The Australian Association of Yoga Therapists was established in 2007 as a national peak body for Yoga Therapists. In consultation with the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia (YTAA, now Yoga Australia (YA), and other industry stakeholders AAYT was incorporated as a ‘not for profit’ association, under the then Associations Incorporation Act (1981) Victoria. Today AAYT reports to the regulator “Consumer Affairs Victoria”.
Affiliation with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), based in the USA, was established at the outset. AAYT was an early initiator of Education Standards for Members which were shared with its IAYT counterparts,
Many dynamic members have come on to the Committee bringing a broad spectrum of skills and have contributed valuable time and energy in establishing and enhancing the ongoing operations of the Association.
The Members’ collective efforts are the foundation of the Association and evidenced in such things as:
- ‘Membership and Education Standards’ identified knowledge, skills and competencies for Yoga Therapists, establishing a system of recognition in 2008 and indeed, at the time, led the discussion on yoga therapy standards internationally.
- Continuing work saw the revision of Standards in 2010, 2015, and more recently, an extensive revision and consultation has taken place between 2018 and 2020.
- Code of Practice 2009 and Scope of Practice 2009, adopted and incorporated into the Standards
- A Council of Advisors established in 2009 has sustained representatives from the US and India as well as Australia
- Ongoing membership services, including regular Newsletter and training updates.
- Ongoing Training Provider consultation and facilitation of assessments
A turning point in the history of AAYT was in March 2015 when there was major consideration of a merger with Yoga Australia and it was put to the membership, proposed as a vision to bring the whole Yoga movement together under one umbrella. In 2016 the AAYT membership moved to retain the organisation, refuting the dissolution of AAYT. During this time the organisation demonstrated that the members were in control by resisting a top down approach and sustaining the democratic foundation of the membership. It was at this time that numerous players came to the fore in expressing clear views for retaining a unique Yoga Therapy body, to independently represent the profession of Yoga Therapists.
A strong and vibrant Committee of members emerged exercising major effort to legally retain AAYT as the professional body that exclusively represents Yoga Therapists. Those Yoga Therapists who remained in the organisation demonstrated their committed to a small-scale professional body that is responsive in focussing on their needs and representing their interests. Whilst Yoga Australia now also represents Yoga Therapists the two organisations look to build bridges and positive partnership in the best interests of all Yoga Therapist Members from both bodies.
Since 2015, the evolution of AAYT has been very positive in bringing clarity of purpose and a strengthening of AAYT’s role within the yoga therapy community. The Australasian Association of Yoga Therapists (AAYT) continues to grow Membership and representation of Yoga Therapists and accreditation of high quality Yoga Therapy training programs that meet the AAYT Education and Practice Standards.
