SOMATIC YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Student Testimonials
Read our student’s reflections. Each voice reflects a lived experience of embodied learning, inquiry, and trauma-informed practice.
Student Testimonial: Cassandra | Costa Rica Training
Her Experience in Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica
Almost five years ago to the day, I made a very courageous decision to step away from my job, prioritize my health, and embark on a personal healing journey that started with a solo trip through the jungles of Costa Rica.
I have spent the last several years doing deep trauma work, finding safety within my body again, and pursuing my career as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have always felt a calling into a more holistic and spiritual way of life and yet fearful to make this conscious transition.
When I was researching yoga teacher trainings, I often found myself overwhelmed and full of self doubt related to pursuing this certification, until I happened to stumble upon the Trauma Informed YTT through School Yoga Institute.
Right away, I was drawn to the accessibility of the hybrid format and the emphasis of trauma, the nervous system, equity, and social justice. Little did I know, that when I signed up for this training, it was going to be such a life changing experience for me in so many unexpected and beautiful ways. So unexpected in fact, that I did not even realize that it was my five year self healing anniversary and I was about to return to Costa Rica to embark on this new journey of self compassion and discovery.
From the moment I arrived in Montezuma, at the beautiful Aves Resort, I felt safe and so lovingly held by our fearless leaders Brooke and Jeanine, my fellow soul sisters, and the wonderful and generous staff at Aves.
One of the pleasant surprises that I experienced during the hybrid portion of the training, was the close connections we were able to form, even through zoom! Brooke and Jeanine set clear and loving expectations for our group that I believe resonated so deeply and created this unique sense of safety that many do not experience out in the world each day. I was so grateful for the opportunity to build these connections prior to arriving at Aves and to start dipping my toes in the magic that is a trauma informed way of being with others and in the world.
Over the course of the training, I learned so much about myself and gained such a deep understanding and respect for each woman who bravely made this decision to look within and meet our traumas with curiosity, love, and deep respect. Prior to this experience, I have struggled with the fear of using my voice and taking space especially within a group setting. I cannot express enough gratitude to Brooke and Jeanine for creating such a safe container for all of us to be ourselves, stretch our comfort zones, and embrace the parts of self that we often hide away. I am proud to say that I am a certified yoga teacher and I am even more excited to share that I am now a trauma informed teacher who can use her voice, has deep love for herself, and is beginning to be able to receive love again from others.
I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to utilize this training and transform my current offerings as a therapist to better align with a newfound purpose. I envision myself going out into the community to teach workshops, lead yoga classes/meditations, and help those who are impacted by medical trauma. I have personal health experiences within the thyroid, auto-immune, and cancer communities and I would love to help others not feel so alone in their journey. To empower, teach, inspire, and advocate for those who find themselves in the midst of this deep trauma work.