Fully Here; Fully Now
Your Movement Therapy 30+hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training (TI-YTT)
The deeper I go into teaching accessible yoga and other wellness modalities, the more I realize trauma is pervasive and needs to be respected. Trauma is a universal and common reality of being human. This is intensified during this global pandemic, enveloping us in collective grief. I realized I needed and wanted more trauma-sensitive training to equip myself better to hold space for those affected by trauma. I am honoured to graduate from Shayla’s Your Movement Therapy Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training (TI-YTT).
As someone living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), I didn’t allow myself to be labelled this way for a long time. I used to think it was a label exclusive to a limited populace, like war veterans. I refused to acknowledge the tombs of trauma I’ve experienced, hiding these parts of myself and seeing them as character flaws. I felt that others would see me as weak if I let down the armour, among more demeaning labels that my mind would conjure. It was scary to look at. Slowly with therapy, and especially with finding the right therapist, I began to rekindle my sense of self-worth enough to be brave enough to come to own this label now. Trauma has shaped who I am, but it doesn’t define who I am. This is the essence of Shayla’s teachings and what attracted me to her training.
If you’re someone who wants to deepen their yoga teaching with a trauma-sensitive approach, I can’t recommend her 30+hr Trauma-Informed YTT enough.
Interested? Here’s my review of the training:
Shayla is a great teacher and I would highly recommend Your Movement Therapy's Trauma-Informed YTT to those looking to deepen their understanding of trauma and how to apply it to yoga. She is supportive every step of the way, available for any questions or any help with the course and content, ensuring we get the most out of the course as we can. Shayla is incredibly insightful and is a great example of honing the ability to truly hold space for others. I loved the group dynamic, even though it was a virtual course. I felt like I was part of a mini-community of yoga teachers ready to commit to being trauma-informed and a great group of people who are doing the work to live in a conscientious way. I'm grateful for the connections I made throughout the duration of the training.
I've been studying human physiology profusely for over a decade, with a degree in biomedical engineering and as a yoga teacher. This training had an intentional emphasis on the physiology of trauma, including the integral polyvagal theory, which stands out particularly for me. I had learned about polyvagal theory in my earlier studies but not conveyed with the depth and clarity that Shayla was able to provide. She was able to transfer knowledge in a manner to ease the integration of the lessons. Like Shayla says, once you see through the lens of trauma, it changes your whole perspective. It's a starting point to a new way of living genuinely and with compassion.
I came to this training for professional development to help with my services and offerings as a yoga teacher. I wanted to learn how to better support students who have gone through trauma and to apply it to my work as an advocate for people with rare and chronic disabilities. However, as I started to reflect on and implement some of Shayla's teachings, I started to look at my own trauma in a different way. This course has brought me immense personal growth that I didn't intend to embark on. Shayla indirectly made me realize that I deserve to look at and heal my own trauma as a starting point. It gave me permission to take the time and space I need to start healing little by little. I've come out of this training with a greater understanding of my own trauma and a completely different perspective in general. Vicariously it has had an impact on my relationships and allowed me to attain a better life balance.
In the end, that's what stands out, a newfound clarity and the ability to hold space and give permission to whatever is, no judgments. Thank you so incredibly much, Shayla.
Shayla Vaughan, RYT200, CYT500, CNP, is a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher with over 1000 hours of teaching who has studied yin yoga, functional movement, and trauma. She is also a holistic nutritionist, specializing in nutrition and mental health. Her students learn real-life tactics to cope with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction—things Shayla struggled with herself before her journey with yoga and wellness.
Mini Mindful Yoga Check-In Video
Below is a “mini mindful yoga check-in to reset” yoga video I filmed for the practical portion of the TI-YTT with Shayla.
This short video will help you find strength in the present moment by becoming mindfully aware of your inner fire to give you some headspace and rest in the perspective gained in being aware of the here and now.
I hope it speaks to you.
Namaste ॐ
Anxie-Tea Collaboration
Not only do I have the tools and techniques to teach from a place of openness and sensitivity to trauma, but Shayla and I developed a pretty cool friendship along the way. We’ve decided to collaborate! Together, we’ve created a custom tea blend for the training called “Anxie-Tea.” This tea is formulated to help reduce anxiety symptoms, often accompanying trauma aftermath, and help soothe the nervous system. I’m so excited to be launching this product with Shayla and Your Movement Therapy.
For more information, please send me an email or click here to visit Shayla’s website.