Hour 95 Yoga Therapy – Managing Multiple Clients – Group vs. One-on-One Sessions

Managing Multiple Clients – Group vs. One-on-One Sessions

Yoga therapy is inherently individual, but in practice, a yoga therapist needs to be able to adapt therapeutic concepts between these modalities. To provide effective, safe, and meaningful healing experiences for all clients, understanding how to adjust therapeutic principles between these modalities is critical.

1. Key Differences: Group vs. One-on-One Yoga Therapy

Aspect

One-on-One Sessions

Group Sessions

Customization

Fully personalized

Semi-personalized or thematic

Client Needs

Specific physical/mental issues

Generalized needs or shared conditions

Pacing & Attention

Client-led, flexible pace

Instructor-led, fixed timing

Therapist Role

Direct contact, deeper connection

Group facilitator, monitor, adapt safely

Setting

Quiet, intimate

Shared, dynamic, may need more structure

2. One-On-One Sessions: Benefits and Tips

These are best for:

Chronic conditions (e.g., back pain, anxiety, recovery)

Emotional or trauma-sensitive clients

Post-operative or geriatric care

Benefits:

Deep therapeutic relationship

Custom sequencing and adaptations

Confidential dialogue and evaluation

Tips:

Take careful notes and monitor progress

Adapt based on daily energy or mood shifts

Use props freely and provide more hands-on (with permission)

Example: In a one-on-one session for knee recovery, Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) might be done with wall support and focused breath guidance.

3. Group Sessions: Opportunities and Challenges

Group therapy works well when:

Clients share common conditions (e.g., postnatal recovery, stress reduction)

You aim to deliver education-based sessions

There’s a need for peer support and motivation

Benefits:

Efficient use of time and space

Community support enhances healing

Encourages consistency through shared goals

Challenges:

Varying levels of ability and conditions

Harder to give individual attention

Risk of competitive mindset or injury

Tips:

Begin with a clear theme or focus

Offer multiple options for each posture

Create an emotionally safe and inclusive space

Use language like: “If this variation is not accessible, try this option.”

Example: In a group session for stress relief, guide Balasana (Child’s Pose) with optional bolsters, and offer Nadi Shodhana as a closing breath practice.

4. Blended Approach

Many therapists use a hybrid model:

Start with solo evaluations

Transition clients to small groups with comparable needs

Provide occasional private check-ins

This model enables therapists to retain individualization while increasing their scope and influence.

5. Professional Boundaries & Energy Management

Establish clear expectations for both modalities

uphold ethical touch and privacy principles

Guard your own energy—group sessions may be more taxing

Conclusion

A good yoga therapist glides skillfully between private care and communal healing. Both group and individual sessions provide strong possibilities, if they are worked with intention, safety, and presence.

“The soul heals in solitude, and blossoms in togetherness. As a therapist, honor both.”