes, yoga for beginners, alignment based level 1-2 classes, and gentle or restorative yoga. Some specialize according to their specific interests and offer classes for specific groups, examples of this may include: Yoga for Seniors, Yoga for Anxiety, etc.

You will receive a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification through Soma Yoga Institute.  You will be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT-200 upon successful completion.

FAQs

I am interested in becoming a Yoga Therapist, how will this program help me? 

This program is a great first step towards a 1000 hour Yoga Therapist certification. The International Association of Yoga Therapists accredits Yoga Therapy programs and this 200-hour YTT will apply towards the entrance requirements to most of these accredited schools. It will also count as your first 200 hours towards your 1000 hours of study. For more information on IAYT, please visit http://www.iayt.org. 

FAQs

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST? Are there payment plans or scholarships?

Our program fees are all inclusive.  Food, housing, yoga teacher training tuition.  We also provide access to our our Online Yoga Teacher Training Content and zoom mentoring after the program ends to support you in your journey as you begin to teach. 

Each location has different price options based on room choice. Please visit the specific program page for price details. Scroll down toward the bottom you will see the prices.

Costa Rica Salvatierra (Aug 1-18, Dec 1-18, Jan 5-22)
Costa Rica Peace Retreat (Feb 15-March 4, 2025)
Greece Okreblue (May 23-June 16, 2024)
California Blue Lake Yoga Shala (April 23-May 10, 2024)
Samadhi Retreat in Peru (Nov 14-Dec 2, 2024)

We do offer payment plans through Afterpay, email us for the details. For our partial support/work trade scholarship programs click here.