Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness: Level 1 Online
May 21 – July 11, 2021
Taught by Sandra Susheela Gilbert, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, BA
with assistant faculty Sue Sarala Evans, Anna Love, and Leslie Rothschild
YCat Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness is a professional, three-level certification designed to train health professionals and experienced Yoga teachers to work safely with cancer patients at any stage of illness as well as people with stable chronic illness. YCat students learn to adapt traditional Yoga practices to meet the physiological and psychological needs of that population and to communicate effectively as professionals at medical and community sites. Participants receive certificates of attendance for each level completed, and at the completion of all three levels graduates receive training certification in this specialty.
YCat Level 1
YCat: Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness Level I provides a research-based, conceptual framework for adapting Yoga practices to the varied and specific needs of people at any level with cancer and stable chronic illness. The YCat Level I curriculum includes:
- Educating Yoga teachers about cancer through the study of the pathophysiology of cancer, the different types of cancer, cancer staging and grading, metastases, psychosocial issues, and cancer treatments—e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted and hormonal therapy—and common side effects—e.g., lymphedema, fatigue, pain, nausea, neuropathy, menopause, osteoporosis, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and grief
- Reviewing cell biology and the organs and systems of the body for conceptual understanding
- Discussing other common chronic illnesses with specific adaptation suggestions
- Exploring adaptations in Yoga postures and movement, breathing practices, meditation, Yoga Nidra, and guided imagery for people with cancer and chronic illness
- Studying the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as they apply to illness and disease, while simultaneously examining one’s personal relationship with death, dying, and end-of-life issues
- Reviewing and analyzing related research
- Developing a professional voice and communications skills for working with medical personnel
- Developing skills in (a) researching and preparing professional presentations and (b) giving and receiving evaluation and feedback
Prerequisites
200-hour Yoga teacher certification with a minimum of 1 year teaching experience.
Any Licensed Health Professional (LHP) is welcome to attend all YCat levels. LHPs will receive a certificate of attendance. To receive certification of training, LHPs must complete a 200-hour Yoga teacher training.
Tuition
- $1,450 (2 installment payment plan is available)
- 10% discount for IYINY active teachers.
- 10% discount for IYTh students currently enrolled in the 800-hour program.
Schedule
May 21 – July 11, 2021
Fridays • 8:00p.m.–10:00p.m. E.D.T.
Saturdays and Sundays • 10:00a.m.–1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m.–6:00p.m. E.D.T.
3 Wednesdays (May 26, June 23, July 7) • 8:00p.m.–10:00p.m. E.D.T.
No classes over Memorial Day or July 4 weekends.
Attendance during the live online sessions is required for certification.
Certification and Continuing Education Credits
- Yoga Alliance: 90 hours for continuing education.
- 300-Hour Certification: 90 hours credit for Integral Yoga 300-Hour Certification
- Yoga Therapy: this course is an elective module in the Integral Yoga Therapy Certification program. For more information and to apply, visit https://integralyoga.org/therapy
Teacher Bios
Sandra Susheela Gilbert, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, BA, is an Integral Yoga teacher and specializes in teaching those with special needs and in medical settings. Sandra is senior faculty, mentor, and coordinator for YCat: Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness. She is the Yoga coordinator and teacher at the Mount Sinai Breast Health Resource Center in New York City, teaches Yoga as Stress Management for the Heart Group at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, and has taught Yoga for the Center for Mind/Body Medicine. She was one of the original Yoga therapists for the Urban Zen Initiative and trained as an Urban Zen integrative therapist. She has also trained with Sonia Sumar, the Center for Mind/Body Medicine, and the Smith Farm Integrative Patient Navigator program. She teaches for Chai Lifeline and Romemu in the Jewish community. Sandra has a passion for educating and empowering students and other teachers and creating a safe, compassionate space to explore healing through Yoga.
