Training

Trauma-Sensitive Recovery Yoga Training

NOVEMBER 3 - 5, 2023

Higher Ground is offering trauma-sensitive recovery yoga training with Mike Huggins, Founder of Transformation Yoga Project, to provide 15 hours of community-based, trauma-informed training. The goal is to provide greater access to the powerful tools of yoga and mindfulness through impactful yoga service.

In this weekend-long training, led by Cheryl Spera E-RYT® 200, Nina Wong E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, and Mike Huggins E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, participants can expect to learn tools, techniques, and best practices for teaching trauma-sensitive yoga with a focus on those dealing with substance abuse recovery and/or trapped within the justice system. Alongside foundational techniques of trauma sensitivity, participants will have an opportunity to share their personal experiences, both on and off the mat. Instructors will walk away equipped to lead trauma-sensitive classes in a variety of community settings.

The following topics will be covered:

  • What trauma is, the various types of trauma, and how unresolved trauma manifests in the setting of a yoga class.

  • How does trauma affect the mind, body and ability to confront the challenges in our lives?

  • How to use Yoga and Mindfulness to heal the mind-body connection.

  • How to provide tools to calm, focus and personal strength, balance, and resiliency.

  • What constitutes a trauma-sensitive recovery Yoga and Mindfulness class.

  • Skillful language and trauma sensitivity.

  • Review of evidence supporting the effectiveness of Yoga.

  • Instruction in specific asana, pranayama and meditation practices that have been proven effective with individuals recovering from trauma.

Our collaborative approach includes instruction, discussion, self-reflection, cooperative learning, application and practice of trauma-sensitive yoga.

What's Included

Comprehensive Training Manual

Copy of the book Yoga for Recovery, Transformation Yoga Project

Daily Yoga Classes

Personal Skill-Building

Scheduled One-on-One Support

15-hour Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits


Experience Community and Connection!

  • Higher Ground brings to you evidence-based practices and methodology of trauma-sensitive yoga in the context of substance abuse and mental health facilities.  Our goal is to provide the highest quality trauma-sensitive yoga foundations and continuing education workshops to yoga instructors and individuals in the community.

  • Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) for Recovery & Behavioral Health Training is adapted from TYP’s training material with an emphasis on recovery. You will learn the key elements of TSY methodology, substance use disorder and trauma, building a TSY class, teaching protocol, TSY practice facilitation, and challenges in implementing a TSY class. Current TSY and trauma theory research in relation to substance use disorder is reviewed. TSY methodology is appropriate for all types of recovery from substance use disorders, eating disorders, and mental health disorders to individuals affected by family members experiencing these conditions.

  • For individuals in recovery and nonprofessionals to learn to teach trauma-informed recovery yoga in their communities.

Schedule

Friday 6 pm Recovery Yoga Class

7 - 9 pm Introductions/Training

Saturday 8 am Yoga Class (optional)

10-4 pm Training

Sunday 8 am Yoga Class (optional)

10-4 pm Training

 

Full and Partial Scholarship Application

If you are interested in a scholarship, please click the link below and apply before registering.

 

“Trauma-Sensitive Yoga for Recovery training was very helpful to further my goals as a competent yoga instructor for those suffering from trauma, mental health concerns, and addiction. I came to this training with previous experience and education in addiction, trauma, and, yoga, and I found that I learned so many helpful tools, approaches, and techniques to enhance my knowledge and professional skillset. I would recommend this training to new yoga teachers as well as more experienced instructors, as there was so much to learn for everyone.”

— Training Participant, February 2022

“I felt so comfortable right at the door. The ambiance that they've created is warm and welcoming. The focus is not to show off how well you can twist yourself up in a knot or show off your flexibility skills, but to allow everyone to feel safe, practice to their capabilities and be comfortable being themselves.”

— Training Participant, November 2021

“I liked the engagement and keeping it real and how we did a practice giving everyone [the opportunity] to instruct a section. We received personalized answers to specific questions we will encounter in our teaching journeys.”

— Training Participant, February 2022

 

Thank You!

We would like to express our very humble appreciation to Transformation Yoga Project (TYP) for supporting us!  Scholarships are provided through a generous donation from TYP for the continuation of TSY recovery yoga training. With permission, our training is adapted from Transformation Yoga Project’s 2019 Yoga for Recovery Training Manual by Michael Huggins, Founder, Colleen DeVirgiliis, former Director of Training, and the entire TYP Team. We are thankful for their trust in us.