Soma Yoga Institute offers retreats, immersions, and therapeutic yoga teacher trainings in breathtaking locations worldwide and online. ALL BODIES welcome.
Yoga Retreats (5)
18 Day 200-Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training in Playa Coyote, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Aug 1-18 | Dec 1-18 | Jan 5-22, 2025–2026
from US$ 3,897
18 Day 200-Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training in Playa Negra, Costa Rica
February 15-March 4, 2025
from US$ 3,497
200-Hour Self-Paced Online Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program
Feb | Mar | Jun | Sep | Oct, 2025
from US$ 1,997
18 Day 200-Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training in Evia Island, Greece
June 25-July 12, 2025
from US$ 3,509
18 Day 200-Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training Course in Arcata, California, USA
May 18-June 4, 2025
from US$ 2,997
Videos (25)
Instructors (6)
Liz Heffernan
8 Certificates
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International Association of Yoga Therapists
Certified by School
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Certified by School
Ashtanga Yoga Center
Certified by School
Integrative Yoga Therapy
Certified by School
Integrative Yoga Therapy
Certified by School
Anusara
Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance
Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT is an international yoga teacher and Integrative Yoga Therapist. She draws from over two decades of personal yoga practice, 25 years of teaching and extensive training in the Hatha yoga systems of Kripalu, Ashtanga, and Anusara. She currently directs and leads Yoga teacher trainings and workshops worldwide, provides unique one-to-one mentoring for yoga teachers, instructs daily yoga classes and offers private therapeutic sessions. Additionally, Liz serves as a mentor/faculty for the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy Professional Yoga Therapy program.
Molly Masaoka
2 Certificates
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Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance
Innately perceptive beyond her years and wildly passionate about everything in her path, Molly applies a level of determination and delight that is truly one of a kind. Her unique teaching style is both intense and focused but lightened with creativity, compassion, and humor. She believes that this balance of effort and surrender is the key to unlocking the awareness of one's true nature. A student of yoga since the age of 16, Molly has studied intensely with Chuck Miller and completed teacher training with Annie Carpenter and Don Stapelton.
Peggy Profant
Peggy Profant, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500, and certified Anusara yoga teacher first discovered the practice in 1980 and began teaching it to others in 1997. Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Anusara are the schools in which have influenced her practice. As one who lives courageously from her heart, she passionately teaches her classes with meaningful yogic themes while keeping a keen attention to alignment. In addition to yoga, being in nature and with her family is where she finds her deepest joy and peace.
Samantha Akers
1 Certificate
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Yoga Alliance
Samantha (Sam) Akers, E-RYT-500, C-IAYT, CMT, found yoga and massage when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia in 1998. Her practice began with Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra and brought her such incredible healing, she knew this had to be shared with others. She studied the Therapeutic Style of Iyengar Yoga with Judith Lasater, Leeann Carey and Russ Pfeiffer. Sam's love of therapeutic yoga, inspired her to open TheraYoga Studio and develop the TheraYoga Method. She is also a massage therapist, specializing in combining mindfulness with bodywork.
Alison Scola
2 Certificates
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Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance
It was the gift of chronic pain that brought Alison to her yoga practice in 1993. Through study & practice of all the limbs of Yoga, she found powerful tools to heal her body & mind. Her perspective on yoga as a holistic healing science inspires her to teach awareness of the physical, energetic, emotional, and spiritual elements in her classes & private sessions. Alison has been leading group classes in dance and yoga since 2002. She has ten years of experience as full time yoga therapist & has been leading 200 & 300 hour yoga teacher trainings since 2010.
Christine McArdle
4 Certificates
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Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance
Christine, a seasoned yoga instructor and founder of the international school Om Shree Om, began her yoga journey in 1990, driven by a desire for emotional balance and mental clarity from her stressful teaching career. Renowned for her expertise in therapeutic yoga, Christine excels in teaching alignment, biomechanics, and fascial health, integrating these into a holistic approach that promotes healing and well-being. As a teacher trainer, she imparts this deep knowledge to aspiring yoga teachers, enhancing their practices with her fun-spirited and engaging teaching style.
Reviews (45)
Hannah Amstad
from Nicaragua, December 2024
"Best in depth YTT, expectations exceeded"
I found what I missed in almost all yoga sessions I've been before and I knew there must be more to it.
Excellent teachers, amazing place (hideaway & villa style), well ballanced schedule, amazing combination of foundation & alignment, enhance own practice, learn and build confidence to teach, chakras, mantras, meditation.. I feel ready to teach.
Wow! I loved it, thank you!
Dustin Galofaro
from United States, August 2024
"Perfect place to get certified!"
They really gave us the tools to plan, design and lead classes! Learned from people who love it and love what they do. As a bonus facilities were way better than expected!
Amy Golightly
from United States, August 2023
"Teachers and curriculum were fantastic..."
Liz and Alison are amazing teachers. The curriculum is very well structured, varied, challenging and engaging. I learned so much and it is because of what was taught AND how it was taught. Liz and Alison are kind and dedicated. They clearly love what they do, and their enthusiasm comes through in their teaching. The location is beautiful, and all of the staff were lovely. I made wonderful new friends and will always treasure this experience. Thank you, Alison and Liz!
Leah Watson
from United States, January 2023
Outstanding experience—Balanced ratio of physical practice to book learning and free time every day to enjoy the stunning Salvatierra in Costa Rica. Excellent accommodations— located directly on a serene beach (daily sunrise group meditations a fav!) and gorgeous sunset views daily. Delicious and healthy food options and wonderful staff. Instructors are amazing—provided excellent foundational instruction: everything beyond expectation. Couldn’t recommend more!
Annette Früh
from Switzerland, January 2022
"Wonderful experience "
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this great and unforgettable experience. This yoga teacher training deepened my ability to be more mindful to myself, others and everything. It opened up a dimension of spirituality and inspiration to take care of myself more, to honor myself more. Alison’s yoga classes gave me a deep understanding of self-love, appreciation and love for this planet and they were also very calming and grounding. I truly valued Peggy’s huge knowledge of alignment and assists in asana. My body feels so much better now compared to when I arrived. I've also learned so much and I'm surprised that I can already sequence a yoga lesson! I enjoyed absolutely everything about this yoga teacher training program, especially the perfect mix of our instructors Peggy and Allison! - Annette
Heather Kramer
from United States, March 2020
I am richer for having been here. I am in awe of the knowledge and heart of Peggy and Sam. I went there to be certified as a yoga instructor, and I left with so much more than that, it has given my life a new direction, and I can’t wait to continue to learn more.
Sophie Bonidan
from Guatemala, February 2020
"Absolutely perfect !"
My favorite components were the alignments, therapeutics, and philosophy especially the Chakra study. I also loved the meditation mornings and chanting. I enjoyed the organization of the training and appreciated the quality of the teachers and content. The training changed my perspective on yoga especially regarding safety and the encouragement to not push into the poses to try to obtain an outer form. I realized that you don’t need to be super flexible to teach, I almost didn’t take the training because I was afraid I would not be able to follow the physical practices. I am so glad I did come! Everything was great, the accommodations, food, the teachers and the teachings!- Sophie
Olivia Lindstrom
from United States, January 2020
"The best decision I have ever made"
My confidence is much higher now. I learned a lot about my body and my individual practice. I know now how to keep myself safe during my practice. I am leaving the program with the feeling that I can hold energetic and kind space as a teacher and know modifications to give to students. Anatomy was one of my favorite subjects because I love the body in all its forms. I also loved the flow classes and the Yoga Nidra. Liz and Alison are phenomenal teachers and complemented each others teaching styles and personalities perfectly. The location at Zen Spirit was amazing. Food was great. The weather in January was perfect, 90 degrees and sunny everyday. Yes, I highly recommend this 200 Hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training with Soma Yoga Institute. -Olivia
Shelby Campo
from United States, January 2020
"Do it!"
I can’t imagine life without doing this! My understanding of yoga has developed - from the history to the the Yoga Sutras and the actual asana practice with alignment and engagement. My personal practice is much better. I really focus on my movement and breathing now its so much more of an inward journey of getting to know myself. The skillset of Liz and Alison was so amazing to be around. I love them as a team so much! They bring a Yin/Yang complement. Alison brought so much enthusiasm and Liz brought her serene presence and a long, dedicated, thoughtful practice. It was an honor learning from both of them. Its an experience I'll treasure for the rest of my yogi life.
Cameron Breslin
from Costa Rica, January 2020
"Expert instructors cater to all kinds of students"
This was the perfect Yoga Teacher Training for me. I really wanted a yoga teacher training that was careful and considerate of all bodies. I found this and more! The quality of our instructors far exceeded my expectations, Liz and Alison were truly top of the line. They are beautiful examples of ways to give yoga to the world and ways to lead. I have also grown as a person being here. I have been guided through the teachings of yoga to feel more peaceful in the face of challenges. For this, I am eternally thankful. My goal was to deepen my own personal practice and this program did just that. Additionally, I was previously interested in asana practice but now this training has deepened my interest in many other components of yoga. I feel more grounded after this training and I look forward to lifetime of yoga.
Simone Hugi
from Switzerland, January 2020
The diversity of the program was perfect to gain an overall knowledge of teaching yoga and it was a joy to learn from such amazing teachers as Liz and Alison. I learned all about anatomy and pose foundations. What was most important to me was to be safe in the poses and the ability to teach this to others. Through this knowledge I will be perfectly prepared to teach asana in a safe way back home. It was absolutely great and I am grateful to have completed the program with Soma Yoga Institute.
Mona Sampath
from United States, December 2019
"Experience of a Lifetime!"
The quality of the course is top notch! Liz and Peggy are exceptional teachers and their experience and love for yoga shines right through when they teach. The location is spectacular and I absolutely loved the diversity of our group. The curriculum is so comprehensive and i have returned from the course enriched with knowledge and a deeper gratitude for yoga in my life!
Coline Glatin
from Malta, August 2019
"Life changing YTT "
I really enjoyed doing my yoga teacher training with Soma Yoga Institute. Day after day my intuition confirmed I was right about this decision. I felt that I was in the right place, with the right people and the right moment of my life. I feel that I grew so much and gained more confidence than expected as a yoga teacher. I loved the chakras, Ayurveda, and the yoga philosophy. I also really appreciated how the days were built. I will keep this YTT strongly in my heart and memory. The chakra learning confirmed that I want to continue to embrace yoga and my healing path as well as offer yoga professionally in order to help as many people as possible. Thank you. Coline
Anonymous
from United States, August 2019
"The quality of education and of people was excellent ."
The history and philosophy was very clear but my favorite part was the alignment series. I feel like that’s the main reason I came here is to learn how to safely take care of my students.
Lee Metz
from United States, August 2019
"Soma Yoga Institute Costa Rica YTT 200 - August 2019"
This was an amazing intensive YTT. I came away with a better understanding of alignment and yoga philosophy and now know how to properly sequence a class. The anatomy and alignment course work in particular were excellent. Additionally, I enjoyed learning about the anatomy of the body and corresponding issues that may arise in certain parts of the body and how these can be addressed by yoga. I also enjoyed the group chanting and singing sessions and learning more about the business of yoga including how to begin a career as a yoga teacher. I really benefited from the deep experience and knowledge of all facets of a holistic yoga practice that both Liz and Peggy brought to the training. They are wonderful yogis and teachers. - Lee
Julia Kavanagh
from Canada, August 2019
"Incredible"
My experience with Soma Yoga Institute at Zen Spirit in Costa Rica was truly amazing. The curriculum was incredibly comprehensive, and after only being there for two and a half weeks, I've left feeling like I know SO much about yoga, alignment, anatomy, and more. It was challenging and demanding, but extremely rewarding! I would not hesitate to choose a training with Soma. Liz and Peggy were both super knowledgeable and their friendship was so sweet! We had a lot of fun chanting, listening to MC Yogi, and practicing yoga. Liz and Peggy provided a safe space for my fellow yogis and I to explore our bodies and minds through yoga, and I am now more motivated than ever to deepen my practice. The trip was also the perfect length, and Zen Spirit was a beautiful location.
Anonymous
from United States, August 2019
"Student "
Peggy and Liz were both kind, enthusiastic, and helpful during the entire learning process!
Julie Pae
from United States, August 2019
"A life changing experience!"
Overall this has been most rewarding. I loved all the sequences, understanding the true meaning of Yoga, and the self-discovery. Learning how to breathe and what it does for my body is awakening. The meditation and breathing help me focus. I really appreciated Liz as an instructor for her knowledge, experience, sweet voice, and calm presence and Molly for her firecracker fun personality which I loved to be around on and off the mat. Thank you both so much from the bottom of my heart! - Julie Pae
Jenae Dunlop
from Canada, July 2019
"YTT July 2019 Bliss "
Thank you to our teachers, Liz and Molly, for sharing your knowledge, skill, insights, and expertise with grace, fun and professionalism. Thank you for your compassion and grounding presence, and for securing a safe place emotionally and energetically from which to journey deeper into myself. I really liked that the unique backgrounds, strengths, and personalities of all students were continually and consistently considered in relation to lecture material, to hold space for our growth and development as practitioners and teachers. My understanding of yoga deepened a lot; this experience strengthened my understanding of how absolutely essential yoga is for my mental, emotional, and energetic wellbeing. -Jenae
Brittni Genovese
from United States, July 2019
"True Bliss"
I absolutely recommend this program! This experience has truly changed my life! Our teachers, Molly and Liz have a very special gift. My experience has changed my outlook on many different aspects of my life. I feel that I have a deeper connection with my practice and my inner self. My confidence in my own yoga practice is higher than it’s ever been. My favorite topics were the contraindications, alignment, Ayurveda, and chakras because I can apply these into my life and teachings. My relationships are more genuine and I have the knowledge to launch me into a new adventure. Thank you, I am so grateful for everything you shared. - Brittni Genovese
Hannah Holly
from United States, July 2019
"A wonderful experience "
The past 17 days have been some of the best of my life. I feel so grateful to have grown and learned so much alongside such wonderful people. The most important thing I learned through this teacher training is that yoga is more than just a physical practice you might do a few times a week, its a mindset and a way of living. I have learned not only how to sequence and teach yoga classes, I have also learned practices that I can take with me in my own day to day life. Getting to see the variety of personalities and teaching styles inspired me to be myself and implement things I am passionate about into my teaching.
I am so excited and looking forward to this next chapter in my life as a yoga teacher.
—Hannah
Anonymous
from Germany, June 2019
"Best Yoga Teacher Training😊"
Teachers with lots of knowledge and experience.Very profound training. Variety of contents (Yoga-Practice, Philosophy, own teaching-practice, therapeutic Yoga, restorative Yoga, Vinyasayoga, Anatomy, Yoga for seniors , meditation, mantras etc. etc.). Goooood and organic food 😊 extremely nice area. Clean beach, beautiful lovely staff at retreat centre😍 Susan
Ami Sandlin
from United States, June 2019
"Book with Confidence!"
I really enjoyed the patient and encouraging teaching, the close friendships that were formed, and the gorgeous location (The Okreblue Retreat in Paros, Greece) of this 200-hour yoga teacher training program! I will definitely be recommending this program and hope to train with Soma Yoga Institute again in the future. This experience affected my life in so many unexpected ways. All of them positive. I came away with more self-acceptance, skills I am certain will be of benefit to my own health as well as the health and lives of others and a much broader worldview.
Soma Yoga Institute expertly takes care of all the details so your sole focus can be embracing this life changing experience. I would confidently put my trust in Soma Yoga Institute again.
--Ami Sandlin
Patrizia Trojani Poggi
from United States, June 2019
All
Anonymous
from Switzerland, June 2019
Becca Freer
from United States, June 2019
"Incredible YTT in Greece"
The most amazing 18 days. Liz and Molly were the two perfect teachers to further my yoga practice and become certified at the 200 hour level. They were inviting and compassionate and so well studied and experienced. Okreblue, the accommodation, was great. Rooms were cleaned everyday and just steps away from the beach. The kitchen staff was amazing, as well as the food. Liz and Molly were always receptive to new ideas and schedule requests. Overall, an incredible experience that I would recommend to all.
Anonymous
from United States, February 2019
"The most perfect yoga teacher training for me"
This training could not have been better suited to what I was looking for from my education. The location and food alone were enough to raise the vibrational energy of the group, and Liz and Peggy were so patient, devoted, understanding, thoughtful, and knowledgeable in their teaching. The education covered so many different topics and took the time to dive deep into each of them and loop them back into the discussion day after day. Liz and Peggy have put so much effort and love into their program, and it showed through every moment of the training. If you are considering a therapeutic yoga teacher training, you would be hard pressed to find a better one.
Katie Fielding
from United Kingdom, January 2019
"Excellent teaching, amazing food, beautiful location"
Peggy and Liz, have such an amazing depth of knowledge. They created a learning environment that was so supportive, I am more ready to teach than I was expecting.
In addition to learning how to teach I am taking away teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that I will integrate into my life.
I also had a break through in my meditation practice.
I would definitely recommend this training. - Katie
Madison Fowler
from United States, September 2018
"The perfect transition from student to teacher! "
Overall this program went above and beyond my expectations. Liz and Molly were exemplary teachers with such a profound wealth of knowledge and experience! The most useful aspect was the complete immersion into the teaching. It wasn’t just learning, it was hands-on experience as well as actual teaching experience. It can be extremely overwhelming to even stand in front of a group of people. However, they have designed a program that provides you with a wealth of information, understanding, and experience to ease you into the instructors position. It was the perfect transition from yoga student, into yoga instructor! -Madison
Aurélie Azazga
from Belgium, August 2018
"A life-changing experience "
My 200 hours YTT with Soma Institute was beyond my expectations. The program gave me a deeper knowledge of yoga, both theoretical and practical.
I particularly appreciated the focus on alignement, the poses study and the introduction to work therapeutically with yoga. Liz underlined the fact that each body is unique and that we need to take that in consideration during each yoga class.
The sequencing part was also very useful. After each yoga class, we took the time to analyze the sequence. We learned how to create our own sequence and how to teach it.
Beside alignement, sequencing and the art of teaching, we had an really good introduction on meditation, chanting, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, pranayama and the energy body.
Liz and Molly are two authentic teachers that love sharing their passion for yoga with their students. They are very complimentary and form a perfect duo.
From the first day, the atmosphere in the group was very pleasant, trustful and fun. I felt like a member of a loving community very quickly.
The program is designed in a way that you learn a lot everyday without even realize it (I taught my first sun salutation after only two 2 days). It impacted my personal practice and changed my perspective on teaching yoga. Today, I’m feeling confident to teach really soon my first Vinyasa or Restorative yoga class.
After attending this YTT, nothing’s changed, but everything has changed for me.
Elizabeth DeAngelo
from United States, August 2018
"Life-Changing Experience"
Learning from Liz and Molly was fantastic. They both brought such different gifts to share with the class and worked seamlessly together to create a challenging yet enjoyable curriculum. The location was absolutely stunning, and our eighteen days flew by. My understanding of Yoga deepened considerably. I’m excited to go forth and share what I know while constantly learning more. Also, this training taught me the importance of having a personal practice, which I believe will continue to impact my life in a profound way. I definitely recommend this program and can't thank Liz and Molly enough!
Darla Chenin
from United States, August 2018
"Full of love and life long friendships "
Coming to this yoga teacher training was one of the best decisions of my life. I really enjoyed and appreciated the dedication and love poured into the training. Not only did I learn tools for practicing and teaching, I learned tools to incorporate into all aspects of my life. I loved learning about the philosophy of yoga, and although my understanding is much deeper, I have the passion to learn more and deepen my understanding. I also really appreciated the focus on alignment and safety. By the end of the training I gained so much confidence and love for teaching. I loved sharing my journey and watching all the other students grow. This program was amazing!
Thank you so much Liz and Molly! I hope to see you in the future for 300 hour training!
Megan Goldberg
from United States, April 2018
"Everything and more!"
This YTT was one of the most incredible experiences of my life - I literally liked every, single, thing. Since I had only been practicing yoga for one year, this experience was a game changer for me. It not only enhanced my personal practice and knowledge, it has prepared me to teach - and right away, no less. I absolutely loved everything about the program.
The two instructors (Liz and Molly) were beyond knowledgeable, enjoyable, attentive to the array of students they had, and fun! The coursework was incredible - I can't believe how much I didn't know about yoga. Now I feel confident about alignment principles, vinyasa techniques, asana fundamentals, chanting, pranayama, meditation techniques, how to sequence, how to teach, the history of yoga, anatomy & physiology, ethics when teaching, and the icing on the cake - the business of yoga. The yoga classes throughout the program were insanely good - we literally took next level yoga classes to understand the art of vinyasa sequencing, yin, restorative, senior, beginner, and therapeutic yoga. The therapeutics and restorative coursework was invaluable as I now understand ways to help my family and friends feel better and live healthier lives.
Last, but certainly not least, the Kalani Oceanside Retreat accommodation was beyond. Doing a YTT on the big island of Hawaii, in a rain forest, next to the ocean, only a few miles away from an active volcano was EVERYTHING!
Jessica Card
from Canada, February 2018
"Great Experience! Highly Recommended!"
Liz and Peggy were extremely positive and energetic. They are very knowledgeable and eager to share their love of yoga. Their style of yoga and background were exactly what I was looking for (I thoroughly researched various schools and instructors before deciding this course might be the best fit for me).
Although I felt info overload after the first 3 days (it is an intensive afterall), their constant reassurance and ability to put it to practice during the rest of the course made it stick. By the end of the course, I felt capable of building on the principles I had learned and teaching my own yoga classes. I loved all the people I met best of all! It really was a supportive and engaging community and team learning environment. Travelling in the area was easy and felt safe this time of year (January and I speak Spanish).
Alyssa Martinez
from United States, January 2018
" Amazing experience"
I loved everything. The people i met was the most amazing part of this trip
Betty Peel
from United States, January 2018
"Amazing!"
The total immersion experience was the key to this YTT. Liz and Peggy are such knowledgeable and caring instructors who were very aware of and responsive to group and individual needs. This experience created an awareness that yoga is so much more than practicing asanas (although that was fun, too!). The rainforest setting, delicious food, and wonderful group made for a totally moving and memorable experience; I can't imagine completing my yoga teacher training any better way.