800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma
Trauma-Informed | Anti-Oppressive | Accessible | Eight Limb Yoga
Trauma-Informed | Anti-Oppressive | Accessible | Eight Limb Yoga
Indigenous-led by Dr. Melissa Jay, alongside our incredible faculty!
Tawow! Welcome!
Our 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma is designed to prepare helping professionals to offer yoga therapy in their communities.
IAYT defines yoga therapy as "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".
Yoga Therapy is rooted in the ancient wisdom of yoga, Indigenous to South Asia. Our approach to yoga therapy is rooted in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga and wholistic, encompassing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. This integration ensures that our students graduate with a deep understanding of yoga's therapeutic potential, ready to support their clients' healing through evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
We centre trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and socially just practices, from a community-centred and decolonial approach to yoga therapy, amplifying Indigenous worldviews. This commitment guides our curriculum design, ensuring that we honour the cultural origins of yoga and challenge colonial narratives that have historically marginalized these rich and diverse practices. By doing so, we foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment that values the contributions of all cultures and promotes a deeper understanding of yoga's healing benefits.
By placing the rich philosophy and therapeutic practices of yoga at the heart of our program, we are dedicated to supporting future yoga therapists in learning how to share yoga therapy and, most importantly, how to live yoga by embodying the transformative and healing potential in their personal and professional lives.
Our two-year program is designed to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences through a blend of synchronous (live & online) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning, followed by practicum and mentorship.
IAYT defines yoga therapy as "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".
Yoga Therapy is rooted in the ancient wisdom of yoga, Indigenous to South Asia. Our approach to yoga therapy is rooted in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga and wholistic, encompassing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. This integration ensures that our students graduate with a deep understanding of yoga's therapeutic potential, ready to support their clients' healing through evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
We centre trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and socially just practices, from a community-centred and decolonial approach to yoga therapy, amplifying Indigenous worldviews. This commitment guides our curriculum design, ensuring that we honour the cultural origins of yoga and challenge colonial narratives that have historically marginalized these rich and diverse practices. By doing so, we foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment that values the contributions of all cultures and promotes a deeper understanding of yoga's healing benefits.
By placing the rich philosophy and therapeutic practices of yoga at the heart of our program, we are dedicated to supporting future yoga therapists in learning how to share yoga therapy and, most importantly, how to live yoga by embodying the transformative and healing potential in their personal and professional lives.
Our two-year program is designed to accommodate diverse schedules and learning preferences through a blend of synchronous (live & online) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning, followed by practicum and mentorship.
Decolonization, Anti-Oppression, and Social Justice
At Canmore Counselling & the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, we believe wholeheartedly that community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism are inherent to trauma-informed care. Our program is built on these values and we are committed to co-creating a space supportive of learning and unlearning.
Program Overview & Structure
Our 800-Hour Yoga Therapy Diploma is a two-year comprehensive training program that combines 610 hours of coursework with 190 hours of practicum and mentorship. Our program is designed to support your development as a yoga therapist by providing a balance of experiential practice, academic learning, and professional growth.
Our program is structured into two main parts:
Part 1: 610-Hours Course Work
Learners can choose the order of course completion, including live virtual courses & self-paced Teachable courses (610 hours total)
Part 2: 190-Hours Practicum & Mentorship
Once learners have completed 610 hours of courses, completion, student can begin their practicum & mentorship.
The program is designed to guide participants through foundational learning, advanced training, and practical application with mentorship support. All course work must be completed prior to practicum & mentorship.
Please see the visual flowchart below
Part 1: 610-Hours Course Work
Learners can choose the order of course completion, including live virtual courses & self-paced Teachable courses (610 hours total)
- Live Virtual Courses (via Zoom, with Teachable access and mentorship): Includes YT 300 (Trauma-Informed Certification, 300 hours), YT 301 (Yoga Nidra Certification, 41 hours), YT 302 (Pre & Post-Natal Certification, 85 hours), and YT 303 (Yoga for Kids & Teens Certification, 95 hours).
- Self-Paced Teachable Courses (with mentorship): Includes YT 200 (Yoga Therapy Foundations, 8 hours), YT 201 (Being Trauma-Informed, 21 hours), YT 202 (Befriending Pranayama & Asana, 16 hours), YT 203 (Fun & Functional Anatomy, 21 hours), and YT 204 (Heart-Based Business Academy, 23 hours).
Part 2: 190-Hours Practicum & Mentorship
Once learners have completed 610 hours of courses, completion, student can begin their practicum & mentorship.
- 150-Hour Practicum: Split into 1:1 Yoga Therapy (75 hours) and Group Yoga Therapy (75 hours).
- 40-Hour Mentorship: Includes 1:1 mentorship (40 hours) and Group Mentorship (10 hours).
The program is designed to guide participants through foundational learning, advanced training, and practical application with mentorship support. All course work must be completed prior to practicum & mentorship.
Please see the visual flowchart below
Application Requirements
- Previous completion of a 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited by Yoga Alliance.
- Submission of a completed application.
- Submission of a current resume.
- Submission of a statement about your commitment to decolonization, anti-racism, anti-oppressive practices, and social justice. We would love to hear a bit about your ongoing learning journey. We might follow up requesting a reference.
- Consent to an admissions interview with the admissions committee (Melissa, Michael, and Alex).
- $750 + gst non-refundable deposit. If for any reason you are not accepted into this program, your deposit will be refunded, in-full.
Please note: Meeting the application requirements does not guarantee admission. The admissions committee will review your application, resume, and letter of reference, which might result in an invitation for an admissions interview. The intention of the admissions interview is to get to know each other and ensure that your participation in the program is a mutual fit.
Tuition: Investing in Your Journey
We know this is a major financial commitment and our tuition is designed to be flexible, accessible, and transparent.
2026 enrollment opens on September 1st, until spaces are filled!
The two-year 800-hour program includes:
Click the button below to explore detailed tuition details, individual course pricing, and payment plans tailored to meet your needs:
2026 enrollment opens on September 1st, until spaces are filled!
- Alumni pricing is available: click here
- Tuition Special, available until October 31st
- Super Early-Bird, available until November 15th
- Early-Bird Tuition, available until December 15th
- Extended Payment Plan, available upon request
The two-year 800-hour program includes:
- 610 hours of coursework with pricing options starting at $7,930 + GST
- 190-hour practicum fee: $4000 + GST
Click the button below to explore detailed tuition details, individual course pricing, and payment plans tailored to meet your needs:
Application Deadlines & Dates
Applications are Open!
Once It's Official:
- Application Accepted: until spots are filled :)
- Application Review: Expect to hear from us within two weeks of your application submission.
- Applicant Interview: Melissa, Michael, and Alex may invite prospective students to an interview.
- Acceptance and Welcome Email: Sent within one week of application approval.
Once It's Official:
- Access to YT 200: The 8-hour Yoga Therapy Foundations (YT 200) course available upon your acceptance & enrollment.
- This will support you in creating your program plan, with support from Alex and Melissa
- You are welcome to map out your program, based on your schedule
- Self-paced courses can be completed anytime
- Live courses are offered once a year, at this time
2026 Live Virtual Course Dates
2026 Dates
YT 300: Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology Certification
YT 301: Yoga Nidra Certification
YT 302: Pre & Post-Natal Certification
YT 303: Yoga Psychology for Kids & Teens Certification
- Duration: 8 weekend modules + 15 Friday gatherings
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Dates: January 9th to April 19th, 2026
YT 301: Yoga Nidra Certification
- Duration: 2 weekend modules
- Saturday, Sunday
- Dates: June 6-7 & June 20-21
YT 302: Pre & Post-Natal Certification
- Duration: 85 hours over 4 weekends
- Saturday, Sunday
- Dates: Sep 11-13, Sep 25-27, Oct 9-11, Oct 23-25
YT 303: Yoga Psychology for Kids & Teens Certification
- Duration: 95 hours over 4 weekends
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Dates: Nov 6-8, Nov 20-22, Dec 4-6, Dec 18-19
Practicum & Mentorship
The practicum and mentorship phase of the program begins only after all courses are complete. The intention of the practicum is to provide students with hands-on practice to help transition from theoretical knowledge to real-world application.
This phase includes 150 hours of practicum work, comprising both 1:1 yoga therapy and group sessions, along with 40 hours of mentorship that feature individual and small group support.
The practicum is primarily conducted within students' local communities, facilitated by Canmore Counselling & the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School with the support of required mentorship. Practicum sites may include community centres, clinics, virtual platforms, and other relevant local venues, providing diverse and valuable hands-on experience.
This phase includes 150 hours of practicum work, comprising both 1:1 yoga therapy and group sessions, along with 40 hours of mentorship that feature individual and small group support.
The practicum is primarily conducted within students' local communities, facilitated by Canmore Counselling & the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School with the support of required mentorship. Practicum sites may include community centres, clinics, virtual platforms, and other relevant local venues, providing diverse and valuable hands-on experience.
Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. The primary location of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School is located in Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”), colonially known as Canmore. We are grateful to be located on Treaty 7 territory and the current and ancestral lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda), which includes of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, and Goodstoney First Nation, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika First Nation, Piikani First Nation, and Kainai First Nation. This is also the home to the Rocky View Métis District 4 within the Battle River Territory. We recognize all Nations who continue to nurture these lands, and we are dedicated to uplifting Truth, language, and culture as essential to right relations. As an act of reconciliation and commitment to decolonization, we are committed to the TRC's Calls to Action.
At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)
At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities.
We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)