19 Day 200-Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training Course in Arcata, California, USA

Certification

Upon completion of this training, you’ll be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200-hour level (RYT®-200).

This credential opens doors to teaching opportunities worldwide and marks the beginning of your professional journey as a yoga teacher.

A Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training

Soma Yoga Institute’s therapeutic approach views yoga as a powerful vehicle for vibrant health, self-discovery, and personal empowerment.

Our curriculum combines modern biomechanics and research-based science with the timeless wisdom of ancient yoga traditions.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of anatomy, alignment, and safe modifications, giving you the tools to protect your own body for a lifetime of practice and to skillfully adapt yoga for your future students.

Our non-dogmatic approach to yoga philosophy encourages radical self-love, body positivity, and unconditional acceptance, inspiring you to cultivate true mind-body-spirit well-being for yourself and those you teach.

Graduates of this program are prepared to confidently lead a variety of classes, including:

• All-levels Vinyasa Yoga
• Alignment-based Hatha classes
• Yoga foundations for beginners
• Gentle, senior, and Restorative Yoga

About the Training

This immersion provides in-depth skills and experiential learning, designed to help you explore yoga as a transformational journey for both personal growth and professional teaching.

You’ll study a unique blend of styles, including alignment-based Vinyasa flow, classical Hatha yoga, and deeply nourishing Restorative practices, all taught within a therapeutic, body-inclusive framework.

The program covers a wide range of yoga techniques:

• Asana (postures): with level one and two Vinyasa flow sequences plus gentler, restorative variations
• Anatomy and alignment: principles to create safety, balance, and freedom in every pose
• Pranayama and breath awareness: to calm the mind and energize the body
• Yoga philosophy: contemplations and self-inquiry practices that transform limiting beliefs into life-affirming perspectives
• Meditation and mantra: to promote inner stillness and mental clarity

You’ll also explore Ayurveda, the Upanishads, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and the Chakra System as frameworks for yoga’s holistic application to modern life.

Rather than following rigid systems, you’ll be encouraged to awaken your creativity, adapt practices to diverse needs, and discover your authentic voice as a teacher.

Curriculum Highlights

• A strong foundation in classical Hatha Yoga, alignment-based Vinyasa flow, and Restorative yoga
• A biomechanically informed alignment system to prevent injuries and empower safe teaching
• Modifications and adaptations for all bodies, including pregnancy, seniors, and those with injuries
• Tools to explore your true nature through yoga philosophy and self-inquiry
• A variety of pranayama, mantra, and meditation practices to support vibrant health and well-being
• The art of sequencing intelligent, creative, and inclusive yoga classes
• Business of yoga strategies to build your yoga community and career
• Practice teaching in a supportive, nurturing environment to build confidence and skill
• Guidance from highly experienced, passionate faculty, including C-IAYT certified Yoga Therapists

Daily Schedule

The California immersion is designed as an intensive, yet balanced program, blending study, practice, and time for integration.

Each day includes a dynamic mix of intellectual learning, physical activity, and deep relaxation, ensuring a healthy experience both mentally and physically.

Sample Day:

• 08:00 – Yoga asana practice, meditation, and pranayama
• 10:00 – Methodology, alignment study, anatomy, and teaching skills
• 12:30 – Healthy, delicious lunch prepared for you
• 13:30 – Restorative yoga or Yoga Nidra, philosophy, lifestyle, ethics, and practice teaching
• 17:30 – Class concludes for the day (some evenings may include light home study)
• Time Off: One full day and one half-day are scheduled for rest, reflection, or exploring the local redwoods, rivers, and beaches.

What Makes This Program Special

Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice or step into the role of teacher and guide, this program is open to all who feel called to explore yoga at a deeper level. Many students come simply to immerse themselves in study, healing, and growth, while others attend with the goal of teaching — both paths are celebrated and fully supported.

Soma Yoga Institute has earned a 9.5/10 Net Promoter Score and over 550 five-star reviews on Yoga Alliance, reflecting our commitment to excellence and the transformational experiences of our graduates.

Students consistently describe this training as life-changing, leaving not only with the skills to teach safely and inclusively, but also with a profound sense of clarity, empowerment, and connection.

What sets us apart:

• A perfect blend of rigor and rejuvenation — full, dynamic training days balanced with restorative practices, reflection, and connection.
• A therapeutic, inclusive approach that empowers you to adapt yoga for all ages, body types, and abilities.
• A safe, supportive space that celebrates diversity, body positivity, and authentic self-expression.
• A community-centered environment where meaningful friendships and lasting connections are built.
• Guidance from world-class faculty, including C-IAYT certified Yoga Therapists with over 25 years of experience.

This program goes beyond certification — it’s a transformational journey that will deepen your relationship with yoga, inspire your practice, and prepare you to bring healing and light to your community and the world.