650YTT Master of Biomedical Yoga Therapy, Meditation, & Allied Health
A Yoga Australia and Yoga Alliance Approved Training Course
Complete Yoga Therapy Training Programme
There are no words to describe this programme, it is simply life changing.
Having already completed 350 hours of yoga teacher training you are beginning to recognise the immense value in yoga and meditation – this course is designed to take you even further personally and professionally. These will be the most intense yet valuable 24 months of your life. Not only will you walk away a fully qualified yoga therapist, so too will you walk away knowing that you have been enriched through a transformative, educational, and an absolute lifestyle change. This is a complete Yoga Therapy qualification, giving you 1000 hours of yoga practice and study.
Designed to be completed over a 24 month time frame, this course is intended, and with your dedication, will give you the best training options for your future, and for your own personal lifestyle. The BIYOME yoga therapy programme delivers immersive “present moment awareness” education transforming personal and collective consciousness. This training provides quality experiences that allow you to become truly mindful: in your work & livelihood; within your relationships; within your body & mind; this creating a life of deep sensate experience bringing resilience, meaning, joy, compassion, and hope.
Through this course, by cultivating internal change you will cultivate the beginnings of compassionate change within the lives of many.
Course Code:
Qualification:
Full Meditation Association of Australia Member
Eligibility for Associate Member of The Australasian Association of Lifestyle Medicine
Current Intake:
Livestreamed options are also available for the face-to-face specialty intensive training electives in this course.
What You Will Walk Away With
Upon completion of this, your therapy skills will be second to none. You will walk away a changed person able to listen intentionally, compassionately, with deep presence and resonance. You shall also walk away with 650 total hours of training. These hours will consist of:
- A minimum of 500 hours of core curricular learning that develops the students’ knowledge base inclusive of:
- Minimum of 350 hours core curricular learning via full contact residential learning.
- 150 hours core curricular learning delivered by online distance learning through audio-visual content, podcasts, reflections, readings, and assessments.
- A minimum 150 hours practicum
- Direct case work with individual clients or therapeutic groups will total above 100 hours.
- 50 hours of practicum will be allocated to the students own case preparation & practicum documentation.
*Students who have missed core subjects and or competencies in the full 1000 hours BIYOME program will be requested to go back and complete basic competencies in 200 hour and 350 hours program (where required) to complete full 1000 hours training program and or 650 hours Yoga Therapy.
BIYOME’s Yoga Therapy Teacher Training course also creates a unique avenue to becoming a yoga and meditation teacher registered with Yoga Australia, Yoga Alliance, and the Meditation Association of Australia.
Upon graduation, certification with BIYOME avails the opportunity to register with these Associations providing you with globally recognised memberships providing a standard of training recognition for teachers to practice with insurance all over the world.
What You Will Learn
Yoga Teachings and Philosophy
- Familiarity with the evolution of the teachings and philosophy of the yoga tradition and its relevance and application to yoga therapy, including teachings from Vedic and post-Vedic periods, Samkhya, Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda. Examples of concepts and models from the above teachings and philosophy relevant to yoga therapy, include but are not limited to:
- tanmatra/bhuta/indriya (subtle element/gross elements/ senses);
- purusha/prakrti (consciousness/material world);
- pancamaya kosha (dimensions of the human system);
- guna (fundamental forces of nature); and
- duhkha (suffering/discomfort).
Yoga and the Mind
- Knowledge of yoga perspectives on the structure, states, functioning, and conditions of the mind, including, but not limited to:
- drashtr (seer), drshya (seen);
- antahkarana citta (consciousness), buddhi (intellect), ahamkara (ego), manas (mind);
- citta vrtti (activities of the mind), citta parinama (structural changes in the mind), vyutthana/nirodha (mind’s potential for distraction and focus);
- artha (cognition), bhava (mood), svabhava (inborn nature), vasana (residue of experience), samskara (conditioned pattern of thinking and behavior); and
- states of mind: mudha (stupefied/dull), kshipta (disturbed).
- vikshipta (alternating between distraction and focus), ekagrata (one-pointed), nirodha (focus enveloped/held/ restrained), vaishvanara (waking), taijasa (dream), prajña (deep sleep), turiya (beyond).
- Knowledge of yoga perspectives on distracted/disturbed conditions of mind and their expressions as expressed in such texts as the Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and other texts, including but not limited to:
- klesha (affliction);
- lobha, krodha, and moha (greed, anger, attachment);
- duhkha and daurmanasya (suffering/discomfort and negative attitude/thinking), sarupyam (identification with the contents of the mind or seer taking the same form as the mind); and
- antaraya (obstacles to progress in yoga).
Yogic Framework for Health and Disease
- Knowledge of the basic perspectives on health and disease from yoga and Ayurveda relevant to the practice of yoga therapy, including the concepts of:
- panca maya (kosha) (fundamental structure of the human system);
- subtle anatomy;
- tri-dosha (effect of the elements on the physical body);
- tri-guna (effect of sattva [equilibrium], rajas [activity], tamas [inertia]);
- prakrti/vikrti (dosha constitution at birth/imbalance of the dosha currently expressed in the body);
- ama (undigested food, emotions, etc. accumulated in the body);
- agni (internal fire(s) and their contribution to health);
- prana vayu (prana, apana, vyana, udana, samana);
- prana prakopa (disturbance of the vayu);
- surya/chandra (sun/moon);
- brmhana/langhana (expansion/contraction); and
- vyuha model: heya (the symptoms), hetu (the causes), hana (the goal), upayam (the tools).
- In depth knowledge of categorising illness, including:
- Development/evolution of disease (samprapti [pathogenisis]), including but not limited to direction, intensity, onset, and duration and their influence on the ease or difficulty of healing and disease management.
- Setting priorities: symptoms/pacification (shamana [short term]) and purification/strengthening (shodhana [long term]).
Anatomy and Physiology
- Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, including all major systems of the body and their interrelationships, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
- Knowledge of biomechanics and movement as they relate to the practice of yoga and the work of a yoga therapist.
- Knowledge of common pathologies and disorders of all the major systems, including symptoms, management, illness trajectories, and contraindications, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
- Familiarity with commonly used drugs and surgical procedures, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
- Familiarity with common medical terminology.
- Knowledge of how to reference current healthcare information relevant to the work of a yoga therapist, including pathologies, disorders, drugs, and surgical procedures, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
Psychology and Mental Health
- Basic knowledge of commonly occurring mental health conditions—from psychological distress to psychiatric conditions— their symptoms, and common approaches/interventions, as they relate to the work of a yoga therapist.
- Basic knowledge of psychological concepts and terminology, including mood, cognition, behavior, and personality, as relevant to the work of a yoga therapist.
- Familiarity with models of human development, including developmental stages, lifecycles, and personality, and their
- Importance to medical and psychological health and well-being.
- Familiarity with the influence of familial, social, cultural, and religious conditioning on mental and medical perspectives of health and healing.
- Knowledge of the interaction of the body, breath, mind, intellect, and emotions in health and well-being.
Yoga Therapy Tools
- In-depth knowledge of the application of yama and niyama in the context of yoga therapy.
- In-depth knowledge of the range of yoga practices and their potential therapeutic effects for common conditions. Practices may include, but are not limited to:
- asana (postures);
- pranayama (regulated breathing);
- meditation and relaxation techniques such as bhavana (visualisation), mantra (recitation), and ritualised activities such as nyasa and mudra; and
- vihara (lifestyle modifications) including basic yogic dietary concepts.
- In-depth knowledge of contraindications of yoga practices for specific conditions and circumstances.
Basic Principles of the Therapeutic Relationship
- In-depth knowledge of, and observed capacity for, well- developed communication skills: listening, presence, directive and non-directive dialogue.
- Demonstrated ability to recognise, adjust, and adapt to specific client/student needs in the evolving therapeutic/professional relationship.
- Demonstrated ability to recognise and manage the subtle dynamics inherent in the therapist/client relationship.
- In-depth knowledge of the scope of practice of yoga therapy and how to assess the need for referral to other professional services.
Principles and Skills for Educating Clients/Students
- In-depth knowledge of and demonstrated ability to implement effective teaching methods, adapt to unique styles of learning, provide supportive and effective feedback, acknowledge the client’s/student’s progress, and cope with unique difficulties/ successes.
- In-depth knowledge of and demonstrated ability to transmit the value of self-awareness and self- responsibility throughout the therapeutic process.
- In-depth knowledge of and demonstrated ability to develop and adjust appropriate practice strategies to the client/student.
- In-depth knowledge of how to translate practicum preparation, such as clinical observation of yoga therapy sessions, role playing and case study into effective practicum delivery.


What You Will Experience
Selection of nine (9) speciality intensive training electives for continued professional development (CPD’s) as well as four (4) higher level learning retreats (HLL’s) from the following offered between 2021 – 2022 (some course dates/teachers/topics yet to be confirmed and may be subject to change).
2021
CPD01 Meditation and Mind Body Medicine Teacher Training (January 2-5, 2021)
CPD11 The Yoga of Relationships – Relational Yoga and Meditation Therapy (March 26-29, 2021)
CPD04 Trauma Informed Meditation Teacher Training: Meditation Therapy for Brain, Biome & Genome (May 21-24, 2021)
CPD08 Food-Mood Yoga and Meditation Therapy (June 18-21, 2021)
CPD07 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training with Dr Shanti Kaur Khalsa** (August 20-23, 2021)
CPD09 Meditation & Yoga Therapy for Pain Management – Neuroscience of Pain (November 11-15, 2021)
CPD06 Mindfulness for a Meaningful Life (Year-round monthly Fridays 9:30-12:30; 11 classes for 33 hours course)
HLL03 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Trauma Informed (February 27-28, 2021)
HLL06 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Restorative Yoga Therapeutics (April 24-25, 2021)
HLL02 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Gut-Brain Health (June 12-13, 2021)
HLL05 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – YogaBrain: The Brain that Changes Itself (August 14-15, 2021)
HLL07 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Compassion Focused Therapy (October 16-17, 2021)
2022
CPD01 Meditation and Mind Body Medicine Teacher Training (January 2-5, 2022)
CPD02 Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (April 15-18, 2022)
CPD03 Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training: Compassion based Yoga Therapy (May 20-23, 2022)
CPD05 Restorative Yoga Teacher Training: Restorative Yoga Therapy (June 17-20, 2022)
CPD10 Compassion Focussed Yoga Therapy and Meditation Teacher Training with Dr James Kirby (November 11-14, 2022)
CPD06 Mindfulness for a Meaningful Life (Year-round monthly Fridays 9:30-12:30; 11 classes for 33 hours course)
CPD07 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training with Dr Shanti Kaur Khalsa** (May 27-30, 2022)
HLL01 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Mental Wellbeing (February 26-27, 2022)
HLL02 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Gut-Brain Health (April 23-24, 2022)
HLL03 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Trauma Informed (June 11-12, 2022)
HLL04 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – Pain Relief (August 13-14, 2022)
HLL05 BioMedical Yoga Therapy – YogaBrain: The Brain that Changes Itself (October 15-16, 2022)
Detailed information on specialty intensive training electives (CPD’s) available here
Detailed information on higher level learning retreats (HLL’s) available here
Taught By
Leanne Davis (Yoga Australia President, Vinyoga)
Sam German (Kundalini yoga)
Jamie Denham (Iyengar Yoga)
Clare Sillence (Social Worker & Mental Health Specialist)
Swami Mukti (Satyananda yoga)
Marian Cavanagh (Registered Relax & Renew Instructor & Senior Yoga Teacher)
Edwina Kempe (Licensed TCTSY Specialist, Social Worker)
Dr. Sue Jackson (Flow & iRest Specialist)
Dr. James Kirby (Lecturer in Clinical Psychology UQ School of Psychology)
Dr. Maud Achard (Dietitian)
Alicia Carter (PhD and Masters of Health Psychology Candidate, UQ)
>>Find out more about our faculty & staff

The BIYOME Difference
Selection of nine (9) speciality intensive training electives for continued professional development (CPD’s) as well as four (4) higher level learning retreats (HLL’s) from the following offered between 2021 – 2022 (some course dates/teachers/topics yet to be confirmed and may be subject to change).
2021
CPD01 Meditation and Mind Body Medicine Teacher Training (January 2-5, 2021)
CPD11 The Yoga of Relationships – Relational Yoga and Meditation Therapy (March 26-29, 2021)
CPD04 Trauma Informed Meditation Teacher Training: Meditation Therapy for Brain, Biome & Genome (May 21-24, 2021)
CPD08 Food-Mood Yoga and Meditation Therapy (June 18-21, 2021)
CPD07 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training with Dr Shanti Kaur Khalsa** (August 20-23, 2021)
CPD09 Meditation & Yoga Therapy for Pain Management – Neuroscience of Pain (November 11-15, 2021)
CPD06 Mindfulness for a Meaningful Life (Year-round monthly Fridays 9:30-12:30; 11 classes for 33 hours course)
2022
CPD01 Meditation and Mind Body Medicine Teacher Training (January 2-5, 2022)
CPD02 Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (April 15-18, 2022)
CPD03 Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training: Compassion based Yoga Therapy (May 20-23, 2022)
CPD05 Restorative Yoga Teacher Training: Restorative Yoga Therapy (June 17-20, 2022)
CPD10 Compassion Focussed Yoga Therapy and Meditation Teacher Training with Dr James Kirby (November 11-14, 2022)
CPD06 Mindfulness for a Meaningful Life (Year-round monthly Fridays 9:30-12:30; 11 classes for 33 hours course)
CPD07 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training with Dr Shanti Kaur Khalsa** (May 27-30, 2022)
Detailed information on specialty intensive training electives (CPD’s) available here
**Courses featuring special overseas or interstate guests incur an additional $250 deposit to be paid upfront on CPD booking.
Your 650YTT Training Requirements
- Completion of nine (9) Specialty Intensive Training Modules (CPD) and associated multiple choice questions
- Completion of four (4) Higher Level Learning Retreats
- Completion of thirteen (13) case studies and associated assessment submissions with demonstrated adept abilities withiall areas of the yoga therapy guidelines
- 80% face-to-face attendance
- Prerequisites
- Required Books
- Recommended Books
- Required Props
Minimum – Yoga Australia Level 1 (350 hour) Registered Yoga Teacher, or equivalent.
Minimum of 2 years and at least 300 hours of regular yoga teaching, up to 1 year or 150 hours may run concurrent with the Yoga Therapy training.
Minimum 2 years of recent regular practice.
Current First Aid certificate as required for all Yoga Australia registered yoga teachers.
- Mohan, A. G., & Mohan, I. (2004). Yoga Therapy: A Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Yoga and Ayurveda for Health and Fitness.
- Robin, M. (2009). A handbook for Yogasana teachers: The incorporation of neuroscience, physiology, and anatomy into the practice. Tucson, AZ: Wheatmark.
- Siegel, D. J. (2012). Pocket guide to interpersonal neurobiology: An integrative handbook of the mind. New York: W.W. Norton.
Please note that there are also required texts for each intensive elective undertaken.
- Kaminoff, L., & Matthews, A. (2012). Yoga anatomy. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
- Feuerstein, G. (2008). The yoga tradition: Its history, literature, philosophy, and practice (3rd ed.). Chino Valley, AR: Hohm Press.
- Carrera, J. (2006). Inside the yoga sutras: A comprehensive sourcebook for the study and practice of Patanjali’s Yoga sutras. Buckingham, VA: Integral Yoga Publications.
- Lasater, J. (2009). Yogabody: Anatomy, kinesiology, and asana. Berkeley, CA: Rodmell Press.
- Bachman, N. (2005). The language of yoga: Complete A to Y guide to āsana names, Sanskrit terms, and chants. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
- Iyengar, B. K. (2014). Yoga: The path to holistic health. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley.
- Desikachar, T. K. (1999). The heart of yoga: Developing a personal practice. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions International.
- Robin, M. (2009). A handbook for Yogasana teachers: The incorporation of neuroscience, physiology, and anatomy into the practice. Tucson, AZ: Wheatmark.
- Easwaran, E. (2007). The Bhagavad Gita. Berkeley, CA: Nilgiri Press.
- Myers, T. (2017). Anatomy trains : myofascial meridians for manual and movement therapists. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Feuerstein, G. (2014). The psychology of yoga: Integrating Eastern and Western approaches for understanding the mind. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications.
Props attain a 15% discount when purchased from Yoga King Products.
Required
- 1 yoga mat
- 1 yoga strap
- 1 bolster
- 2 blocks
- 2 blankets
- 1 Iyengar yoga chair (specific design to be purchased from EMP Industrial)
Optional
- zafu (meditation cushion)
- zabuton (meditation cushion base)
Please note that there are also required props/variances in prop requirements for different specialty intensive electives.
Your 650YTT Investment
Contact one of our expert mentors for a prospectus or to discuss the options that best suit your financial needs and lifestyle.
Face-to-Face or Livestreamed options are available for the specialty intensive training electives in this course.