Tanaya Ti'en Yoga Therapy
"The last 4 months of Yoga therapy with Tanaya have been life changing for me. I can do all the things that used to cause me pain-like lift weights at the gym, or do a day’s work - and not wake up in pain anymore. I feel so much freer in my body. I don’t have the lower back pain anymore that I had been suffering with for many years. I just feel amazing!"
Matt (36)
“When I started the Yoga Therapy sessions, I was overweight, not feeling comfortable in my own skin, not happy, feeling quite depressed. I decided to give the Yoga Therapy a go because I felt like I was in a rut, and I didn’t know how to get myself out of that rut. I thought the therapy sessions might give me some guidance, and they absolutely did. I have done a complete 180. The sessions went over five to six months, which I was really pleased about as it gave me the opportunity and the time to be able to ‘do the work’. By the final session, I saw some real results."
Antoine (43)
“Completing a block of Yoga Therapy has been truly transformative. The sessions provided me with invaluable tools that I can integrate into my own home practice. I started experiencing significant positive shifts after just five sessions.”
Kat (49)
“I came to Yoga Therapy because I was going through a difficult time in my life where my mental health was struggling and my body was under a lot of stress. I needed something to help me find my way through it, not only to help me lower my stress, but also to understand what was behind it. Yoga Therapy ended up being amazing—actually, it’s been life-changing. The tools I’ve gained are ones I know I will use for the rest of my life. The sessions were personalised to my particular challenges. My stress levels are under control, and I now have techniques that I know work when life becomes extra difficult. It has been quite a profound experience. Looking at the therapy as a whole, I can see how the ten-session journey was really important. The momentum of having weekly sessions gave me the right amount of time to digest and practice what I was learning. Doing my home practice every day was really important for me as it helped me explore how the postures and breath work impacted my body, breath, emotions, and mind. The Kosha Evaluation Method showed me these effects quite clearly. Having the full ten sessions was the right amount of time to really embody and embrace the work, and stay excited about the journey.”
Lizzie (52)
“I feel like I gained more after five sessions with Tanaya than I gained in five years of other types of therapy. After each session I walk away with very helpful tools that I can use whenever I’m feeling anxious or down.”
Pia (19)
“I first sought out Yoga Therapy for a physical ailment that I had been struggling with for some time. Before the Yoga Therapy I didn’t realise there had been so much going on inside of me that wasn’t just physical. Through a series of personalised practices, the Yoga Therapy decrypted the mess that was inside my head, and as a result, the physical stuff sorted itself out. The process of the Yoga Therapy helped to shine a light on old emotions that I had been suppressing for some time. The therapy helped me work through this by addressing the root cause of my symptoms... Ten weeks ago I walked in with chronic migraines and after ten sessions it has been some weeks since I have had a migraine!”
Samuel (46)
“Yoga Therapy was something I had never heard of in my 20+ years of yoga. But after a series of injuries I was in need of some TLC and was so grateful to learn about Yoga Therapy from Tanaya. Over 10 sessions, Tanaya worked with me to help me understand the mind-body connection (beyond normal asanas) and incorporate practices to help with healing. She is a truly gifted teacher, she put me at ease to help me learn during a very difficult period of my life.”
Darlene (63)
“I went into Yoga Therapy with a very vague idea about what it was, but with an interest in learning more about how the more spiritual side of yoga might help me in my day to day life. Tanaya was the perfect person to guide me through this experience. She listens deeply, and speaks authentically with a deep understanding of the subject. Every session left me with a feeling of calm and equipped with tools that have empowered me to change my relationship with thoughts and feelings. I feel so blessed to have spent time with Tanaya and to have had her as a teacher and a guide.”
Joanne (53)
“When Tanaya first introduced me to Yoga therapy, it was hard to grasp how it differed from a regular yoga class. I questioned the likelihood of it being able to shift the chronic anxiety and the unproductive thought patterns I was dealing with. But after only a few sessions, I was feeling so much better. Tanaya gave me practical techniques to take away each session for home practice, which has helped me to better manage my anxiety and stress levels in the moment as it unfolds. I can honestly say this therapy has been profoundly life changing for me."
Jaden (39)
“Just over 12 months ago I attended a Yoga Retreat in Denmark, WA, ran by Tanaya, which led me to exploring “Yoga Therapy." I completed my 10 week Yoga Therapy journey with Tanaya late last year and a few of my friends have asked “What’s Yoga Therapy”? It’s so hard to put into words, “very powerful” comes to mind. One’s mind needs to be open to receive and accept, and I found my journey over the ten weeks to be “enlightening”. There is not a day goes by that I don’t revisit some of the mindfulness practices, and my journey will continue to grow over time. Tanaya herself … so caring yet focused on good outcomes for your journey. A big thanks to Tanaya and I look forward to more retreats in the future.”
Kerrie (59)
Cassidy (27)
“Tanaya’s approach to Yoga Therapy was incredibly empowering, offering a holistic way to process whatever came up on the day. Unlike traditional therapies that sometimes left me feeling unresolved, the Yoga Therapy integrated movement, emotion, and spiritual awareness, and provided me with tools to process and transform my experiences as they arose, something I found lacking in more conventional therapeutic settings. I particularly appreciated Tanaya’s method of self-evaluation before and after each session. This practice encouraged intentional reflection on my feelings and experiences, highlighting the immediate changes that occurred over the course of the session. By the end of the ten sessions, I very much felt a profound transformation, and will continue to use the skills gained over the course of the therapy.”
Valerie (46)
“Yoga Therapy treats the whole person, seeking to change the attitudes and actions that inhibit the healing process, and cultivate the attitudes and actions that support it.” Gary Kraftsow
What is Yoga Therapy?
Yoga Therapy (YT) is a tailored approach to wellbeing incorporating the 5000 year old science of yoga.
As a therapeutic practice, YT dates back to the dawn of yoga itself, however, its modality - in a clinical setting - is very much an untapped goldmine here in the West. But, with more and more evidence-based research popping out of the woodwork within the yoga, science, and medical communities, YT is slowly but surely rising up into the forefront of complementary therapies.
The process of YT involves an in-depth inquiry into the whole person (body, mind, spirit), and includes a personalised assessment, goal setting, and specific practices that aim to still the mind, and empower individuals to be active participants in the management of their overall wellbeing, recovery, and/or rehabilitation. The results of this in-depth inquiry are used to generate a detailed picture of a person’s yogic constitution which can be used to help understand physical and metaphysical areas of imbalance, under-activity and over-activity. This information can then be used to help guide advice and develop a treatment program specific to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. YT may not involve yoga postures in a traditional sense if they are not suited to the individual, and instead draw upon other yogic practices including yoga ethics, pranayama (breath and energy expansion techniques), mantra, meditation, dietary and lifestyle practices. Thus, Yoga Therapy is really for everyone and anyone, regardless of a person's physical capacity.
One of the great yoga masters of our time, TKV Desikachar (1938-2016), son of Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) - considered by many to be the father of modern yoga - always put great emphasis on the importance of the personalization of yoga, and how each individual requires their own tailored approach in order to discover the stillness, quietness of mind, and bliss, that is yoga.
Does Yoga Therapy replace other treatment plans or therapy?
YT does not diagnose, or replace any other treatment, but rather complements and works alongside existing health care plans. YT provides individuals with personalised practices, yogic tools, and a deeper understanding of yoga to help individuals self-regulate at any given time.
Does Yoga Therapy focus on the physical body alone?
YT is a multi-dimensional, holistic approach that delves into every aspect of a person’s being. Physical, mental and emotional. Working from the subtle to the physical, and the physical to the subtle.
Participants don’t need to have a certain physical ability, or prior yoga experience to benefit from or participate in the process of YT as they are guided through the process by a highly qualified yoga therapist, usually one to one, but sometimes in a small group setting.
The process of YT can be truly transformative for people from all walks of life, regardless of yoga experience and physical capacity.
“Yoga Therapy is the professional application of the principles and practices of yoga to promote health and well-being within a therapeutic relationship that includes personalised assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.” International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
What makes Yoga Therapy different from a regular yoga class or practice?
In a nutshell, it is the personalised assessment and practice in a Yoga Therapy session that sets it aside from a general yoga class. Consequently, Yoga Therapy takes a one-to-one or small group approach.
Nowadays, yoga has become a staple in the diet of popular culture. Yoga classes can be found in almost every suburb, every gym, and more and more styles of yoga are emerging. And, with the increasing demand for yoga, it’s becoming easier and easier to do yoga teacher training crash courses, particularly post CoVid when many businesses moved their trainings online. Unfortunately, due to the radical commercialisation of yoga, many yoga teacher training offerings package generic posture based versions of yoga that deliver a cookie-cutter approach of a science and art form that requires careful individualisation for it to be truly transformative.
What differentiates a Yoga Therapist from a Yoga Teacher?
Most yoga therapists also teach group yoga classes, or have done so at some point along the way. However, some choose to specialise exclusively in one-to-one or small group yoga therapy sessions, often working with clients in a clinical setting to address specific goals such as rehabilitation or the management of particular injuries or health conditions.
While a yoga teacher may earn certification with 200 or more hours of teacher training, an accredited yoga therapist—recognised by Australian bodies such as AUSactive and Yoga Australia—typically completes over 1,000 hours of specialised training, often accumulated over many years or even decades. This advanced education includes in-depth study of chronic conditions, and many yoga therapists also hold additional qualifications in areas such as psychology, counselling, integrative medicine, naturopathy, nursing, nutrition, or life coaching.
A standard 200–300 hour yoga teacher training program generally covers the foundational principles of yoga, including elements of yoga history and philosophy, basic anatomy, an introduction to yogic practices (such as postures, breath work, and meditation), and guidance on structuring a posture-based yoga class.
In contrast, a Yoga Therapy training program recognised by the peak governing bodies in Australia typically requires applicants to have completed a minimum of 300 hours of yoga teacher training and to have been teaching yoga for a certain number of years before enrolling. The comprehensive 745+ hour curriculum equips yoga teachers and other health professionals with the skills needed to work therapeutically in clinical settings, conduct holistic assessments, and develop tailored yoga-based programs for individuals—including those with chronic conditions, limited mobility, or even no mobility at all.
Yoga Australia, and AUSactive provide more helpful information on Yoga therapy here:
Yoga Australia on Yoga Therapy
“Yoga Therapy is the appropriate application of yoga teachings and practices in a therapeutic context to support a consistent yoga practice that will increase self-awareness and engage the client/student’s energy in the direction of desired goals. The goals of Yoga Therapy include eliminating, reducing, or managing symptoms that cause suffering; improving function; helping to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of underlying causes of illness; and moving toward improved health and wellbeing. Yoga Therapy also helps clients/students change their relationship to and identification with their condition. The practice of Yoga Therapy requires specialised training and skill development to support the relationship between the client/student and therapist and to effect positive change for the individual. Yoga Therapy is informed by its sister science, Ayurveda. As part of a living tradition, Yoga Therapy continues to evolve and adapt to the cultural context in which it is practiced, and today, it is also informed by contemporary health sciences. Its efficacy is supported by an increasing body of research evidence, which contributes to the growing understanding and acceptance of its value as a therapeutic discipline. - Yoga Australia
Who can benefit from Yoga Therapy with a qualified Yoga Therapist?
Ongoing clinical research indicates that the participation in a consistent course of YT can significantly reduce - if not better manage - symptoms associated with many conditions, including (but not limited to) neuropsychiatric disorders (such as anxiety, anger, depression, migraine, addictions, and eating disorders), menopause, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cystic Fibrosis, and the rehabilitation of stroke and cancer.
An in-depth YT consult is required to guide advice and treatment for anyone wanting to participate in the process of YT. The information gathered from a consult will assist the Yoga therapist in drawing upon an extensive yoga toolbox of ethical practices (personal and social ethics), asana (postures), mindful movement, pranayama (breath and energy cultivating techniques), mantra, meditation, dietary and lifestyle guidelines, in order to develop a program and regular practice that the client can call upon at any time for self-regulation and support with a myriad of conditions.
Yoga therapy can be particularly beneficial for:
Anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their Ayurvedic constitution (the energy patterns that flow around our bodies, governing our thinking and behaviour)
Anyone seeking insights into the mind-body connection and how specific mental and emotional patterns can create harmony or disharmony, illness or wellness within the body
Anyone with a chronic condition, ailment, or illness who may require additional support along with their existing treatment plan
Along with the latter, YT can help anyone and everyone to better manage the daily stressors of life.
Describe your process for designing effective Yoga Therapy programs?
Over the past three decades, I have been dedicated to exploring both Eastern and Western approaches to health, wellness, and the mind-body connection. For more than twenty of those years, I have worked in various roles—including personal trainer, coach, yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and recruiter and mentor for yoga teachers and therapists.
Through my work as a personal trainer, coach, and yoga therapist, I developed the Kosha Evaluation Method (KEM). Blending time-honoured wisdom with modern insights, this method empowers practitioners to cultivate a deeper, more conscious connection between mind and body. It supports them in articulating their experiences both before and after a Yoga Therapy-based practice, providing a clear assessment of the benefits gained.
I combine the KEM with what I call the HIMAP approach—Holistic, Individualised, Measurable (via the Kosha Evaluation Method), Achievable, and Practical. This framework allows me to design session plans that empower clients to continue their practice independently. By creating a personalised “map,” this approach guides clients toward their highest potential and optimal well-being through the transformative power of yoga.
My program design for clients and students is grounded in yoga ethics and philosophy, and incorporates practices that cultivate mind-body awareness. By integrating appropriate movement sequences, breathwork, self-assessment, and meditation techniques, I aim to address physical, mental, emotional, and circumstantial needs, equipping participants with essential self-regulation tools.
Whether working with clients who wish to enhance their experience of mind, body, and daily life, or supporting those navigating physical limitations, disabilities, or trauma, thorough screening and consultation are essential. They enable a genuinely holistic understanding of each individual and guide appropriate modifications, ensuring a safe, effective, and sustainable practice.
When appropriate, I advocate for a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with and referring to other specialists to address the full spectrum of a client’s needs. Supporting safe, steady, and progressive pathways toward well-being remains central to my work as a Yoga Therapist and coach.
For a deeper exploration of Yoga Therapy—and effective yoga-based frameworks for working with the whole person, not just the physical body—along with detailed insights and professional endorsements, see my books Yoga Therapy: The Kosha Evaluation Method & the HIMAP Approach and Evolving Traditions: Yoga, Ethics & Modern Practice.
What is the recommended amount of sessions for Yoga Therapy to be effective?
Every individual, condition, and circumstance is unique and may require more, or less, one-to-one YT sessions before the transformational benefits of YT are experienced.
Clinical research reports successful trials that run between 6-12 weeks of 1-3 yoga therapy sessions per week.
What is the recommended price for a Yoga Therapy session?
As outlined in Yoga Australia guidelines, the recommended fee in 2023 for a one-hour private Yoga Therapy session with an accredited therapist was approximately $100-$150+. With the continued rise in living and operational costs, it is now reasonable to expect rates from $150-$180+ per hour in 2026 and beyond.
"As the peak body for yoga in Australia, Yoga Australia is committed to establishing clear salary guidelines commensurate with classification levels. We recognise that more experienced teachers deliver more effective classes and thus better outcomes for students. We hold that teachers who demonstrate continuing education and consistent development over many years ought to be remunerated accordingly. For example, Yoga Australia requires Senior teachers to accumulate more than 10 years of teaching experience and 1000 hours of formal training, and their pay rate scales accordingly."
My fees reflect both operational costs and the time, care, and thoughtful preparation that go into each session. I offer Yoga Therapy packages on a sliding scale to help accommodate different financial situations. If cost is a concern, please feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to connect and explore options that feel manageable and supportive for each individual.
Warmth and Wellness,
Tanaya.
Helpful links and references:
United Consciousness Conference 2024
Peace Talks on Yoga Therapy for Healing & Peace Building in times of Conflict
In Conversation with TKV DESIKACHAR
The Distinction Between a Yoga Therapy Session and a Yoga Class
A Brief History of Yoga Therapy
Yoga as Therapy in Psychiatric Disorders: Past, Present, and Future
Review of yoga therapy during cancer treatment
Effect of Yoga Therapy on Symptoms of Anxiety in Cancer Patients
Feasibility Study of Whole-systems Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Therapy for Weight Loss
Yoga as a Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study
Dosha brain-types: A neural model of individual differences
Yoga Australia Yoga Therapists
