trauma-informed yoga teacher training | Lara Land, MHC Therapy

Mentorship and Training for Trauma Sensitive Yoga

by Lara Land | Aug 18, 2024 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

At Three and a Half Acres Yoga, we believe in the profound impact yoga can have on healing and transformation. Our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training program is designed to equip yoga instructors with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide safe, inclusive, and healing yoga practices to individuals and communities affected by trauma.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: A Path to Healing

Our trauma-sensitive yoga training is grounded in the understanding that trauma impacts the mind and body. Traditional yoga practices can sometimes unintentionally trigger trauma survivors, which is why our program focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment. We emphasize sensitivity, empathy, and adaptability in teaching methods, ensuring that every yoga session promotes healing and empowerment.

Unique Mentorship Opportunities

One of the standout features of our program is the unique mentorship opportunities we offer. We recognize that the journey to becoming a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher doesn’t end with certification; it requires continuous support, guidance, and growth. Our mentorship program pairs trainees with experienced trauma-sensitive yoga instructors who provide personalized guidance, feedback, and support.

Key aspects of our mentorship program include:

One-on-One Support: Trainees receive individualized attention, helping them to refine their teaching skills and deepen their understanding of trauma-sensitive practices.
Ongoing Education: Mentors provide resources, insights, and additional training opportunities to ensure that our graduates stay informed about the latest research and best practices in trauma-sensitive yoga.
Community Building: The mentorship program fosters a sense of community and connection among trainees, mentors, and graduates, creating a supportive network for sharing experiences, challenges, and successes.

Spotlight on Graduate Success: Demetrius Napolitano and Fostering Meditation

We are incredibly proud of our graduates, who go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities. One such inspiring individual is Demetrius Napolitano, a graduate of our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training program. Demetrius has taken his passion for healing and mindfulness and channeled it into his organization, Fostering Meditation.

About Fostering Meditation:

Fostering Meditation is dedicated to providing meditation and mindfulness practices to foster youth. Understanding the unique challenges faced by children in the foster care system, Demetrius has created programs that offer a safe space for these young individuals to explore meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques. His work is a testament to the power of trauma-sensitive practices in fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.

Key Initiatives of Fostering Meditation:

Meditation Workshops: Regular workshops that introduce foster youth to meditation techniques, helping them develop tools for managing stress and anxiety.
Yoga Classes: Trauma-sensitive yoga classes that provide a supportive environment for physical and emotional healing.
Mindfulness Programs: Ongoing programs that integrate mindfulness practices into daily routines, promoting long-term well-being.

Demetrius’s dedication and impact through Fostering Meditation exemplify the potential of trauma-sensitive yoga to transform lives. His work serves as an inspiration to all our trainees and graduates, highlighting the ripple effect of compassion, healing, and empowerment. Listen to Demetrius’s story on the latest episode of Beyond Trauma.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Three and a Half Acres Yoga, we are committed to training compassionate, skilled yoga instructors who can bring the healing power of yoga to those who need it most. Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to specialize in trauma-sensitive practices or someone passionate about supporting trauma survivors, our program offers the education, mentorship, and community you need to make a meaningful impact.

Explore our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training program and become part of a movement dedicated to healing, empowerment, and transformation. Together, we can create a more compassionate and resilient world, one breath at a time.

The Unseen Struggle: Trauma Bonding in Yoga Teacher Training Programs

by Lara Land | Dec 23, 2023 | COACHING, COMMUNITY, LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement, SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Yoga teacher training programs are designed to be transformative, offering a profound journey into self-discovery and personal growth.

Participants often enter these programs with the intention of deepening their yoga practice and acquiring the skills to share the ancient wisdom of yoga with others. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly harmonious journey lies a potential challenge that is not often discussed – the phenomenon of trauma bonding.

Understanding Trauma Bonding

Trauma bonding refers to a strong emotional connection that develops between individuals who have experienced intense, emotional, and sometimes traumatic situations together. This bond can manifest in various relationships, including those formed during yoga teacher training programs. While the primary focus of these programs is on physical and spiritual development, the intense and immersive nature of the experience can lead to unexpected emotional connections.

The Intensity of Yoga Teacher Training

Yoga teacher training programs are known for their intensity, both physically and emotionally. Participants spend long hours practicing asanas, studying yogic philosophy, and delving into personal introspection. The immersive nature of the training fosters a sense of community and shared experience among participants, creating an environment that is conducive to the development of close connections.

The Role of Vulnerability

Yoga teacher training often encourages participants to open up emotionally and share their personal experiences. This vulnerability can create a sense of camaraderie and trust among participants. However, when individuals share deeply personal and sometimes painful stories, an unintended consequence may occur – the formation of trauma bonds.

Unresolved Trauma and the Yoga Journey

Many individuals turn to yoga as a means of healing from past traumas or dealing with ongoing challenges. Yoga teacher training programs can inadvertently amplify these emotions as participants confront and explore their personal histories. The shared struggle of overcoming emotional obstacles can strengthen the bonds formed during the training, creating a unique and profound connection among participants.

The Dark Side of Bonding

While forming close connections can be a positive aspect of any community, trauma bonding can have a darker side. Individuals may find themselves entangled in unhealthy relationships or dynamics that stem from shared emotional pain. The intensity of the training environment can blur boundaries, making it challenging for participants to distinguish between supportive connections and those born out of shared trauma.

Preventing and Addressing Trauma Bonding

Awareness is the first step in preventing and addressing trauma bonding in yoga teacher training programs. Educators and participants alike must recognize the potential for intense emotional connections and be mindful of the impact of shared vulnerability. Establishing clear boundaries, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive environment for participants to process their emotions are essential in mitigating the risks associated with trauma bonding.

Awareness and prevention are the motivations behind the most recent episode of the Beyond Trauma podcast where I spoke to Michelle Lehrman about her trauma inducing experience in a yoga teacher training program (YTT). We cover: Trauma bonding and forced sharing

Scripted sequencing
Learning and memorizing methodology
Non-consensual hands-on assisting
Changing goal posts

as well as other topics and discuss how the trauma informed yoga teacher training program at Three and a Half Acres yoga overrides and addresses the issues with many yoga teacher training programs today. The next YTT at Three and a Half Acres Yoga is coming up this February. For more information visit them at www.threeandahalfacres.org.

Helping heal the collective through our expert training program

by Lara Land | Oct 10, 2022 | LAND BLOG, LARA LAND, Self Improvement

Three and a Half Acres Yoga is a nonprofit I founded in 2015. We broaden access to yoga, breathing and mindfulness techniques, focusing on communities who have experienced trauma. Our classes and training support individuals and teachers alike in recognizing their power for positive change. We believe every yoga teacher needs training in trauma sensitivity and that everyone deserves access to a yoga experience, free of harm, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability or class.

Our 20-hour virtual Trauma-informed Yoga Teacher Training (TIYTT), designed for 200+ hours certified yoga teachers, is back this December featuring Lara Land, Nikki Walker, and Jaime Brown, along with two NEW instructors who are experts in their fields, Ali Seidenstein and Tristan Katz.

We cover:

How to define and look for trauma
What happens to the mind/body system during and after a traumatic event
The ways in which yoga can regulate the nervous system
Specific practices for grounding, awakening awareness, and centering
Common trauma triggers and how to avoid them
Ways to reframe your teaching to increase accessibility
How to teach yoga from a chair
Room set up and teaching in unconventional yoga spaces
Mindfulness and self care for the trauma informed yoga teacher and why that is important
Self knowledge and awareness and privilege in the yoga room

We are so proud of this amazing lineup of instructors which is why we’re offering a full overview on each instructor as well as what you can expect from their sessions below:

Our 20-hour virtual Trauma-informed Yoga Teacher Training (TIYTT), designed for 200+ hours certified yoga teachers, is back this December featuring Lara Land, Nikki Walker, and Jaime Brown, along with two NEW instructors who are experts in their fields, Ali Seidenstein and Tristan Katz.

We are so proud of this amazing lineup of instructors which is why we’re offering a full overview on each instructor as well as what you can expect from their sessions below:

Meet Your Instructors

Lara Land

Lara Land is the Founder and Executive Director at Three and a Half Acres Yoga (THAY) and a Level 2 authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher with 2 decades of yoga experience. She has worked all over the world teaching yoga and mindful living and developing programs to heal and empower.

In 2008-2009, Lara spent three months in post-genocide Rwanda bringing yoga as healing to survivors and from there went to India where she worked with HIV positive children bringing yoga and meditation to their treatment room. In June 2011, Lara opened Land Yoga, a ground floor Yoga, Arts, & Wellness Center in the heart of Harlem. Through Land, she developed programs such as Harlem Earth Day, SOULFest NYC, and Women Who Wow, landing her recognition in The Wall Street Journal, The Daily News, and on Fox5.

About Lara’s Session

Lara is the Lead Instructor of THAY’s TIYTT Program. In this training she delves into the causes of trauma and its impact on our bodies, the brain science around physiological regulation, and how we can soften the influence of trauma through embodied practices. Lara helps yoga teachers consider their definition of yoga and how they can share it with others in a safer way starting with room set up and continuing through savasana and everything in between. Lara will also talk about self care for yoga teachers, mindfulness and how to avoid burn out.

Follow Lara on Instagram
@laralandyoga.

Nikki Walker

Nikki Walker has been a THAY Trauma-informed Yoga Teacher since June 2018 and is also certified in Kundalini Yoga. Nikki, spiritual name Charan Kavita Kaur teaches at The Bridge, TOP Goddard Riverside, New Beginnings, and Thrive for Life. Teaching trauma sensitive yoga always inspires and deepens her love for yoga.

About Nikki’s Session

Description of Healing with Naad & Laughter: Healing with Naad and Laughter introduces yogis to some healing teachings of Naad (sound current from everyone’s divine body) and the healing power of laughter. Nikki believes that bringing the power of the mind, body, and the breath can truly change the world, especially if you’re ready for the journey.

Follow Nikki on Instagram
@nikkiwalker8277.

Jaime Brown

Jaime Brown (she/her/hers) is a lifelong learner, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) practitioner, and wellness advocate. Choosing to focus on her physical wellness, Jaime became a Registered Yoga Teacher in August 2019. Jaime has 300+ hours of yoga training, ranging from yoga sculpt to trauma-informed practices. Jaime completed the THAY training virtually in May 2020. Outside of yoga, Jaime works as a DEI Lead in NC local government and is an Adjunct Instructor at Georgetown University. She is also a new mother of a baby boy born in January 2022 and an MBA student.

About Jaime’s Session

Participants should expect to learn Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) fundamentals and how to incorporate inclusive practices as well as balance, energy, and vibes.

Follow Jaime on Instagram
@withjaime_.

Ali Seidenstein

Ali Seidenstein is a yoga teacher with almost 20 years of experience. She brings with her an abundance of knowledge through both her MD and PhD studies as well as her time living and studying in India for 3 years.

Previously, Ali was a faculty at NYU in the Biomolecular Engineering program where she remains a premedical advisor. Ali’s PhD thesis with Dr. Brad Aouizerat at the Bluestone Clinic at NYU focuses on epigenetics, particular gene expression changes in response to trauma and PTSD. She is currently applying for residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. Ali holds a BS in neuroscience, an MS in molecular biology, and is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Kids Who Care, Inc., wielding over 20 years experience in advocacy and leadership.

About Ali’s Session

Ali’s lecture focuses on epigenetics and how our experiences can change our physiology. The session discusses the role that trauma and PTSD can have on a cellular and neurological level. Additionally, how through understanding these changes we can start to take action to positively influence these aspects. Utilizing these resources we will explore practices that when done even five minutes at a time can facilitate our ability to return to our body.

Follow Ali on Instagram
@ahseidenstein

Tristan Katz

Tristan Katz (they/them) is a writer, digital strategist, and equity-inclusion facilitator who specializes in education and consulting centered around queer identity and trans awareness with an anti-oppression and intersectional lens, along with justice-focused marketing programs for yoga and wellness professionals.

Tristan was named one of Yoga Journal’s 2021 Game Changers and they were awarded the Reclamation Ventures grant in Spring 2021 to expand their offerings and dedicate time to writing their first book, title forthcoming. Through their podcast, articles, digital resources, and workshops, Tristan supports those who seek to grow their work while staying aligned with the practices of equity, justice, and inclusivity.

About Tristan’s Session

In this workshop, we’ll explore awareness around 2SLGBTQIA (and especially trans) identity and language as a vital component for creating safer spaces, why our individual and collective healing is tied to breaking down cis-hetero norms, and how yoga teachers and space-holders can practice inclusivity and allyship with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This session will include an exploration of terminology, pronoun considerations, what to do when you mess up, and more.

Follow Tristan on Instagram
@tristankatzcreative

Join us on Saturday, December 3, 2022 and Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Yoga teachers who graduate from our program gain access to our network of over 140 trauma-informed trained yoga instructors, volunteerships and potential for paid yoga teacher positions at THAY’s notable partner organizations and nonprofits, and educational and professional development opportunities including subscription to THAY’s graduate membership program.

We are also offering a limited amount of scholarships to teachers who need financial assistance. Eligible yoga teachers would gain full access to this training at no cost.

*Scholarship applications are due on Friday, November 4, 2022.

Our scholarship opportunities are made possible thanks to our generous funders including the West Harlem Development Corporation and lululemon Here to Be. you can expect from their sessions below:

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