What Makes a YTT Trauma-Informed — and Why That Matters Now
Not all yoga teacher trainings are created equal.
Many programs teach you how to sequence a class, guide breath work, and cue alignment. But very few prepare you to teach in a way that honours people’s lived experiences, their nervous systems, and their stories.
In a world where anxiety, grief, and burnout are becoming more common than stillness, trauma-informed yoga is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s essential.
So let’s unpack what actually makes a yoga teacher training trauma-informed — and why it matters more than ever in 2025.
It Starts With Safety — Not Performance
A trauma-informed yoga teacher training doesn’t centre on perfect poses, high-level anatomy, or fast-paced vinyasa.
Instead, it asks:
How can I create space where someone feels safe enough to breathe again — even for one moment?
At Jala Yoga®, this looks like:
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Teaching nervous system literacy alongside movement
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Using invitational, non-coercive language
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Prioritising presence and pacing over “getting it right”
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Offering multiple entry points for different energy levels, bodies, and capacities
We support our students to learn how to hold space — not just lead a class.
It’s Evidence-Based, Not Just Intuitive
Being trauma-informed isn’t about being kind to people and telling them they're safe with gentle voices.
It’s about understanding:
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How trauma affects the nervous system, body, and breath
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When a practice might feel stabilising — and when it might overwhelm
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How to offer choice, agency, and adaptability in every class
That’s why our training draws on:
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Polyvagal Theory
- Neuroscience
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Somatic psychology
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Trauma recovery frameworks
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Clinical insight from allied health professionals — psychologists, OTs, social workers, physios, counsellors, exercise physiologists and more
We blend the wisdom of Yoga with modern research — so you can meet your students with skill and care.
Why It Matters Now — Especially in Australia
The need for trauma-aware, inclusive yoga spaces is growing — and the numbers back it up.
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1 in 5 Australians (21.5%) aged 16–85 experienced a mental health condition in the past year — that’s more than 4.2 million people.
(ABS National Study of Mental Health & Wellbeing, 2021–2022) -
Anxiety disorders are the most common, with women aged 16–34 being most affected — and this same group is also the largest demographic engaging with yoga.
(Beyond Blue, Roy Morgan Research) -
Yoga and mindfulness practices are now routinely recommended by GPs, psychologists, and NDIS providers as part of treatment for trauma, ADHD, chronic illness, and depression.
So if you’re teaching yoga, chances are you’re already holding space for people with trauma — whether you know it or not.
It Centres People, Not Poses
A trauma-informed YTT is about more than just the curriculum. It’s about how we teach, how we show up, and who we make space for.
It’s about:
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Dismantling spiritual bypassing and ableism
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Offering options for all bodies, all identities, and all nervous systems
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Naming that grief, pain, and complexity are welcome in the room
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Understanding that Yoga is a practice of relationship, not perfection
At Jala Yoga®, we honour Yoga’s roots while ensuring it’s accessible and inclusive for the communities we serve. Our training is accessible, flexible and updated annually to meet the learning needs of our cohort.
So… Who Is This Training For?
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Yoga teachers who want to deepen their scope and impact
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Social workers, counsellors, OTs, and other Allied Health professionals
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Anyone seeking a training grounded in compassion, research, and cultural humility
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care — and be willing to learn.
Want to Learn With Us?
Our next 350hr Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training is open for 2026 enrolment.
Inside, you’ll learn how to:
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Teach with clarity, confidence, and compassion
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Collaborate with healthcare teams and trauma-aware organisations
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Facilitate yoga across diverse settings — from clinics to retreats, high schools to community spaces
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Build an offering that’s both meaningful and sustainable
Eligible for CPD points for many Allied Health roles
May be tax deductible if yoga is part of your professional development
Includes mentorship, supervision, and access to our Jala graduate community
Available In-Person & Remote Access Australia-wide.
