SAFE SPACE
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
The Safe Space Trauma-Sensitive module is designed to offer an in-depth exploration of both the theory and practical application of creating safer, more supportive environments for all. This approach is especially helpful for individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms, but its principles can benefit anyone in a yoga or therapeutic setting.
Throughout this week, we’ll delve into key topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, understanding how the body responds to stress, and the mechanisms behind our natural defence systems. You’ll also gain practical experience in applying trauma-sensitive techniques, learning how to recognise signs of dysregulation and integrate nervous system regulation tools into your teaching. We’ll cover how to adapt core yoga practices—such as asana, pranayama, and meditation—so they align with trauma-sensitive principles and promote safety and comfort for all participants.
Whether you’re teaching general yoga classes or working with vulnerable populations, this module will equip you with invaluable insights and practical tools to support healing, enhance your students' well-being, and maintain clear, professional boundaries in your teaching practice.
The module is open to all Yoga Teachers who would like to learn how to apply trauma-informed principles in their teaching, regardless of their teaching style or method. Apart from the in-person part of the training, this module consists of online pre-training lectures on the Nervous system.
Schedule:
09:00 - 10:30/45 Morning practice + short break
11:00 - 13:00 Lectures
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 - 18:30/19 Lectures and Practicum
Your Teachers
Nina Vukas
E-RYT 500, RPYT, IAYT
Nina is a founder of Spanda Institute, a Program Director, and a Lead Teacher for Advanced Study Programs. She has been a Yoga practitioner since 1998, started teaching full time in 2005, and has been educating yogis on their journey towards becoming Yoga Teachers, as well as educating Yoga Teachers to advance their knowledge and teaching skills since 2009. Nina is also a Psychologist, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever a student. Currently, she is studying Neuroscience.
Nina is the lead trainer on this course and will teach all three modules as well as most of the online modules.
Marina Moric
RYT 500, PhD Neuroscience
Marina has been with us for years, first as a student finishing her 200-hour TTC after which she started teaching classes in our fist home base, Sangha Yoga studio. She continued her Prenatal 300-hour studies with us as well as other renowned yoga teachers.
Marina lives and works in Basel, Switzerland where she moved to pursue her PhD in Neuroscience. You’ll most likely find her upside-down or in the air; her passions include Acro Yoga, Aerial Yoga and Paragliding. She is our resident Neuroscientist, teaching neuroscience on our 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training courses.
Marina will be covering the Nervous system part of Anatomy & Physiology for the online part of the training.
Location
Olive3, our retreat centre is located in the old town of Ericeira, a charming seaside village on Portugal’s west coast, renowned for its world-class surf, stunning cliffs, and relaxed atmosphere. With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and breathtaking ocean views, it perfectly blends traditional fishing village charm with vibrant surf culture. Several beaches are within walking distance, including the beautiful Praia do Sul, just a few minutes away, along with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Olive3 features a beautiful, light, and spacious yoga shala, where we have been leading our training courses since 2018.
Accommodation and Food
The rooms at Olive3 are simple yet charming, designed to create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere for your stay. Each room offers a peaceful retreat, with shared bathrooms that are well-maintained and conveniently located. Breakfast is included in the price, and for lunch and dinner, you can explore the many restaurants in Ericeira, offering a wide variety of options to suit every taste and budget.
Investment and Terms
Small Single
Early Bird … 1275 euro
Late Bird … 1375 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition, B&B
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Large Single
Early Bird … 1345 euro
Late Bird … 1445 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition, B&B
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Twin or Double Shared
Early Bird … 1065 euro
Late Bird … 1185 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition, B&B
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Terms and Conditions
Packages do not include transfers
We take 300 euro non-refundable deposit to save your spot
Full payment for Early Birds is due by December 9th 2024
Full payment for Late Birds is due by April 1st 2025
Student testimonials
“This course is transformational! The content is so well thought out and taught professionally by each tutor in a way that felt really nourishing. I have learned so much about myself, and have more of an understanding of the people I choose to surround myself with every day. Trauma Sensitive Yoga has really opened up my mind to something that is extremely helpful in life situations and I am looking forward to using that knowledge for the good of my community.” - Gillian (UK)
“I really enjoyed all aspects of this course, it included in depth science based knowledge for trauma to then be able to combine this with the ancient teachings of yoga. There were outside speakers as well to expand and give different perspectives and teachings which was and excellent addition. Nina brings so much knowledge to TSY with her background as not only a yoga teacher but as a yoga therapist and psychologist - I feel like I have come away from the course really inspired to deepen my studies in this area and cemented my belief that we all hold some trauma in our bodies from this life or past lives and that using yogic tools can be so helpful to everybody as we navigate this ever changing and transformational world. This kind of work can really help shift trauma held within people much more than western medicine perhaps - so I can only highly recommend this course with Spanda! Thank you!" Francesca (UK)
“I was attracted to Spanda Institute and Nina's approach which resonates with my ratio (science meets tradition). Still, this TTC offers so much more—beautiful teacher souls who hold safe space for students, unselfish knowledge sharing, and inspirational classes. The group was wonderful and I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to connect and learn with them and from them. Moreover, the place itself serves perfectly for this kind of learning like a cherry on top :). Altogether this was a magnificent experience that will be deeply embedded in my journey as a yoga teacher.” Ivna (Croatia)