Full Course Description

Dr. Arielle Schwartz’ Trauma-Informed Yoga for Therapists Training

The research is clear…

The keys to healing trauma stored in the body lie in working directly with the nervous system.

…and therapeutic yoga gives you exactly what you need to do this healing work.

That’s why we’ve worked with renowned traumatologist, celebrated author, and wise yogi, Dr. Arielle Schwartz on creating this Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga specifically for mental health clinicians.

Dr. Schwartz’s unique approach blends somatic awareness, polyvagal strategies, and trauma-informed yoga postures to help clients reconnect with their bodies and restore nervous system balance.

And, it’s far less complicated than you think! Leave the guesswork behind because Dr. Schwartz shows you real-life demonstrations of yoga postures, breathing and movement exercises, and much more. Here’s what you’ll walk away with in this certificate course:

Confidence in knowing the ins-and-outs of starting to work directly with the body – including informed consent, overcoming obstacles, troubling challenges & more
Concrete ways to increase body and emotion awareness without ever touching your clients
How to use polyvagal exercises to target the nervous system and bring it into balance
A complete 6-Week Trauma-Informed Yoga Framework that you can use in individual and group sessions (and even for personal growth!)

Plus so much more – this is the more comprehensive certificate course on therapeutic yoga for clinicians that you can find.

If you’ve ever thought it was too hard, too expensive or you just weren’t sure where to find training in therapeutic yoga – now you’ve found the course the were always looking for.

Bridge the gap between mind and body in your practice with this one-of-a-kind certificate training!

Program Information

Objectives

Define trauma and its impact on the mind and body.
Explain the role of nervous system dysregulation in trauma.
Describe the core components of therapeutic yoga for trauma.
Describe the eight limbs of yoga and their application to trauma recovery.
Create effective treatment plans based in somatic therapy and yoga for clients with trauma histories.
Explain the principles of somatic psychology and its integration with trauma treatment.
Facilitate intention setting, yoga practices, breathwork somatic body movements and more in therapy sessions.
Describe the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems as it relates to trauma and yoga.
Understand the role of bilateral movements in support brain integration for trauma recovery and embodiment.
Recognize the connection between physical posture, emotions, and mental health.
Identify and address cultural, LGBTQ+, age, and disability considerations in therapeutic yoga.
Establish appropriate boundaries, including physical touch, in somatic and yoga therapy settings.
Develop appropriate documentation and note-taking practices for therapeutic yoga sessions.
Define the role of the facilitator in therapeutic yoga sessions.
Develop effective psychoeducation strategies for clients regarding body-based therapies.
Understand the impact of attachment wounds and relational betrayals on trauma recovery.
Explain the role of neuroplasticity in healing from trauma.
Outline the key steps in structuring an initial somatic yoga therapy session.

Outline

Module 1: Trauma & The Body

Defining Trauma, types of, and comorbidities
Impact of Trauma on Mind and Body: Physical, Mental, Emotional
Integrate somatic psychology principles within yoga for trauma recovery
Understanding top down and bottom-up interventions
Root causes of symptoms: Nervous System Dysregulation
A “Resilience Informed” approach to care
The relationship between pre-verbal memories and somatic symptoms
What to know about overarousal and under arousal
The 3 Sensory systems and why they matter
Yoga as a tool for sensory integration and dual awareness
Peter Levine’s on “Thwarted Instincts” and Repatterning
Polyvagal theory and interpersonal neurobiology
Stuckness in sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system states
Act & Third wave CBT and mindfulness of the present moment
Risks and limitations
Reflection and Practice: What are factors of resilience for you?
Key experiential exercises: What awakens you, Playing with Stillness
Demonstration: Prayer hands, grounding blanket

Module 2: The Integration of Clinical Trauma Recovery Models & Yoga

Assessing readiness for trauma processing
Tuning into the clients’ pacing for processing
Trauma work is grief work
Core components of Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma
The 8-limbs of the yogic tree through a trauma-informed lens
Science, Soma, and Soul: The core components of Embodied Spirituality
Spirituality within psychotherapy as differentiated from religion
Watts Connectedness Scale
Symptoms as a messenger: The shift from “illness” to “wellness”
Exercise: Integrating Values into Daily Life

Module 3: Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory and Interpersonal Biology for Trauma Treatment

Neuroanatomy of the mind-body connection
The functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
Core Components of Polyvagal Theory
The window of tolerance
Neuroception of psychological safety scale (NPSS) assessment
Co-Regulation as a Shared window of tolerance
Boundaries and Proximity Awareness
4 Key strategies for Repairing Therapeutic Ruptures
Learn compassion-based practices to work through barriers to wellbeing
Creating greater therapist self-awareness and self-knowledge
Practice: Co-Regulation, 4 Embodied Self-Compassion practices
Exercise: 5-point check-in for starting session, Shy Blanket
Demonstration: Proximity Awareness

Module 4: Rewiring for Resilience: Neuroplasticity & Natural Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Trauma Recovery

Neuroplasticity and the ability to grow in adulthood
Memories as neural networks
Stress-induced and exercise induced neuroplasticity
Natural ways to stimulate the vagus nerve
Understand Vagal Tone and Vagal Efficiency
Heart rate variability and breathwork
Restoring safety and stability to the nervous system with Natural Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Practice: Gratitude, Balanced Breathing, Humming

Module 5: Integrating Mindful Movement and Stillness in Trauma-Informed Yoga

The connection between physical posture and the nervous system
Explore the science of fascia and myofascial release
Recognize the role of bilateral movements to support brain integration
Keys to EMDR and exploring “eye yoga”
Restorative practices and Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness
Dual awareness in Trauma Recovery and the yoga practice
Creating side-body awareness
Default mode networking, rumination, and hyperviligence
Risks, limitations and considerations
Exercise: Grounding while standing, Grounding while seated, Half Salamander
Practice: Wall Press & Boundary Awareness, Reflex Integration for nervous system health, Settling into stillness, Restorative Stillness

Module 6: Start-to-Finish Structuring of Trauma Informed Yoga Sessions

Inclusivity and Accessibility considerations: ability, body image, chronic pain & more
Elements of a trauma informed-yoga session
What to do when a client feels overwhelmed
Verbal Assists: Invitational language vs. Commands
Help clients find their growth edge while maintaining safety
Finding the Golden Nugget in each session
Internal Family Systems on the Yoga Mat to navigate ambivalence and inner polarities
Integration of evidence-based modalities: TF-CBT, Prolonged Exposure, EMDR, Narrative Therapy & more
Exercise: Build Affect and Sensation Tolerance, Working with Somatic Tension, Mindful Movement
Practice: Finding your voice

Module 7: Practical Considerations

Psychoeducation and explaining body-based work to clients
Informed Consent items to know
Inviting special and relational awareness to clients
Boundaries, especially with physical touch
Setting up your office
Telehealth considerations and adaptations
Keys to documentation and note taking
Scope of practice considerations
Clarifying treatment goals and objectives
Confidentiality considerations

Module 8: In-Session Demonstrations of Trauma-Informed Yoga Sessions

Session I: The Growth Edge

Understand client history, strengths and resiliency factors, focus of session, interventions used: somatic therapy, body change, Co-regulation strategies, parts work, cognitive techniques

Session II: Somatic Yoga & Parts Work (online session)

Understand client history, strengths and resiliency factors, focus of session, interventions used: somatic therapy, embodied sense of safety, Co-regulation strategies, parts work, cognitive techniques

Session III: Integrative Approach to Trauma Reprocessing

Understand client history, strengths and resiliency factors, focus of session, interventions used: somatic therapy, body change, Co-regulation strategies, parts work, cognitive techniques, resource development, EMDR

Therapist Cleansing

A short practice to let go of clients after each session, based in parts work, somatic resonance, lifeforce energy and countertransference.

Target Audience

Counsellors
Social Workers
Psychiatrists
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Case Managers
Addiction Counsellors
Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Psych Nurses
Other Mental Health Professionals
Physical Therapists and Other Rehab Professionals

Full Course Description

Program Information

Live Q&A with Dr. Arielle Schwartz