Mindful Yoga Therapy: Trauma Training For Yoga Teachers

Mindful Yoga Therapy is an empirically informed, clinically tested program comprised of five practices: Pranayama (breathing), Asana (postures connected with breath), Yoga Nidra, Meditation, and Gratitude. Each practice is a tool that trauma based students can use to cope with Post Traumatic Stress, and together, they form a comprehensive system—a toolbox—that will carry people into a life of strength and resilience.

For many of us, the practices of yoga have changed our lives. That statement may seem dramatic, but it’s true. These practices teach us to turn inward, to pay attention, and to notice without judgment. They enable us to find balance in our bodies and minds, as well as develop our overall well-being. Because of those benefits, yoga is an invaluable asset for people who are coping with trauma-related psychological difficulties.

Yoga practices are a powerful complement to professional treatment for Post Traumatic Stress. A mindful, embodied yoga practice can provide relief from symptoms and develop the supportive skills that people need in their everyday lives. Yoga does not cure Post Traumatic Stress, but it has proven to aid in a healing journey.

Mindful Yoga Therapy is an empirically informed, clinically tested program comprised of five practices: Pranayama (breathing), Asana (postures connected with breath), Yoga Nidra, Meditation, and Gratitude. Each practice is a tool that trauma based students can use to cope with Post Traumatic Stress, and together, they form a comprehensive system—a toolbox—that will carry people into a life of strength and resilience.

The healing effects of these ancient yogic practices have begun to receive recognition from modern scientists. Research has discovered and validated what the yogis have known for centuries: yoga is one of the most effective ways to encourage and stimulate the healing process.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that even the best yoga teachers need to acquire a specific set of skills and considerations to work in trauma recovery programs.

To that end, Mindful Yoga has the goal of creating the most qualified and supportive team possible.

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The Mindful Yoga for Trauma Training for Yoga Teachers Program covers:

Why yoga for trauma?

The Toolbox and its five practices: Asana, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Meditation and Gratitude

Special considerations and specific techniques for working in this population

The nervous system and using yoga as a therapeutic methodology

Appropriateness and variations of asana

How to bring Mindful Yoga Therapy into the world

12 Week Protocol

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Friday Evening 6pm-9:00pm

Saturday 9am-noon, 2:30 – 5:30, 7pm, 9:30pm

Sunday 9am - noon

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This new Weekend Retreat format includes lodging and gourmet meals in a tranquil setting just 40 minutes north of New York City.

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Set on 5 organic acres overlooking Milton Harbor in Rye, NY, Wainwright House is a magnificent replica of a French Chateau. Facilities include three buildings featuring formal dining rooms, a library and solarium, meeting rooms of varying sizes, outdoor seating by the water, a meditation room, three yoga studios, dormitory-style lodging, a walking labyrinth and meditation garden.

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Suzanne has studied extensively with Beryl Bender Birch at The Hard and The Soft Yoga Institute and also with Patty Townsend in the Embodyoga Teacher Training programs at Yoga Center Amherst. She is now on faculty at both schools where she teaches in both teacher training programs, and is the Director at Mindful Yoga Center and it’s teacher trainings.

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At the Himalayan Institute, Suzanne completed the year long Living Tantra program and the Sage Program taught by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait.

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For at least a decade, Suzanne has worked with veterans who suffer with PTS. This work led her to study and learn the practical aspects of what benefits Veterans in a yoga program receive. Her experiences along the way have taught her that teachers require additional training tailored to the specific needs of Veterans.

Suzanne co-authored a book, the Mindful Yoga Therapy Practice Guide. She also produced two CDs—Yoga Nidra by Suzanne Manafort and “Breathe In Breathe Out”, a group of short breathing practices designed for Veterans with PTS.

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Suzanne is on the Board of Directors of the Give Back Yoga Foundation. In 2009, she was designated a Wells Fargo Second Half Champion for her work with Veterans.

Wainwright House Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be offered if you do not show up, are late, or leave early from a program. If you need to cancel, fees can be transferred to another event.