Teacher Training Level 2
20 September 2011
By YogaCoach
We’re now taking enrolments for 2012!
Flexible training – commence in 2012, complete in 2013
Yogacoach Level 2 training is registered internationally with Yoga Alliance
OVERVIEW
Working with clients one-to-one, a Yogacoach takes an integrated view of health and well being looking at the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. Integrating the science of Ayurveda, Energetic Healing, Somatic Counseling and Yoga Therapy, our course teaches coaches to assess and provide holistic life practices.
Our course offers a complete system of balancing the body, mind and spirit, allowing yoga to be taught with integrity and in alignment with its original purpose – to reach our highest potential. Honouring the traditional roots of yoga in a modern-day framework, we use the wisdom of yogic philosophy combined with modern science.
Yogacoach embraces all styles of yoga. We teach an accessible and complete learning method that contains within it the keys to safe and effective yoga practice integrated with functional, practical and accessible ways to bring the body-mind system back into balance. With this understanding, and through demonstration of the practical and philosophical application of this system, you will be able to move along your own path towards health and well being.
PRE-REQUISITES FOR YOGA TEACHERS
If you are already a qualified Yoga teacher with a 200-hour certificate from a Yoga Alliance registered school (or equivalent), you may undertake the 300 hours of Yogacoach study to achieve your 500-hour qualification.
You must provide a copy of your 200-hour certificate or equivalent qualifications. If you are already teaching but have not received Yoga Alliance-registered certification, you may be asked to complete a short application questionnaire. This will be assessed on an individual basis to ensure a seamless entry into the course.
OUR FOUNDATION
Yogacoach is based on the premise that health, well being and joy are an inherent part of our natural state of being. We believe that well being is primary and our practices are geared towards supporting this.
Within this we are looking for the maximum amount of change while still being kind to ourselves. Given each person is unique, to maintain a state of well being, each person requires differing practices to support this.
This advanced training allows students to deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their coaching ability. Intensive study, as detailed below, ensures a Yoga Coach can confidently assess their clients’ state of health and well being then prescribe a personal practice that will move them towards wellness of body, mind and spirit.
"Amazing, inspiring, transformative. I’ve spent a small fortune on my education over the years but this was definitely the most beneficial and enriching study I’ve ever done. Thank you!" ~ Jen Chambers
COURSE CONTENT
Modules 1-3: Bringing Yoga To Life, Functional Assessment, Energetics
1. BRINGING YOGA TO LIFE: METHODOLOGY OF YOGA – The keystone of the Yogacoach training program
This is the foundational subject for all Yogacoach training courses and forms the basis of the Yogacoach methodology. Within this module we learn the skills to take the ancient teachings of Yoga and bring them to life. This component includes:
Energy – all life is energy and we are an energetic system
Mapping our energy – understanding the Chakra system
Balancing our energy – the autonomic nervous system
Directing our energy – setting goals and aligning to purpose
Supporting a high energy life – the 5 fields of health and well being (mind, breath, body, relationship and rhythm)
This module takes the esoteric principles and philosophies of Yoga and applies them in practical, simple and effective ways
2. FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT – Assessing the Body
Functional Assessment enables you to comprehensively understand, assess and balance the physical body. When we remove the obstacles in our physical path our body naturally moves to a place of balance, optimal function and alignment. This helps maximize effectiveness, prevent injury and supports living a high energy life. This component includes:
The purpose of Asana
Survival reflexes – cranial nerves
Common postural types – understanding, assessing and balancing
Assessing joint range of motion
Stability systems (bandhas)
Compensations and altered movement patterns
Evolution of movement
Balancing muscles – tonic (postural) and phasic (movement)
Balancing flexibility, stability and strength
Body as a reflection of mind
Using measurement tools to accurately assess then record the physical body, the Yoga Coach can design practices unique to each person. Regular assessment allows for changes to be measured and progress to be monitored.
3. ENERGY SYSTEMS – Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
All life is energy. As humans we are an energetic system. When energy flows freely we feel good, conversely when there are contractions and disturbances we can feel bound and dis-ease. Using the Chakras and Sephira as maps of the energy fields within the body, we learn to assess where there are disturbances in the energy pathways and how to give appropriate practices to restore the flow and therefore harmony and balance. This component includes:
Koshas – it’s all one energy field
Chakras – understanding and mapping how thoughts and feeling affect the physical body
Vayus – the 5 main flows of energy in the body
Nadis/Meridians – the energy pathways
Hatha Yoga – strengthening and purifying the nervous system
Yin and Yang – learning to balance the energy pathways of the Autonomic Nervous System (Ida and Pingala)
Learning to feel and play with energy
Working in to work out – the importance of Yin practices
By removing the interruptions in energy fields and restoring flow we recreate our inherent state of vibrancy as a high energy system. By strengthening and purifying the nervous system, we lay down the foundation for higher levels of consciousness, accessing our power of creation.
Modules 4-5: Mind & Consciousness, Ayurveda, Somatic Counseling
4. MIND & CONSCIOUSNESS – Thought patterns & beliefs
Our mind is the most potent force in our life. Uncontrolled mental activity causes suffering and overshadows our true potential. Only by settling mental activity into stillness can we realize this highest potential. The Mind and Consciousness module teaches us how to use our intelligence, to place our attention on what is most useful for us, then to reinforce this through effective practice. This component includes:
Raja Yoga – minimising distractions and settling the mind
Goal of Yoga – Sutras 1 to 4
Components of mind – lower mind (manas), higher mind (buddhi), ego (ahamkara), mind-field (citta)
Understanding attraction and aversion
Habits of mind (samskaras)
Breaking the alliance with attitudes that don’t support well being
Developing one-pointed concentration
Potential of mind
Quantum physics and yoga
Biology of belief
Understanding brain wave frequencies
Wise use of intelligence (buddhi)
With an understanding of the mind and its functions we learn to place our attention on the internal states that support well being and allow for the manifestation of an abundant life.
5a. AYURVEDA
The original source of many of today’s natural therapies, Ayurveda is hailed as “the mother of all healing sciences”. Born from ancient Indian wisdom, Ayurveda focuses on inspiring individuals to heal rapidly and easily with the aid of herbs, diet, body therapies (including yoga asana), spiritual psychology and lifestyle adjustments. This component includes:
What is Ayurveda – history and practice; who am I; identifying mind-body type and what are you designed for
Empowering your mind and body – daily routines and seasonal routines
Body – agni, ama, dhatu and Mala
Disease – causes and process of disease, health pillars
Diagnosis – elemental, doshic and tongue
Perfect Health – signs & causes of health
Life and elements
Stress and elements
Scientific research and development over thousands of years support Ayurvedas effectiveness and potential in the western world. Its eternal principles and tools enhance a Yoga Coach’s understanding of their client and clarifies the most effective practices to be given.
5b. SOMATIC COUNSELING
As we move toward our higher potential, trust issues, resistances and old habits arise which limit our natural flows. This experiential module directly deals with how to work with these resistances as they present themselves and how to restore well being and our inner resources. This component includes:
Learning to recognise and then work with different character types
Working with strong emotional states and attitudes
Recognising the difference between resistance and collapse
When to refer and duty of care
Establishing a clear contract with your client
Assisting clients to restore flow after provocation and contraction
Techniques and practices to help us flourish and restore habits of well being
Increased Somatic awareness and skills gives us more choices and resilience. Even though the stories and circumstances in life may be challenging, as we mature, these skills allow us to move back to well being.
Modules 6-7: Lifestyle Design, Business of Yoga & Case Studies
6. LIFESTYLE DESIGN – Putting it all Together
Lifestyle design is where we take all the learning, understanding and assessments and begin the process of building life practices. Starting with where our clients are at right now, we build a picture of our clients encapsulating their unique body, energy and mind profile. From here we meld the information into simple, powerful and progressive practices, opening our clients to a life where wellness, joy and equanimity are returned. This component includes:
Setting Goals – getting clear on where we want to go
Aligning to Purpose – living an inspired life
Practices for each component of being
Laying the foundation – balancing relationships with self and others (Yamas and Niyamas)
Creating a strong healthy body – your body is vehicle for your “life force”
Practices for the energy system – effective use of breathing practices, managing emotions, applying Yin practices
Minimising distractions – supporting clients in the practical process of simplifying life
Staying on purpose – supporting a focused mind
Understanding time frames and how to progress clients in their process
This module is all about creating lifestyles that support well being. As a personal growth system Yoga has been around for 5000+years… Lifestyle Design allows the modern day Yoga Coach to take this system and apply it to a modern life.
7a. THE BUSINESS OF YOGA
Finally, we look at Yoga as a Business – how to take Yoga out into the world, be of service to the community and at the same time be financially rewarded. Participants will learn how to market and promote themselves and explore potential working relationships with studios or other private practices. This component includes:
Business planning – the cornerstone to success
Leveraging word of mouth and referral based business
Developing and communicating your brand – You
Effective use of your website and email marketing
Managing your cash flow
Client engagement
This section will launch new graduates into the field while providing the support and guidance of well seasoned business professionals and coaches.
7b. CASE STUDIES
These will be real life case examples and scenarios to help students develop and progress their coaching relationships from the very initial interview to designing the first practice for their clients. The case studies will equip you to start your consultancy with confidence.