TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Grounded in science, guided from the heart, and devoted to humanity through trauma recovery and yoga education. Learn how to teach Somatic Yoga in a Trauma-Informed way!
Our Roots & Sister School Connection
Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Trainings are offered through our sister school, The Somatic Yoga Institute.
The Somatic Yoga Institute is a school devoted to trauma-informed yoga, somatic awareness, and embodied healing — where the wisdom of the body becomes a gateway to nervous system regulation, emotional liberation, and spiritual connection.
The Somatic Yoga Institute’s mission is to cultivate spaces of deep embodiment and remembrance, honoring the intelligence of the body and the lived experience of each individual.
Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training programs are designed for individuals hoping to serve in a variety of spaces including therapeutic settings, mental health organizations, local yoga studios, or anyone looking for a more modern and science focused approach to sharing Yoga.
“New to trauma-informed yoga? Read our complete guide to what trauma-informed yoga is and what to expect on a training.
Our Common Vision
Together, we honor the ancient roots of yoga while responding to the needs of contemporary practitioners — especially those seeking healing, nervous system resilience, and sacred embodiment. Whether you join a more traditional yoga teacher training with School Yoga Institute or a somatic-focused training with us, you’re stepping into a lineage of heart-led learning, deep transformation, and empowered service.
Training Curriculum Overview
Because of the sensitive and intimate subject matter, we encourage all participants to have their own therapeutic support systems outside of the program container. Some of the topics covered in these programs are:
- What is Trauma?
- The Nervous System and Polyvagal Theory
- Tools for Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation
- The Story of Yoga through a Trauma-Informed lens
- Yamas and Niyamas through a Trauma-Informed lens
- Considerations for teaching trauma affected populations
- Teaching Trauma-Informed Meditation and Pranayama
- Authenticity, Attachment, and Attunement
- Post-Traumatic Growth and The Future of Yoga
- Anatomy of the brain
- Understanding the nervous system
- Neuroscience and Neurobiology research studies about embodiment and trauma
- Understanding symptomology ~ Yoga for Anxiety, Depression, OC(D) and PTS(D)
- Trauma-Informed Chakra Work
- Yoga for all bodies
- Depathologizing and destigmatizing mental illness
- Inclusive language
- Resourcing and Self Regulation
- Shadow work
- Effective communication techniques
- Scope of Practice for Yoga Teachers
- Self-care within community care
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?
- Therapists
- Social workers
- Nurses
- Healthcare professionals
- Activists
- School teachers
- Yoga teachers
- Wellness practitioners
- Mental health advocates
- Parents and caregivers
- Coaches
- Bodyworkers
- Community leaders
- Individuals seeking personal growth
When “teaching” Yoga, we are not just guiding poses.
We are guiding people.
We are guiding nervous systems.
We are guiding complex and unique physiologies.
Each of us has a different orientation of how we perceive our own safety or lack thereof. Through a psycho-somatic understanding of Trauma and the ways it lives in the body, we can embrace the practice of Yoga in a way that permits each individual to have their own experience. Psycho-education around dissociation and disembodiment can give us the tools to not only understand our own physiology but the ways in which the inner worlds and trauma responses of the folks that we work with may differ from our own.
A yoga space that honors the nuance of the human experience facilitates an environment where each practitioner can take agency over their own bodily autonomy, nervous system regulation, and power of choice. A truly trauma-informed environment embraces and welcomes all emotional realities while highlighting the undeniable truth that embodiment means discerning for oneself what feels right and what feels safe in each moment.
Our integration of this knowledge then informs the way that we show up to hold space for others on their mats. With compassion, curiosity, and kindness we can broaden our willingness to meet the fluctuations of being human both within ourselves and within each other. Embodiment practices and Somatic Techniques, such as Yoga asana, are proven to be the most effective modality in trauma recovery. With this in mind, we learn that we can excavate art from our painful experiences and use it all as a source of freedom and authentic self-expression.
Through the lens of Trauma-Informed education, Yoga is not only an art and a science but a necessity for the future of our world at large.
WHAT OUR COMMUNITY SAYS
Read reviews and testimonials from our students and graduates
This experience reminded me how much mentorship matters. Jeanine and Brooke brought so much integrity, warmth, and authenticity to the container. Because of my past wounds, it’s been extremely nourishing to experience their female mentorship and wisdom – and love. It’s rare to find teachers who walk their talk the way they do, and I’m grateful to have learned from them.
I’m incredibly excited to go out and teach trauma-informed yoga – not only in studios, but also in spaces where it is most needed: hospitals, prisons, and communities struggling with food insecurity. The more we spread trauma-informed wisdom and yoga, the more we empower others with the tools to heal.
I will carry what I learned here with me for the rest of my life. And I will carry the deep sense of gratitude I have for Brooke, Jeanine, and the entire School Yoga Institute community. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for holding me. Thank you for reminding me that healing is possible, and that I don’t have to walk the path alone.
This training offered tools, language, and space. More than that, it offered reflection. Some people see yoga as purely physical, just a workout or sweat – but for those of us whose souls are calling for more, for those who’ve lived through silence, shame, and survival, trauma-informed yoga isn’t just a modality. It’s a homecoming.
Overall, it was an amazing experience and prepared me for a future of teaching yoga through a trauma-informed lens. I look forward to joining you again in the future for my trauma-informed 300-hour training!
This experience was deeply impactful and nourishing of my soul and my heart, is the biggest understatement ever. I am so grateful that I made the choice to join this amazing group in Portugal. What i life-changing experience that I will hold dearly to my heart for the rest of my life.
I work with sexual violence survivors and see the value of trauma-informed yoga. The training provided safety, inclusivity, and tools to support healing.
This training gave me tools in self-regulation, confidence, and space-holding. I plan to volunteer, integrate yoga into occupational therapy, and expand my knowledge. Grateful for this journey!
ABOUT OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED YTT
Trauma-informed yoga is specifically designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma. This type of yoga takes into account the unique needs and experiences of individuals who have experienced trauma and creates a safe and healing space for them to practice. Unlike traditional Yoga, Trauma-Informed Yoga focuses on creating a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their bodies and their feelings. This type of yoga is typically practiced in a small group setting, with a focus on building community and creating a safe and supportive environment.
A Trauma-Informed Yoga Training will teach you how to create a trauma-informed yoga practice that is safe, supportive, and healing. You will learn specific techniques and strategies that you can use to help individuals who have experienced trauma to feel more comfortable and at ease in their bodies. It will also help you develop greater empathy and compassion for individuals who have experienced trauma. This increased empathy and compassion can help you to better support and connect with your students, and to create a more welcoming and inclusive yoga community.
School Yoga Institute offers Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Trainings since 2019. As we recognized an emerging desire for Yoga Trainings that focuses on mental health, emotional intelligence, and social justice, we have spent the last several years expanding our curriculum and content with the abundant new research and information emerging in the world of trauma. Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Trainings were created and are led by Jeanine Talento and Brooke Alexander, two of our most beloved and seasoned facilitators.
Our Trauma-Informed offerings differ greatly from our Mystical programs. While we still cover, revere, and honor Yogic history and the sacred nature of these ancient practices – this specific methodology serves as a more modern approach to Yogic pedagogy.
We view our trauma-informed curriculum as a bridge between western psychology and eastern philosophy. Because of this, we have participants interested in teaching Yoga in more traditional settings, as well as those who are looking to share Yoga in more alternative settings such as in therapy, hospitals, schools, prisons, addiction centers, domestic violence centers, etc.
We offer a Trauma-Informed 200hr YTT, and several trauma-informed continuing education programs. Depending on the participant’s career goals, the expectations when signing up for a Trauma-Informed Yoga Training may vary.
WHY choose a YOGA ALLIANCE REGISTERED SCHOOL
A Yoga Alliance Certification marks a pivotal achievement for yoga teachers, signifying their completion of a comprehensive training program that adheres to the rigorous standards set by Yoga Alliance.
By pursuing a certification through a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS) like School Yoga Institute, with more than 1000+ positive student reviews on Yoga Alliance, you’re not only enhancing your teaching credibility but also opening doors to teaching opportunities worldwide.