Modern studio spaces and Yoga practices can trigger those who have experienced trauma in their lives. While the Western lens of Yoga is asana-based, focuses on performance, and promotes the Yoga industrial complex, this approach to trauma-conscious Yoga is steeped in cultural sensitivity, compassion, and knowledge of the nervous system and brain as they relate to trauma. It is important for anyone who is offering yogic practices as a teacher and/or business to be conscious of the entire spectrum of trauma in order to create a space for reduction of harm and re-traumatization, balanced with healing and transformation.

The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Training is designed to provide Yoga teachers with the skills to share Yoga with first responders, veterans, trauma survivors, those affected by PTSD and traumatic stress, as well as caregivers and service providers. This training is distinct from other trauma trainings in that it is taught and led by two African American women who are Yoga teachers with various traumatic experiences—gender-based, racialized, sexual, historic, and intergenerational trauma—that they lean on to inform their contemplative practices and the foundation of knowledge they draw from to instruct teachers and other practitioners. In addition to this expansion of the definition of trauma, the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Training covers material related to veterans groups, incarcerated populations, and other groups normally thought of in the context of trauma training.

We will also cover trauma through the lens of social justice; how it affects the body, nervous system, brain, and spirit; toxic masculinity and femininity, patriarchy, and colonialism; self-care and community care; and seva (selfless service) in community. These are important considerations as we navigate the transitions in the world since the coronavirus pandemic (economic, social, racial) and the severe disruption and dislocation that we have experienced collectively. This collective dislocation is a significant shared traumatic experience that we as teachers and a Yoga community must be mindful of and in service to alleviating.

Upon completion, you will be able to:

• Create compassionate, safe, and sacred spaces for those affected by trauma
• Reflect upon their own trauma and triggers in a deep, substantive way
• Consider how trauma-conscious Yoga can be scaled and adapted to inform teaching, therapy, and personal practice
• Develop meaningful partnerships within communities of service

The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Training will use Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, pranayama (breathing practices), and meditation techniques to help students excavate and discover a deeper understanding of self in relation to the yamas and niyamas (ethical guidelines). This experiential training will provide the framework for an embodied practice that can be taught in a wide range of traumatized communities and can serve as an essential toolkit for Yoga teachers. It is intended for all people willing to learn how to reduce harm, to compassionately confront their own samskaras (mental impressions) that have inadvertently created harm, and broaden their awareness and definition of trauma (individually and collectively). It will prepare you as a teacher to be more responsive to the needs of a broader audience, expand your toolkit of types and techniques to address trauma, and heal yourself in the process

Training Information

This training includes 5 modules:

1. The Social Justice Lens
2. How Trauma Affects the Body and Brain
3. Toxic Femininity, Masculinity, Colonialism, Patriarchy
4. The Importance of Self-Care to Community Care
5. Applicability of Service in Community

Prerequisites

200-hour Yoga certification. Those who have a regular and well-established Yoga practice can also apply. This training is for anyone who is teaching or interested in teaching Yoga to people and communities who have experienced trauma.

Continuing Education (CE) Opportunities

• Yoga Alliance (YA): Approximately 20 contact hours.
  You can input your contact hours using your YA login information.
• Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) can provide you a CE certificate with your program’s total contact hours for a $10 fee (free for IYTA members.) For more information, email ce@iyta.org.

Testimonials

Pamela is a most knowledgeable and sincere presenter. Her course is a blend of science, Yoga, and real life. — Sabrina Castaneda

This training was a blessing to my clients, as well as to myself. The thoughtful ways in which the instructors were able to unpack and address our questions, and the sensitive way that they managed to both inform and allow open dialogue was a beautiful thing to be a part of. I learned so much, and really had a transformative experience. — Past Participant

This class far exceeded my expectations including the material presented, class participation. The most amazing part of the class was the trainers. Their knowledge and ability to worked together and deliver the appropriate knowledge made for a most meaningful experience. — Past Participant