Trauma-Informed, Brain-Sensitive Yoga Training


Informed by emerging fields of trauma research and neuroscience, this powerful and unique training blends yoga, neuroscience, mindfulness, and brain science to address the complexities and residues of trauma in brain, mind and body. Together, we explore the rhythms of trauma, its manifestations in the mind and body, and how to re-awaken crucial brain capacities for living a vital life. We will dive deeply into polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and the value of right and left brain functions. Integrated with and facilitated through yogic practices, this is an embodied practice of social justice and transformation.

This training is appropriate for yoga teachers and mental health professionals. It is designed for those interested in integrating yoga, mindfulness, and meditation into their work.

HISTORY: With so much increasing need for safe, informed, attuned, sensitive, adaptive, inclusive, and culturally competent care, yoga has become considered a vital resource in settings where such care is needed. DAYA Foundation has provided yoga programs in prisons, hospitals, schools, and rehab centers, mental health triage centers, immigration centers, and domestic violence shelters.

While yoga provides a body-centered, brain-nurturing, stress-reducing experience, and develops the life skills tool kit our community members need to move from struggling with surviving to learning about thriving, HOW yoga is provided has a significant impact on its efficacy.

This trauma-informed, brain-sensitive yoga training responds to the rising needs and prepares teachers for HOW to deliver truly effective yoga.​
  • Students will learn the
    • neurological, physiological, and psycho-spiritual workings of yoga for the brain, body, mind, and heart.
    • trauma-informed principles for the triune brain and polyvagal systems.
    • mindfulness-tools that help acclimate students' to increasing levels of safety and self-awareness.
    • breathing practices to disarm over-active (rajasic) or to nourish under-active (tamasic) nervous systems.
    • integration of right and left brain aspects for yoga practices.
    • essential relationship skills based on attachment theory and brain development.
  • We will also focus in skill development, in real time.  Sarahjoy and TIBS mentors support the development of participants':
    • ​Voice prosody, pace, and purpose.
    • Language choices and strategies.
    • Personal and interpersonal resonance.
  • Compassionate responsiveness (not enmeshment).


    SLIDING SCALE INVESTMENT/CONTRIBUTION


    As with all of our programs at the DAYA Foundation, we prioritize accessibility AND we appreciate students responsibly choosing the level of their own contribution for the investment in this course. 

    Sustainer: Your investment contribution helps us to sustain our mission and vision and to provide Prison Yoga Outreach to Oregon's prisons as well as to provide our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training program inside those institutions. 

    Reciprocity:     Your investment contribution helps us to offer scholarships to students who are strong candidates for this training but who do not have the financial means to invest in it. These students have commitment to service to the greater good. 

    Mutuality: Your investment contribution helps us to provide adaptive, medically-sensitive yoga classes to students facing life-challenging and life-changing medical conditions. 

    Accessibility: We are honored to support you to attend this training and to utilize the skills gained in the service work you intend to do.

    24 Lessons in Mindfulness, Yoga, Trauma-Sensitivity, and Interpersonal Neurobiology
    10 In-Depth Practicum Sessions integrating the teachings 

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