Corinn | Online Trauma-Informed YTT Testimonial

Prior to participating in the Trauma Informed Yoga teacher training, I had never taught a yoga class. I have had my own personal experiences with quite a few mental health services (as a client) in my youth and young adulthood. I am now a 30 year old, queer female identifying, neuro-spicy individual who has overcome and worked through trauma using a variety of modalities. I also am a firm believer in a mutli-disciplinary approach that looks at the whole human and sees them as a unique, worthy individual who can heal from even the most traumatic of circumstances. 

One of the concerns addressed during the training was the use of inclusive language, with freedom to explore within different poses finding what feels “right” in individual bodies. This makes the practice not only more enjoyable for everyone, but it also makes it more approachable as a practice that can help individuals who have been through trauma (acute or chronic) who may not know what it means to connect to their bodies. 

I enjoyed not only the extensive knowledge both Brooke and Jeanine brought to the space, but also the safety, inclusivity and creativity that I felt throughout the training and with other members in the group. This provided an ideal space for learning, exploration and further self-reflection and discovery. This was the biggest piece missing from (non-trauma informed) yoga classes/practices that I had attended previously. An element or “vibe” that gives space and permission to make mistakes, get a little messy, and to find out what holds us back from being the beautiful, multi-dimensional, worthy human beings that we all are. 

I have benefitted significantly from the TIY training, as an individual, as an employee at a Sexual Assault Centre in Canada, as a mom to a son with special needs (ASD), and as a human being who sees the need and benefit within my own community. I have learned how to normalize and validate various perspectives, emotions, frustrations that can come up for individuals sometimes. I can use statements like, “preferred shape” or “maybe” or “if it feels right for you today,” to put others at ease. Having regulation be part of the conversation and activity helps to inform and make it easier to understand or access for learners who learn best by doing or feeling in their own bodies. My son learns best this way.

More inclusive, accepting, open-minded, compassionate.

I am excited to bring true, authentic yoga practice through a trauma-informed lens to my home, work and community. I have observed barriers and gaps that certain individuals fall through, which I believe can be minimized or addressed with movement therapies like yoga. I also believe that I am an approachable individual with lots of knowledge about interacting with people of different cultures, values and beliefs. Everyone is worthy of love, care and support, and we need to find creative ways of creating these spaces and places. 

I also was given more learning material and resources to continue to increase my knowledge and advance my ability to teach others. I discovered an interest in anatomy, which I am still learning, integrating and appreciating the complexities of. I know areas that I did well in, and areas where there is room for (compassionate) growth.