Mentorship for New Yin Yoga Teachers: Why It’s Essential for Growth and Confidence
- Dr. Karina Smith
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Congratulations, You’re a Yin Yoga Teacher! 🎉
You’ve completed your yoga teacher training—and not only that, you’ve taken the leap into the deep, nourishing world of Yin Yoga.
So, how’s it all landing?
I imagine your mind is still swimming in information—anatomy gems about skeletal variation, cueing techniques, posture names, prenatal safety tips, and the subtle art of using your voice intentionally.
It’s a lot.
Maybe you’ve started teaching already.
Maybe you’re still figuring out where you’ll offer classes, what to charge, or how to feel ready enough.
Maybe you’re even wondering if everyone else knows what they’re doing (spoiler: they don’t).
If you're nodding along to any of that—congratulations again. You're right on track.
Hi, I’m Dr. Karina Smith
If we haven’t met yet, I’m a Melbourne based Yin Yoga teacher who has been facilitating Yin Yoga teacher trainings for the past eight years and I am also an AHPRA-registered Acupuncturist, and NLP coach. If you want to learn more about me you can click HERE
I've had the honour of training over 170 Yin teachers and held the position of being the Anatomy and Yin lecturer at the Australian Yoga Academy in Melbourne for over seven years.
I’ve spent countless hours in rooms with teacher trainees—listening, guiding, witnessing their growth and doubts. I’ve also been deeply supported in my own path through incredible mentorship, not only from senior yoga teachers but from mentors in many disciplines.
Why?
Because having someone to reflect with, to ask questions, to get reassurance or a reality check, is everything when you’re finding your footing as a teacher.
Mentorship has helped me stay grounded, inspired, and continually evolving. And now, I want to offer that support to you.
What New Yin Yoga Teachers Often Struggle With and lack confidence in
For seven years, I ran weekly practice nights where trainees would teach one another, followed by open, supportive feedback. Over time, the same themes came up again and again.
Here are the top 10 struggles I’ve seen new Yin teachers face:
Feeling like they must fill every silence—long pauses feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Worrying about offending students by saying the wrong thing or cueing too directly.
Panicking over prop alternatives—especially when a posture isn’t landing for someone.
Thinking they must teach Chinese Medicine theory in every class (hint: you really don’t).
Fearing their sequences are boring or repetitive.
Overthinking fidgety or disengaged students—and making up stories about what that means.
Spending hours planning classes each week.
Feeling like they never know enough.
Dreading anatomy questions after class.
Constantly second-guessing themselves.
Can you relate?
Maybe you see all of these in yourself.
That’s okay.
You are not alone.
Why Mentorship Is So Valuable After Training
Once you start teaching, it’s easy to feel like you're in a vacuum.
Students are kind, they follow your guidance, and they might even say “thank you” on the way out—but the real feedback, the nuanced insights, the “Am I doing this right?” conversations?
Those are hard to come by.
A mentor gives you space to:
Reflect on your teaching style
Workshop sticky class moments
Grow in confidence and clarity
Remember you’re human—and evolving
And ask all the deep burning questions
How I Support Yin Yoga Teachers Through Mentorship
I offer online 1:1 mentoring sessions designed especially for newly graduated Yin teachers. These aren’t cookie-cutter check-ins—they’re tailored, honest, nurturing conversations where you can ask anything and leave feeling seen and supported.
Together we might:
Workshop sequences that feel flat
Talk through student dynamics that threw you off
Revisit anatomy or philosophical themes
Develop your unique voice as a teacher
Clarify your pricing, marketing, or class structure
Whether you’ve just graduated or are a few months in and feeling unsure, this space is for you.
What to Look for in a Yin Yoga Mentor
Trust your gut.
Look for someone who:
Has real-world experience teaching and mentoring
Can blend Yin philosophy, practical class guidance, and body-based wisdom
Offers empathy, not judgment
Encourages your individual path—not a one-size-fits-all approach
I hold mentorship with integrity, humility, and a true love for helping teachers blossom. If you feel called to work together, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.
Is Online Mentorship Right for You?
If you're craving connection, guidance, and some real talk about teaching Yin yoga—not just the theory, but the lived experience—then yes, it probably is.
These sessions are gentle, insightful, and deeply validating. You can book a one-off session or work with me regularly over time. Whatever supports your growth.
Feeling the Call to Be Mentored? Here's Your Next Step
If this speaks to you, I’d love to meet you.
You can book a mentorship session or set up a free discovery call
Let’s grow your confidence, your voice, and your beautiful Yin teaching journey—together.
Did you know you can also leave me a comment on this blog if you have a question!
I can't wait to see the way you continue to flourish in your teaching, and to see all the incredible value you give to your students along the way.
Thanks for being here.
Love Karina x
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