In your view, how does a Yoga Therapist differ from a Physical Therapist? When a client is currently working with a PT for a specific body issue (or has in the past), what should the role of a Yoga Therapist be in working with that client? (e.g. Recommend asanas/exercises that perform the same function as work performed with the PT, or put more emphasis regarding the ayurvedic view of the “whole person”, with discussion of diet, emotional constitution, etc.)
I feel strongly that a Yoga Therapist should not intervene unless the PT has released the client. One person at a time in giving advice on physical matters is safest and less confusing. Optimal training for a Yoga Therapist will include physical assessment and recommendations based on that (similar to a PT), plus training in Ayurveda for how to give the yoga based practices (3 doshas make for 3 different ways to do same practice); and a certain amount of yogic lifestyle counseling. Plus of course they should have a regular spiritual practice so that they can begin to assess for pranic imbalances. The more that the latter is developed the more they can also act as a spiritual mentor to help the student insight the deeper challenges life is presenting. blessings. mukunda