Upcoming Trainings & Events
Our team offers a variety of virtual and in-person programs for all those holding space for others or working with communities impacted by trauma.
Please see details below for information on registering for our events and trauma-informed facilitation trainings.
Training investments support ongoing programs for those impacted by war and violence globally.
14-HOUR VIRTUAL HYBRID TRAINING
May - June, 2026 - email to join the waiting list - yogamandalaproject@gmail.com
A structured and supported journey creating a foundation of embodied trauma-informed facilitation weaving together self-study, live integration circles and community connection to empower yoga teachers and embodiment facilitators to hold space in a trauma-informed way. 8 hours self-paced study and 6 hours of live integration circles.
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14 hour Program Overview
Facilitators: Rula and Saraswati
The comprehensive introductory program includes:
8(+) hrs self-paced study includes an interactive workbook with written content & guided reflections using the Mighty Networks Platform for ease in the virtual learning environment.
6 hrs live integration circles held over zoom.
Bonus Content
~ 1.5 hrs additional content in the “toolkit”
~ 4-part relaxation series designed for humanitarian wellbeing
~ An introduction to queer inclusivity including theory, personal experiences & embodied practice
PAST TRAINING PARTICIPANTS are welcome to join this upcoming cohort at a discounted rate - Inquire with team!
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Ethics in yoga and service
Understanding trauma (including vicarious trauma)
Self-regulation tools as a foundation for self-care & trauma-informed facilitation
Trauma-informed facilitation
Trauma-informed yoga with refugees
Caring for ourselves
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Storytelling from our experiences sharing yoga in various refugee communities & contexts
Theory based discussion recordings
Embodied practice recordings
An interactive workbook including written content & guided contemplation
Live integration circles including embodied practices, sharing circles and q&a’s
How? All of the program content is stored in one central location on the Mighty Networks Platform for ease in the virtual learning environment.
Live integration sessions held over Zoom.
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WEEK 1. Opening Circle - Creating a Container of Care
Self-Regulation tools
WEEK 2: Theme 1 - Ethics in Yoga and Service.
Reflective session recording
Embodied Practice: chair practice modelling accessibility
WEEK 3. Theme 2- Trauma Basics.
Theory based recording introducing trauma & how it may show up in our spaces
Embodied practice: Yoga for Calming the Nervous System
WEEK 4. Live integration circle.
45 minute embodied practice
45 minute q&a & guided integration
Recording will be uploaded to the platform within 24 hours
No new content - integration + catch-up week.
WEEK 5. Theme 3. Trauma-Informed Facilitation.
Informative discussion introducing trauma-informed facilitation
Embodied practice: dynamic movement
WEEK 6. Theme 4. Trauma-informed yoga with refugees.
Informative discussion around bringing yoga to refugee contexts
Embodied practice: sharing yoga with minimal language
WEEK 7. Closing Circle.
No new materials - space for integration and submitting completion requirements
Invitation to practice teach over zoom with someone from the training cohort.
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Live circles are held on Thursdays at 7:00 pm CET.
Tuesday, May 5th: Opening Circle
Thursday May 28th: Live Integration Circle
Thursday June 18th: Closing Circle
Study and practice at your own pace with live circles held on Zoom throughout the program. Content is released weekly to provide structure and accountability with the online learning environment.
Access program content for 90 days after course completion - until September 16th, 2026.
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Certification Requirements:
Attend live integration circles on zoom - recording available if you have to miss a circle.
Engage in community forum for each theme and embodied practice recording.
View and complete all self-paced assignments including the written reading & reflection.
Complete the program completion checklist & submit the program verification form.
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A portion of the proceeds of your program investment is donated to The Yoga Mandala Project to support our efforts to bring healing-centered programming to refugees as well as those serving them around the world.
INVESTMENT: 225 Euros
REGISTRATION STEPS:
Make a donation via paypal here
Complete the Registration form here.
Email us at yogamandalaproject@gmail.com when you make the transfer.
Please let us know if PayPal is not accessible for you and we can make other arrangements.
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REFUND POLICY: if for some reason you are unable to attend the program, your tuition investment may be applied to another YMP course if you notify YMP at least 30 days before the start of the program.
If you wish to withdraw completely and cannot reschedule, a 50 euro registration fee will be deducted and your remaining balance refunded if you notify YMP 30 days prior to the start of the program. Any cancellations within 30 days of the program will not be refunded, only transferred to future YMP trainings or self-care programs.
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Our virtual trainings offer the opportunity to connect with our team around the world!
The self-study materials are guided by Molly and Lizzie with practices from a variety of trainers and team members. The live circles will be held by Saraswati and Rula in support by Linda. Our team member, Linda, will also be joining from Greece to share about her experiences bringing Yoga to a community center for those impacted by war and violence. This is a unique experience to connect with so many of our different team members from around the world in one program!
Ireland, autumn 2026
embodied trauma-informed facilitation training
A three-day in-person immersive program with an emphasis on experiential learning to create a strong embodied understanding of trauma-informed facilitation. Enhance your understanding through self-study, embodied practices, and group connections.
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The training program aims to prepare yoga teachers and other space holders to take their practice off the mat in a trauma-informed way. The training materials will be supportive for those going into community-based settings as well as for anyone holding space for others. We believe we should all be trauma-informed, especially when there are inherent power dynamics at play.
These trainings empower participants with the skills, knowledge, and understanding of how to support refugees and other demographics impacted by trauma through yoga and trauma-informed facilitation.
Participants' training investments support ongoing healing-centered programs for individuals affected by war and violence.
The training comprises 8 hours of structured self-study materials designed to prepare participants for an immersive weekend of experiential learning in person together. Access to the self-paced program will be provided by March 1st, allowing attendees ample time to review the content before our in-person program.
Completing the self-paced content on your own time will prepare us to gather together in-person for an experiential weekend of practicing, discussing, circling and integrating together in a retreat-style atmosphere.
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The ethical container yoga philosophy offers us as yoga teachers & service providers
Ahimsa through community-based programming
Considerations for intentional service
Power dynamics
Inclusion & accessibility
Scope of practice
Boundaries
Attitude of service
Therapeutic presence
Understanding stress, trauma and the window of tolerance
Trauma & the subtle body
Trauma-healing goals
Trauma-informed yoga and teaching tips
Pranayama & savasana from a trauma-lens
Consent & touch
Self-care from a yogic perspective
Queer inclusivity with guest facilitator, Sumaya
Self-regulation tools to support resilience for space holders and aid workers
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The ethical container yoga philosophy offers us as yoga teachers & service providers
Ahimsa through community-based programming
Considerations for intentional service
Power dynamics
Inclusion & accessibility
Scope of practice
Boundaries
Attitude of service
Therapeutic presence
Understanding stress, trauma and the window of tolerance
Trauma & the subtle body
Trauma-healing goals
Trauma-informed yoga and teaching tips
Pranayama & savasana from a trauma-lens
Consent & touch
Self-care from a yogic perspective
Queer inclusivity with guest facilitator, Sumaya
Self-regulation tools to support resilience for space holders and aid workersxt goes here
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This integrative program has been shaped over the years by the YMP trainers who share experiences supporting refugee communities in various contexts. Our experiences shape our perspective and teachings though this training in Dublin is not focused solely on the refugee demographic.
Saraswati and Rula will be holding the container with support from Tina, Linda and Sarah. Our diverse team looks forward to supporting you through this journey of experiential learning.Rula Wardeh — YMP Founding Member & Trainer
Rula was part of the corporate world for many years before her yoga journey began. She worked long hours behind the desk and overworked her neck and shoulders. She wishes she knew yoga and her regular practice at that time.
Since beginning her yoga journey, Rula considered herself a lifelong student and was always open to learning. Rula's approach to yoga is trauma-sensitive, offering practices based on the principle that yoga is for every body and is a tool for better connection of the mind and body.
After in-depth study and practice, Rula introduced Yin Yoga to Jordan in 2012. She was a core founding member of The Yoga Mandala Project, spending many years coordinating YMP's outreach in Amman while also co-leading the YMP Trauma-Informed Facilitation Training in Jordan and Ireland.
@Yination_
Saraswati Hancock — YMP Founding Member & Trainer
Yoga elder with the Independent Yoga Network and teaching director of Heart Ways Yoga, Saraswati has been teaching and practicing Yoga for more than 20 years. She was a founding member of the Yoga Mandala Project and continues to advise and teach on trainings. She runs regular 300 hr Yoga teacher trainings, Yoga therapy trainings and continues to offer classes, retreats and one to one support worldwide. She believes that Yoga is for everybody, that if you can breathe you can practice Yoga and that Yoga is a path of healing and love accessible for all.
Saraswati’s teaching is infused with classical Tantra Yoga understanding and has at its heart a devotion to life.
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INVESTMENT: TBD
DEPOSIT: 50% non-refundable deposit required to reserve your placement.
Final payment due... Because of the costs of in-person programs, we are not able to offer refunds.
REGISTRATION:
Deposit (___ Euros) or full payment can be made via Paypal or direct transfer to our Irish bank account:
Yoga Mandala Project
Permanent TSB, Dublin, Ireland
BIC; IPBSIE2D
IBAN; IE98 IPBS 9907 1726 6825 24
Complete the training registration form.
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All bodies are welcome. The material will be supportive not only for yoga teachers, but also for social workers, service providers, recreational teachers, and others working with demographics impacted by trauma.
As yoga teachers, we have a responsibility to carry the healing practice out into the world. We can start close by, in our families, our communities, and the circle of hope and positivity grows. As the circle grows, more hands are called to join in lifting spirits and restoring dignity.
This program is applicable for all those holding space for others, most specifically those working in community-based settings.
Together we continue to grow a mandala of trauma-informed teachers around the world - we invite you to join our community this spring!
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TBD
Year Round Offerings
8-hour self-paced Training: introduction to trauma-informed facilitation
An online self-paced program weaving together theory, embodied practice, storytelling and personal reflection.
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The program includes 6 hours of recorded content in addition to two hours of self-study and additional recommended resources to take your exploration further. You will also receive a 35 page informative and interactive workbook with supporting learning materials.
The Yoga Mandala Project is offering a self-paced introductory program providing a foundational understanding of trauma-informed facilitation for humanitarians and facilitators sharing movement practices or holding space for refugees and other demographics impacted by trauma. The program moves through five themes invoking inner reflection through exploratory learning, embodied movement practice, theory and storytelling from our experiences sharing yoga in various refugee environments around the world.
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This program provides an introduction to:
Ethics in yoga and humanitarian service
Trauma basics
Trauma-informed facilitation
Trauma-Informed yoga with refugees
Caring for ourselves in the humanitarian sector
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6 hours of recorded content including five embodied practices
2 hours personal reflection and study
35 page written program workbook with theory and space for reflection
Optional recommended resources to take the exploration on each theme further (books, podcasts, trainings, etc.)
Opportunities to connect with other volunteers and yoga teachers supporting refugees around the world
Ongoing community of practice (monthly)
Access to our learning platform to have everything stored in one location
An eight hour program is enough to provide a basic understanding of how trauma may show up in our spaces and how we can be sensitive to the needs of those we serve but we recommend taking your studies further through more in-depth training or by reading one of the additional resources shared during this program
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165 euros for the full program
You can make the payment via a donation to our PayPal account. Please send us an email at yogamandalaproject@gmail.com when you make the transfer. Please let us know if PayPal is not accessible for you.
Payment plans: don’t hesitate to reach out via email yogamandalproject@gmail.com if a payment plan would be supportive for you.
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The Yoga Mandala Project values disability justice. If you have specific accessibility needs that would better support you while participating in any of our offerings, we’d greatly appreciate your input. To make requests and/or ask any questions, please email: yogamandalaproject@gmail.com.
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REFUND POLICY: refunds are not available for this self-paced learning course.
To sign up for this training, please email yogamandalaproject@gmail.com
Year Round Offering
REST AND RECHARGE PROGRAM: A VIRTUAL EMBODIED PROGRAM FOR HUMANITARIAN WELL-BEING
A comprehensive self-paced program for caring professionals is accessible anytime throughout the year. This program is geared towards humanitarians, activists and helping professionals but all caring hearts are welcome.
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There is a lot going on in the world around us and it can be a lot to hold. To honour this, Molly and Justine, two core YMP team members have developed a four part series delving into how presence, connection, rest, and balance play a role in our overall well being and sustainability.
This is an opportunity to connect with others to explore how we can care for ourselves while also caring for the world around us. This program also offers an embodied trauma-informed program experience as an example for those seeking to create and offer their own trauma-informed programs.
Together we will journey through embodied practices such as gentle and dynamic movement, yoga nidra (guided rest), restorative yoga and meditation, while making space for personal reflection and group connection.
SELF-PACED: This is a self-paced course, meaning every session has been recorded so that you can view, or review, the material in your own time at your own pace. All program recordings, practices, etc. are stored in one central location for ease. You will have access to all program materials for 90 days and the program facilitators will be available for support along the way.
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We offer this recording for you to be able to experience a taste of our offerings. The recording will move through a 20 minute gentle movement practice easing into Yoga Nidra (guided rest).
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111 pounds- 100% of your program investment are donated to The Yoga Mandala Project to support our efforts to bring healing-centered programming to refugees as well as those serving them around the world.
We believe these practices should be accessible to all. To honour this, we offer payment plans as well as needs-based / equity scholarships. Please email us for more information: bhakticanyon@gmail.com
We offer a trust based sliding scale to ensure our offerings are equitable and accessible. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Yoga Mandala Project.
You can make the payment via a donation to our paypal account. Please send us an email at yogamandalaproject@gmail.com when you make the transfer. Please let us know if PayPal is not accessible for you.
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Register for this program with your donation via Paypal or Venmo (don’t hesitate to reach out if these options don’t align for you)
PayPal: yogamandalaproject@gmail,com
***Please include your email address in the transfer notes in order for us to be able to send you a confirmation email.
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REFUND POLICY: there are no refunds available for self-paced courses.
On hold— please contact us for more information
50-hour virtual training
A 50-hour, experiential based training including informative discussions and theory, a variety of embodied practices, storytelling and case studies.
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The 50-hour training is experiential based and will also include informative discussions and theory, a variety of embodied practices, storytelling and case studies led by our team of diverse trainers who each specialise in different aspects of the trauma-informed approach.
This training will enhance your understanding of trauma and the effects of PTSD, as well as how to best adapt your classes to be most supportive for refugees and other demographics impacted by trauma.
We will offer an introduction to trauma-informed facilitation with a focus on ethics and accessibility as well as self-care through live sessions, personal reflection, self-study, and both live and recorded experiential practices.
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This training program is offered in two comprehensive modules to offer space for self-study, practice and integration.
Module 1: Leadership Training Creating an Ethical Foundation (20 hrs)
14 contact hours + 6 hours self-study
Ahimsa through ethics in yoga and humanitarian service
Therapeutic presence & embodied leadership
Self-care from a Yogic perspective
Community-based programming (with guest speaker)
Power, privilege and showing up in space
Ableism and accessibility through chair yoga
Understanding stress & minimizing risk of burnout
Inclusivity
The role of tradition, song & ceremony in trauma-informed care
Learning Objectives Part 2: Trauma-Informed Facilitation (30 hrs)
22 contact hours + 8 hours self-study
Trauma healing goals
Self-regulation tools as a foundation for self-care and trauma-informed facilitation
Stress and the mind-body connection
Introduction to trauma, vicarious trauma & the polyvagal theory)
Trauma and the subtle body
The breath, pranayama, and trauma
Mudras
Trauma-informed practice and methodology
Svādhyāya
Self and community-care
All bodies are welcome. The material will be supportive not only for yoga teachers, but also for social workers, service providers, recreational teachers, and others working with demographics impacted by trauma.
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What’s Included in the two-part training?
36 contact hours over the full program
14 hours of self-study and practice (including recorded video content)
150 + page written manual
Learning platform with space for reflection, shared resources, community forums, training recordings, etc.
A closing integration circle one month after live training is complete to support self-study and integration
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Training Methodology:
Storytelling & case studies from our experiences sharing yoga with refugees & other marginalized communities internationally
Embodied practices
Breakout rooms for connection & integration
Theory
Personal study between sessions (reading, reflection, embodied practices, recorded content, etc.)
Opportunities for practice teaching
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Please email us at yogamandalaproject@gmail.com to join the waiting list for the next virtual cohort for the 50-hour program or for module 1 or 2.
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REFUND POLICY: if for some reason you are unable to attend the program, your tuition investment may be applied to another YMP course if you notify YMP at least 30 days before the start of the program.
If you wish to withdraw completely and cannot reschedule, a 50 pound registration fee will be deducted and your remaining balance refunded if you notify YMP 30 days prior to the start of the program. Any cancellations within 30 days of the program will not be refunded, only transferred to future YMP trainings or self-care programs.
CARING FOR THE CARERS: STAFF WELLBEING PROGRAM
Designed to support the overall wellbeing and sustainability of the international aid community. This program can be offered live or self-paced on our learning platform in a variety of formats to meet the goals, intentions and needs of each host organization. Email us to learn more about how to offer Caring for the Carers to your team.
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Our experiences in the humanitarian field have exposed us to mental health challenges among staff leading to high turnover rates which this program aims to alleviate through embodied tools and practices, awareness around the impacts of stress and trauma, personal reflection and team connection.
The program offers teams an opportunity to explore both how we can each be well as individuals and how we can be well together by weaving together experiential learning, reflection and embodied practices.
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Self-regulation and resourcing as the foundation for humanitarian well-being
The window of tolerance as a framework for caring for ourselves
Creating your own self-care plan
The neuroscience of self-care
Stress, the mind-body connection and the impacts of trauma on the nervous system
The polyvagal theory as a framework for team / community care
Team care contract
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Interactive workbook to support wellbeing and program integration
A learning platform with a toolkit of embodied resources for staff wellbeing (breath practices, mindfulness, etc.)
Both bitesize and full length practices offered to fit into the fast pace life many aid workers experience
A four part guided relaxation series designed to support the wellbeing of humanitarians and caring professionals
Space for community questions, sharing and feedback
Team care agreement worksheet and guidance
FAQ
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Our organisation acknowledges the roots of these practices originating in South Asia. We are grateful for all those of colour from South Asia and Africa who have passed down these sacred practices and tools which continue to support us today.
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Trauma has always been part of the human experience, not only for refugees. Most of us live through varying degrees of traumatic experience.
We are beginning to understand the role that trauma has in seeding future traumatic experiences and how to shift away from passing the trauma on to future generations.
Supporting people with trauma is a core benefit of the practice and wisdom of Yoga. Dr Bessel van der Kolk, trauma and bodywork expert, says ”PTSD is a disease of not being able to be present.” This is very much on a physiological level- dissociation and inappropriate activation of fight or flight response. The body and its responses become ‘stuck’ in the past experience, even when the mind seems to have left that experience behind.
Yoga can help people to relearn to inhabit their bodies. “Befriending ones bodily sensations to overcome the imprints of trauma” (David Emerson- Trauma center Boston), as well as rooting us firmly in the physical experience of the present moment. In this program we have devised simple appropriate practice, that is trauma informed, addresses stress and anxiety, health considerations, understanding of trauma both from a Yogic perspective and from TRE background, trauma sensitive teaching practice.
We aim to support the wellbeing of the refugee community, and to provide training that can be applied in other areas where trauma sensitive teaching Yoga is needed.
Our training is rooted in our experience of teaching Yoga and TRE (Trauma Release Exercise) to Refugees in Amman, Jordan through the Collateral Repair Project and in Greece with Lifting Hands International.
As yoga teachers and facilitators, you will receive this training to enhance your understanding of trauma and the effects of PTSD. As yoga teachers, we have a responsibility to carry healing practices into the world. We can start close by, teaching within our own families and communities, to help grow the circle of hope and positivity. As the circle grows, more hands are called to join in lifting spirits and restoring dignity.
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Our experienced training team of yoga therapists and teachers offers a variety of specialized trauma-informed trainings in different virtual and in-person modalities for yoga teachers, embodiment facilitators and aid workers supporting refugees and other demographics impacted by trauma.
Our programs have been created with care and intention as they have evolved since we began offering them in 2015. Our approach is experiential based and includes informative discussions and theory, a variety of embodied practices, storytelling and case studies led by our team of diverse trainers who each specialize in different aspects of the trauma-informed approach.
Our self-paced course is available year-round and we offer a variety of live programs annually. We have an upcoming 14-hour hybrid training in creating a foundation for trauma-informed facilitation (more details below).
These trainings empower participants with the skills, knowledge, and understanding of how to support refugees and other demographics impacted by trauma through yoga and trauma-informed facilitation.
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We are available to offer our various training modalities through partner organisations, host studios and yoga schools virtually or in different localities around the world. We believe in co-creating and enjoy adapting our current programs to meet the goals, intentions and needs of each partner.
Our team also offers condensed introduction modules in trauma-informed facilitation as part of larger teacher trainings in hopes of ensuring every yoga teacher is trauma-informed.
If you are interested in hosting either of these as part of your existing training or yoga school programming, please get in touch with our team to discuss options at yogamandalaproject@gmail.com.
You can also host your own event to help YMP raise funds. Learn more on our Class for a Cause page.
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Our training programs enhance the understanding of how trauma impacts each of us. Instead of offering rigid guidelines, it fosters self-awareness and sensitivity to people's needs in various settings, making the principles adaptable and relevant.
The training has been created out of our years of sharing yoga and working with refugees, genocide survivors and other marginalized communities. Our training team consists of yoga teachers, yoga therapists and other embodiment facilitators specialising in mental health. While we have extensive experience, it's essential to clarify that we are not trauma specialists.
Though this is not a therapeutic program, we acknowledge that the training covers trauma and other topics that may stir up your own emotions and experiences. While we are aware many of us come to this work with our own “stuff”, we do not recommend this training for anyone experiencing mental health instability and advise all participants to be aware of their existing support systems as well as available local mental health providers and services.
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REFUND POLICY: if for some reason you are unable to attend the program, your tuition investment may be applied to another YMP course if you notify YMP at least 30 days before the start of the program.
If you wish to withdraw completely and cannot reschedule, a 50 pound registration fee will be deducted and your remaining balance refunded if you notify YMP 30 days prior to the start of the program. Any cancellations within 30 days of the program will not be refunded, only transferred to future YMP trainings or self-care programs.
No refunds are available for any self-paced courses or programs.
Past trainings
We have offered a variety of virtual and in-person trauma-informed trainings including:
In-person trauma-informed yoga teacher trainings in Jordan, Ireland and Greece from 2015-2018.
Trauma-Informed Training in addition to a Conscious Activism Training in collaboration with The Ompowerment Project in June 2020.
16-hour YMP-led Trauma-Informed Training in January, 2021 with 24 participants from over 10 countries.
30-hour virtual expanded training in autumn 2021 with participants from all over the world.
33-hour Embodied Trauma-Informed Training: hybrid program which has been offered in Ireland in 2024 and England in 2025.
We have hosted in-person Trauma-informed Yoga training in Europe and the Middle East since 2016. In-person trainings are currently on hold but we look forward to being able to safely gather in person again soon. Keep an eye out for future dates.
