03/17/2026
Yoga offers many paths to healing, and not all yoga is the same. At Lila Yoga & Wellness, we help you understand the difference between a yoga teacher and a yoga therapist, so you can choose the support that best serves your body and your journey.
Yoga Teacher
A yoga teacher is trained to guide group classes and offer safe, balanced sequences for general well-being. Their focus is on movement, breath, and creating a supportive group experience. Yoga teachers are skilled at:
• Leading classes for all levels
• Teaching poses and alignment
• Cultivating mindfulness and breath awareness
• Supporting general health, strength, and ease
Yoga teachers hold foundational training that prepares them to lead classes for a wide range of students.
Yoga Therapist
A yoga therapist is trained to work with individuals on a deeper, more specialized level. They blend traditional yoga practices with a clinical understanding of the body, mind, and nervous system. Yoga Therapists complete advanced training through a recognized program (such as IAYT) and may also have backgrounds in healthcare or mental health.
A yoga therapist is skilled at:
• Creating personalized practices for specific health conditions (physical, emotional, or medical)
• Working in partnership with your medical team (especially during cancer treatment or chronic illness)
• Using breathwork, movement, meditation, and lifestyle tools to support healing
• Helping you navigate symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, trauma, or grief
Yoga Therapy is one-on-one, individualized, and deeply tailored. It meets you exactly where you are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re looking to move your body, build strength, and join a community class, a yoga teacher is a wonderful guide.
If you are managing a health condition, healing from injury or illness, experiencing emotional challenges, or seeking a more supported and therapeutic approach, a yoga therapist offers a safe, customized pathway toward ease and healing.
