5 weekly sessions
6 pm ET – 9 pm ET each week
Instructor: Monique
Location: Education Centre and/or Online
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Trainees!
Holding space is a continual learning process. Although teachers and other wellness practitioners show up with positive intent, offerings may have an unexpected impact. Many folks do not feel welcome, face obstacles of all kinds, and are sometimes adversely affected by what happens in yoga and mindfulness classes.
Through discussion about the dynamics of power and privilege, participants will learn to offer yoga in a way that honours the tradition of yoga and celebrates the spectrum of human diversity. By understanding the connections between trauma and yoga, we can take skilful action.
Program Outline
Participants will develop a trauma-informed lens and come away with resources to integrate into their own lives and to support the well-being of others. This course is an experiential learning opportunity designed to build on current capacities and empower sustainable service.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to design trauma-informed offerings by co-creating spaces and practices that welcome diverse lived experiences.
- Gain awareness of social justice and the importance of strengths-based approaches to creating safe and supportive yoga spaces.
- Develop an expanded understanding of trauma—including types of trauma and their impact—and critically examine mainstream narratives about healing and resilience.
- Connect the teachings of yoga, including the Yoga Sutras and Polyvagal Theory, to trauma-informed and responsive service, supporting healing and growth from a nervous system perspective.
- Build care capacities to address issues as they arise and serve in a sustainable, compassionate way.
- Practice applying trauma-informed approaches through class sequences and 1:1 sessions using key elements of safety, responsiveness, and empowerment.
- Support the well-being of others by fostering resilience and connection within yoga communities.
Competencies: 1.3, 2.3, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Learning Materials:
- PranaShanti Course PowerPoint Slide Package
- Film: The Wisdom of Trauma with Gabor Mate (by donation)
- Book: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment by David Emerson
There are no additional fees, books, supply costs or other additional expenses beyond the course fee for this course.
Assessment:
Pre-course reading assignment that is discussed during course. Informal Observation: In-session. Open-ended Questions: In-session. Practice Teaching with Feedback. Small Group Exercises: Pairs and triads reporting back to full group. Group Project.
Dates and Times
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 to May 12, 2026
- 5 weekly sessions
- 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET each week
Periodic breaks will be provided.
Cost
SAVE $50.00 when you register on or before February 28, 2026, for $475.00 per person.
$525.00 per person thereafter
Fee includes training, training materials noted above, and certificate of completion.
If you’re attending from outside Ottawa, Canada, and wish to receive printed training materials by mail, please register at least 10 days before the course start date to ensure delivery. E-documents will be provided otherwise.
Note
This course is open to the general public. 6 months to 1 year of regular yoga practice is recommended for participation.
For 200 hour certified Yoga Teachers this course provides CEUs with Yoga Alliance.
This course is also part of our Yoga Alliance 300 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and our 800 Hour Yoga Therapy Training.
300 Hour Elective Module: 20 Hours
800 Hour Program – Core Module – 20 hours
Maximum registration is 24 participants.