Soma Yoga and Trauma Specialist (SYTS) Certification
Includes 5 weekend courses
with Elle Live on ZOOM or in person hybrid program
Time: 11:30 am – 7pm Saturday and Sunday
Location: ZOOM or studio
Cost: $330 plus HST or $373 per module
This Teacher Training is open to people of all levels and all backgrounds; you do not need any specific training prior to attending, although we strongly recommend having a current yoga practice.
We believe this training will be most helpful for:
Yoga teachers who wish to expand their skills and knowledge in trauma-sensitive yoga and somatic practices.
Social workers and therapists seeking to integrate somatic approaches and compassionate presence into their therapeutic work with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Health care professionals interested in incorporating yoga and somatic practices as complementary tools in supporting trauma healing and stress reduction.
Educators looking to enhance their understanding of trauma-sensitive practices to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.
Community service personnel and activists aiming to utilize trauma-sensitive yoga to promote sustainable healing within their communities.
Flexible Hybrid training: The training will include both online lectures and in-person practicum classes in the studio. This format offers flexibility and accessibility to participants from different locations.
Weekend 1: September 16/17 2023
Soma Yoga I – Foundations of Soma/Trauma Yoga, Compassionate Presence
In this foundational module, participants will be introduced to the principles of Soma Yoga, which emphasizes the wisdom of the body and embodied experiences. They will learn the basics of trauma-informed practices and compassionate presence, understanding how to create a safe and inclusive space for all students, including those who may have experienced trauma.
The module covers:
- Introduction to Soma Yoga and its principles of body awareness, mindful movement, and embodiment.
- Understanding trauma and its impact on the body, mind, and spirit.
- The amygdala – our brain’s survival referencing system.
- The neurochemistry of chronic threat exposure and its effects on the nervous system.
- The Autonomic Nervous System & Stress Response.
- Cultivating compassionate presence as a yoga teacher and developing self-compassion.
Weekend 2: Nov 4/5th 2023
Soma Yoga II – Movements for Trauma, Stress, Anxiety and Depression
In this module, participants will delve deeper into the specific effects of trauma on the body’s movement patterns and nervous system. They will learn somatic practices and movements designed to regulate the nervous system and support trauma healing.
The module covers:
- The neurobiology of trauma and its influence on movement patterns.
- Somatic practices for grounding, centering, and regulating the nervous system.
- Trauma-sensitive adjustments and modifications for yoga postures.
- Polyvagal Theory and its relevance to trauma-informed yoga.
- Creating trauma-informed sequences that promote stability and empowerment.
Weekend 3: February 10/11 2024
Soma Yoga III – Compassionate Presence and Holding Space with Mind/body IntegrationsIn this module, participants will focus on deepening their compassionate presence as yoga teachers. They will explore how to hold space for students with sensitivity and empathy, fostering an environment of trust and support. Additionally, they will explore the koshas, the layers of the human experience, and how trauma can impact each layer.
The module covers:
- Advanced compassionate presence techniques for holding space for students’ emotional experiences.
- Understanding the koshas and their relevance to trauma-informed yoga.
- Integrating trauma-sensitive mind/body practices into each layer of the koshas.
- Our body’s self-communication system: Cultivating emotional intelligence as a yoga teacher.
Weekend 4: June 1-2 2024
Soma Yoga IV – Advanced Somatice Practices
In this module, participants will continue to deepen their understanding and application of Soma Yoga principles. They will explore more advanced somatic practices and movements to support trauma resolution and embodiment.
The module covers:
* Advanced somatic practices for releasing tension and stored trauma in the body.
* Working with the body’s natural intelligence for healing and integration.
* Incorporating breathwork, visualization, and mindfulness techniques into trauma-informed sequences.
* Overview of Attachment Theory and its implications for trauma and healing.
* Addressing challenges and complexities that may arise when working with trauma.
Weekend 5: July 21/22 2024
Soma Yoga V- Integrative Practices for Trauma Sensitive and Compassionate Presence
In the final module, participants will focus on integrating all the knowledge and skills gained throughout the training. They will engage in practical teaching exercises, case studies, and group discussions to refine their trauma-sensitive teaching and compassionate presence approach.
The module covers:
- Practice teaching trauma-informed yoga classes.
- Case studiesand group discussions to deepen understanding and problem-solving.
- Creating trauma-informed lesson plans and programs for different populations and settings.
- Final project , Graduation and celebration of the completion of the Soma Yoga and Trauma-Informed Teacher Training.
Note: Participants are encouraged to engage in personal reflection and self-care throughout the training journey. This training will include opportunities for ongoing support and mentorship as participants begin to apply their learnings in their teaching practice. This course is certified via Canadaian Yoga Alliance and American Yoga Alliances. ( CYAS) for 100 hours of training.
Meditation and Relaxation Specialist (MRS) Certification
Includes 4 weekend courses
with Elle on ZOOM or in person hybrid program
Time: 11:30 am – 7pm Saturday and Sunday
Location: ZOOM or studio
Cost: $330 plus HST or $373 per module
These courses are for yoga teachers or anyone who is interested in deepening a meditation practice. They can be taken individually or all 4 modules to become a Meditation and Relaxation specialist. Please note all of our courses are currently taught in a Hybrid class structure with live Zoom lectures and in-person practicum classes tests and lectures will be online.
Weekend 1: December 16/17 2023
Meditation for Yoga Teachers – I
- Learn Mediation and mindfulness practices to deepen your teachings.
- Review meditation techniques from Raja Yoga EWYT(RYT200) exploring longer practices.
- Explore preparation pranayama and asana practices for meditation.
- Develop the skill to plan and deliver a meditation class, workshop or program.
Weekend 2: April 20/21 2024
Meditation for Yoga Teachers II
• Learn the importance of observational awareness for healing trauma.
• Understand how to link meditation to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques.
• Explore how to link meditation to the teaching of Louise Hay, Byron Katie and Eckhart Tolle.
• Expand you understanding of Japa practice and how to use affirmation/mantras to affect personal change and transformation.
Weekend 3: May 11/12 2024
Deep Relaxation and Somatics for Yoga Teachers
• Learn the health benefits of Relaxation practice.
• Review deep relaxation techniques covered in YES I and EWYT(RYT200) Raja course, such as: progressive relaxation, autogenic relaxation, biofeedback relaxation and Yoga Nidra and somatic awareness
• Discover new methods of deep relaxation from the self or auto hypnosis repertoire and the link between Yoga Nidra and hypnosis.
• Explore how to integrate visualization and inquiry techniques into deep relaxation
Weekend 4: October 19/20 2024
Soma Yoga I – Foundations of Soma/Trauma Yoga, Compassionate Presence
In this foundational module, participants will be introduced to the principles of Soma Yoga, which emphasizes the wisdom of the body and embodied experiences. They will learn the basics of trauma-informed practices and compassionate presence, understanding how to create a safe and inclusive space for all students, including those who may have experienced trauma.
The module covers:
- Introduction to Soma Yoga and its principles of body awareness, mindful movement, and embodiment.
- Understanding trauma and its impact on the body, mind, and spirit.
- The amygdala – our brain’s survival referencing system.
- The neurochemistry of chronic threat exposure and its effects on the nervous system.
- The Autonomic Nervous System & Stress Response.
- Cultivating compassionate presence as a yoga teacher and developing self-compassion.
Some Training Manuals written by Susie Dias @ www.easttowestyoga.com or Eloisa Slimmon For more info call Liberty Movement and Wellness: 416-879-0711