Soma Yoga Institute Earns Top US Ranking for Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training for All Bodies
Soma Yoga Institute’s 200-Hour Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training redefines yoga education by blending inclusivity, therapeutic principles, and evidence-based practices.
United States, 13th Sep 2025 – In the world of yoga, there has long been an unspoken gap between the physical and emotional elements of practice. Many teacher training programs focused heavily on the physical postures, neglecting the emotional and mental aspects of healing that yoga can bring. This gap became increasingly clear to Liz Heffernan, MA, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, founder of Soma Yoga Institute, as she saw the rise of stress, chronic pain, and trauma-related challenges in the world.

She envisioned a program where yoga wasn’t just about physical fitness, but about healing, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Soma Yoga Institute’s 200-Hour Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training was born out of this vision. It was designed not just to teach the poses but to create teachers who understand the full therapeutic potential of yoga.
The Evolution of Therapeutic Yoga
Yoga has long been celebrated for its ability to enhance flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. But as the demands of modern life evolve, so too do the needs of yoga practitioners. Soma Yoga Institute recognized that yoga should address not only the physical but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of health.
This belief led to the creation of a training program that is therapeutic, trauma-aware, and deeply inclusive. The focus goes beyond traditional poses, integrating somatic science, modern biomechanics, and trauma-informed practices. In a landscape that often prioritizes aesthetics over healing, Soma’s 200-hour online program stands out by its commitment to inclusivity and safety.
A Curriculum Grounded in Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom
The Soma Yoga Institute’s 200-Hour Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training is one of the most comprehensive and evidence-informed programs available today. By blending ancient yogic wisdom with cutting-edge research in biomechanics, pain science, and trauma studies, this program equips students with the tools needed to teach yoga in a way that prioritizes student safety and emotional well-being.
The curriculum features key elements that set it apart from other training programs:
- Biomechanical Alignment: Students learn alignment-based practices designed to prevent injury and foster healing, addressing both common and chronic conditions.
- Trauma-Informed Practices: Recognizing that many students come to yoga with a history of trauma, the training provides strategies to teach yoga in a way that supports nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
- Mindfulness and Yoga Nidra: These practices are woven throughout the program, helping future teachers guide their students toward deeper rest and emotional balance.
- Inclusive Sequencing: Soma’s approach ensures that yoga is accessible to all bodies, regardless of shape, size, or ability, empowering teachers to create classes that welcome everyone.
The Soma Yoga Experience: Testimonials and Real Impact
Students from Soma Yoga Institute’s online programs regularly describe their experiences as life-changing. One graduate shared, “I live with chronic pain and thought yoga wasn’t for me. Soma’s approach taught me that yoga can be safe, adaptive, and healing. This training didn’t just change my practice, it changed my life.”
These stories are a testament to the transformative power of Soma Yoga Institute’s teachings. The institute’s commitment to inclusivity and healing extends beyond the training itself. Graduates go on to teach in schools, community centers, rehabilitation clinics, and private practices worldwide, bringing therapeutic yoga to those who need it most.
One of the most telling statistics about the program’s impact is the 252 scholarships awarded by the institute since 2020. These scholarships have made yoga teacher training accessible to individuals from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities, giving them the tools to become change-makers in their own communities.
A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
At Soma Yoga Institute, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do. The institute’s Diversity Scholarship Program is one of the most impactful elements of their work, having awarded full, substantial, and partial scholarships to more than 250 individuals since its inception. This initiative helps foster diversity in the yoga teaching community and ensures that yoga education is accessible to people from all walks of life.
As Liz Heffernan puts it, “When we train one teacher, we impact an entire community.” The ripple effect of Soma’s inclusivity efforts can be seen in the way these teachers are bringing healing yoga to marginalized populations, from incarcerated individuals to students in rural areas.

Flexibility That Meets the Needs of Modern Students
Understanding that life can be busy and unpredictable, Soma Yoga Institute has designed its training programs to be as flexible as possible. Students in the 200-Hour Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training can take the course at their own pace, with up to eight months to complete the program. Additionally, students have access to a free two-month extension for valid reasons, and they can re-enroll for up to six additional months if needed.
With live mentoring calls, community support, and lifetime access to course materials, students receive not only world-class instruction but also ongoing guidance and mentorship as they integrate their training into their own teaching practices.
Why Soma Yoga Institute Stands Out
Soma Yoga Institute has consistently earned top ratings and recognition within the yoga community. The institute’s 200-hour online training has been named the Best Online Yoga Teacher Training in the US of 2025 by the Best of Best Review and boasts a Yoga Alliance NPS of 9.5/10, one of the highest scores in the industry. This recognition reflects the program’s exceptional quality, effectiveness, and student satisfaction.
With thousands of graduates teaching yoga in over 20 countries, Soma Yoga Institute’s reach is global. Graduates are empowered to make a difference by integrating therapeutic yoga into schools, hospitals, community centers, and private practices.
Your Path to Becoming a Therapeutic Yoga Teacher
Soma Yoga Institute’s 200-Hour Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training isn’t just about learning to teach yoga, it’s about learning to be a healer, a compassionate teacher, and a change-maker in the world of yoga. Whether you’re an aspiring teacher or someone looking to deepen your personal practice, this program offers the tools, support, and expertise to help you succeed.
To learn more about Soma Yoga Institute’s 200-Hour Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training, visit their course page. If you’re ready to join a community of compassionate, trauma-informed teachers dedicated to spreading healing through yoga, Soma Yoga Institute is the place to start.
By integrating therapeutic principles, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and diversity, Soma Yoga Institute is leading the charge in the future of yoga teacher training. Whether you’re looking to teach in a studio, a healthcare setting, or within your community, this program empowers you to share the healing power of yoga with everyone.
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Company Details
Organization: Soma Yoga Institute
Contact Person: Liz Heffernan
Website: https://somayogainstitute.com/
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Release Id: 13092533895