Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator Training

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator Training

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A FIRST OF ITS KIND, IN AFRICA 

There is a growing body of academic evidence to support the effectiveness of trauma-sensitive yoga. Ensuring your yoga classes are trauma-sensitive not only makes them more accessible for trauma-survivors, but also ensures that you are able to effectively contribute towards their healing. 

“Candice is really an expert in her field. This program is truly a magical experience.”

Cands is a licensed counsellor and yoga therapist that specializes in trauma and mental health. She has supported many individuals and group therapy programs focused on the recovery from psychological trauma, and the physical health challenges that appear to co-occur with post-traumatic stress. 

Cands is completing her Masters thesis on trauma-sensitive yoga in the South African context. This means that not only are you receiving training direct from Cands, based on many hours of personal experience and training, but training that is also based on current, world-class academic research in this field.  

Cands is a licensed counsellor and yoga therapist that specializes in trauma and mental health. She has supported many individuals and group therapy programs focused on the recovery from psychological trauma, and the physical health challenges that appear to co-occur with post-traumatic stress. 

Cands is completing her Masters thesis on trauma-sensitive yoga in the South African context. This means that not only are you receiving training direct from Cands, based on many hours of personal experience and training, but training that is also based on current, world-class academic research in this field.  

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There are 2 levels of training for you to choose from. Both are conducted online, and can be attended from anywhere you choose. TSYFT-I is our level 1, 20-hour, 6 week program (our next cohort is 7 March – 11 April ’24). TSYFT-II is our level 2, 50-hour, 16 week program (our next cohort is 16 May – 29 August ’24).

“Cands is very knowledgeable and organised, I knew what to expect every step of the journey, which is great for a planner like myself. I felt supported throughout the course.”

TSYFT-I is for you if:

  • You are curious about yoga for trauma and are just starting out.
  • You have limited trauma-sensitive yoga knowledge and would like to deepen this.
  • You would like to try level 1 before you invest in a more in-depth program.
  • You would like to receive training that is evidence-based and rooted in the South African and broader African context.
  • You would like to be eligible to be a probono facilitator on our group therapy programs.
  • You do not need to be a yoga teacher or have attended a yoga teacher training – all welcome.
  • NB: this is an introductory qualification, and while we have many facilitators that go on to facilitate this modality successfully with a level 1 training – we would advise our level 2 training for those looking to open their own private practice in trauma-sensitive yoga. You will receive the title  RTP-F (Return to Presence facilitator, trained in our methodology) and you will be eligible to facilitate probono on our group therapy programs.  

    TSYFT-II is for you if:

    • You have some trauma and trauma-sensitive yoga knowledge, but are ready to take it deeper.
    • You believe that this is an area of yoga you are interested in specialising in and / or offering alongside other yoga offerings.
    • You would like to receive training that is evidence-based and rooted in the South African and broader African context.
    • You would like to be eligible to be a probono facilitator on our group therapy programs.
    • You do not need to be a yoga teacher or have attended a yoga teacher training or have completed the above-mentioned level 1 training. If this is you – it is advised that you have an established personal practice and some trauma-sensitive knowledge already. However, all are welcome that feel they are ready for this level of certification.
    • NB: You will receive the title RTP-AF (Return to Presence Advanced Facilitator, trained in our methodology) which will thoroughly prepare you to open your own private practice in trauma-sensitive yoga. You will also be eligible to facilitate probono on our group therapy programs. 

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    As a licensed counsellor and yoga therapist that specializes in trauma and mental health, with a strong public health background, it’s important to me that this trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator training is evidence-based, experiential, accessible and rooted in local context. 

    Evidence-based

    These training programs are and will continue to be informed by current and world-class academic research in trauma, trauma recovery and trauma-sensitive yoga. Not all trauma-sensitive yoga is created equal, and it’s improtant to study those methods proven in research and clinical trials to be effective and safe for trauma survivors. We ensure we do no harm in this way. You can read more about my background here.

    Experiential

    It is very hard, if not impossible, to teach from a place with no lived experience. It is for this reason that these training programs have a strong component of self-reflection, and practical hours training (personal practice and teaching practice). These are training programs that will teach you immense amounts about yourself, and promote personal growth. From here you are able to start facilitating highly effective, evidence-based, trauma-sensitive yoga.

    Accessible

    We appreciate the difficulty some students may face in travelling to training, both in terms of cost and personal care responsibilities. For this reason, our training is conducted entirely online. We have ensured the integrity of the training while ensuring it is as financially accessible to those that would like to attend. Every live theory class is recorded and will be available for veiwing for the duration of the training program. So you are able to attend around your work schedule. We also offer full and part scholarships on these training programs. Please join my mailing list at the top of this page to be notified of our upcoming scholarship opportunities. 

    Rooted in local context

    The South African Stress and Health Study (SASH) found that the trauma exposure of the general population in present-day South Africa is approximately 78.3%. It is no surprise that South Africans are exposed to very high levels of trauma, this is higher than the global average. However there is unfortunately limited research on trauma-sensitive yoga in the South African and broader African context. We are changing that! In this training, we are sensitive to the local context of our students and their communities. We take international, world-class research and understand it through a local lens. This ensures effectiveness in our individual contexts, for our students. 

    Evidence-based

    These training programs are and will continue to be informed by current and world-class academic research in trauma, trauma recovery and trauma-sensitive yoga. Not all trauma-sensitive yoga is created equal, and it’s improtant to study those methods proven in research and clinical trials to be effective and safe for trauma survivors. We ensure we do no harm in this way. You can read more about my background here.

    Experiential

    It is very hard, if not impossible, to teach from a place with no lived experience. It is for this reason that these training programs have a strong component of self-reflection, and practical hours training (personal practice and teaching practice). These are training programs that will teach you immense amounts about yourself, and promote personal growth. From here you are able to start facilitating highly effective, evidence-based, trauma-sensitive yoga.

    Accessible

    We appreciate the difficulty some students may face in travelling to training, both in terms of cost and personal care responsibilities. For this reason, our training is conducted entirely online. We have ensured the integrity of the training while ensuring it is as financially accessible to those that would like to attend. Every live theory class is recorded and will be available for veiwing for the duration of the training program. So you are able to attend around your work schedule. We also offer full and part scholarships on these training programs. Please join my mailing list at the top of this page to be notified of our upcoming scholarship opportunities. 

    Rooted in local context

    The South African Stress and Health Study (SASH) found that the trauma exposure of the general population in present-day South Africa is approximately 78.3%. It is no surprise that South Africans are exposed to very high levels of trauma, this is higher than the global average. However there is unfortunately limited research on trauma-sensitive yoga in the South African and broader African context. We are changing that! In this training, we are sensitive to the local context of our students and their communities. We take international, world-class research and understand it through a local lens. This ensures effectiveness in our individual contexts, for our students. 

    SCHEDULE

    TSYFT-LI, 20 hours, 6 weeks, all online, 7 March – 11 April ’24.

    • 8 hours theory training (4 x 2 hour, live, classes held via Zoom, each Thursday evening 7pm – 9pm SAST). Recordings accessible until course end date, 11 April ’24.
    • 6 hours homework training (1 – 2 hours of homework per week).
    • 4 hours practical training (group practical training and supervision).
    • 2 hours final assignment (final written and practical homework assignment).
    • All components need to be completed  by the course end date for you to graduate succesfully. 
    • Final graduation ceremony (held online, via Zoom).

    TSYFT-L2, 50 hours, 16 weeks, all online, 16 May – 29 August ’24

    • 16 hours theory training (8 x 2 hour, live, classes held via Zoom, each Thursday evening 7pm – 9pm SAST). Recordings accessible until course end date, 14 December ’24.
    • 12 hours personal practice and homework training (1 – 2 hours of homework per week).
    • 14 hours group practical training (group practical training and and supervision).
    • 6 hours individual, independent practical training.
    • 2 hours final assignment (final written and practical homework assignment).
    • All components need to be completed  by the course end date for you to graduate successfully. 
    • Final graduation ceremony (held online, via Zoom).

    FAQs:

    Will there be recordings?

    Yes, all live, theory classes are recorded and can be attended when works best for you. They will be available until the course end date. 

    What if I am going to be late for a theory session?

    No problem! All theory sessions are recorded and will be made available to you within 24 hours of the class, and until the course end date.

    What is the schedule?

    Scroll to the section above this for the schedule. All theory classes are recorded and available until the course end date. Group practical classes are scheduled as per individual availability. Homework, personal practice and assignments are due weekly and you can partake in these as best suits your schedule. All components need to be completed by the course end date for you to graduate successfully. 

    What does this qualify me to do?

    The TSYFT-I is an introductory qualification, and while we have many facilitators that go on to facilitate this modality successfully with a level 1 training – we would advise our level 2 training for those looking to open their own private practice in trauma-sensitive yoga. You will receive the title  RTP-F (Return to Presence facilitator, trained in our methodology) and you will be eligible to facilitate probono on our group therapy programs. Upon graduating from our TSYFT-II training you will receive the title RTP-AF (Return to Presence Advanced Facilitator, trained in our methodology) which will thoroughly prepare you to open your own private practice in trauma-sensitive yoga. You will also be eligible to facilitate probono on our group therapy programs. 

    Can I attend this training if I'm not currently a yoga teacher?

    Yes you can. Both of these training programs are open to all that feel it could be their heart work.

    Who is this training registered through?

    This is our own, indepedent training. It is not registered through any external body. This is for a few different reasons but primarily because we have a specific vision for the training and where we believe this field is heading. It’s an exciting time!

    Will I be guaranteed to facilitate on your group therapy programs??

    At this stage, we only allow facilitators trained in our methodology to facilitate on our group therapy programs. However, there is an application process per program and those shortlisted will be invited to facilitate. NB: these are mostly probono opportunities. 

    Do you offer refunds?
    • We will issue you with a 75% refund (via EFT)  should you cancel or notify us that you will not be able to attend this training at least 60 days prior to the program start date.
    • We will issue you with a 50% credit note to use for any of our products and services (valid for 12 months), should you cancel or notify us that you will not be able to attend this training within 30 – 60 days of the program start date.
    • No refund or credit note is provided if you cancel within 30 days of the program start date or exit the program or do not finish the program within the allocated course dates.
    The times don’t work for me - are there alternative sessions?

    As I’ve received interest from multiple time zones, the times listed above are the best ones to accommodate all who are interested at this stage.

    Will I have access to you & questions during the program?

    Absolutely. You will be able to ask me questions at any stage of the training program (in classes and on email should you prefer). 

    Do you offer payment plans?

    Yes. 50% (non-refundable) secures your place, remaining 50% is due within 30 days of course start date. Please mail me here for information on this. NB: this does not apply to discounted prices.

    Can I share this with friends, family, clients & others?

    Yes you are welcome to! It is open to anyone who feels this could be their heart work. 

    Ready?

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