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YT 201: Being Trauma-Informed | 21 Hours

Course ID: YT 201
Title: Being Trauma-Informed: Integrating Trauma Theory & the Eight Limb Path
Instructors: Melissa & Alex
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Course Objectives
  • Understanding trauma theory and its relevance to yoga therapy.
  • Integrating trauma-informed care with the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
  • Application of trauma theory in therapeutic settings.

Lesson Titles
  • Indigenous Land & Lineage Acknowledgment
  • Module 1: Yamas - Outer Ethical Codes and the Importance of Healthy Boundaries
    • Yamas Practice
    • Yamas & the Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Yamas & Theory: Healthy Boundaries
    • Yamas Integration
  • Module 2: Niyamas - Personal Ethical Practices to Support Authenticity & Choice Making
    • Niyamas Practice
    • Niyamas & The Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Niyamas & Theory: Authenticity & Choice Making
    • Niyamas Integration
  • Module 3: Asana - Physical Forms & Interoception as a Skill for Embodiment
    • Asana Practice
    • Asana & The Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Asana & Theory: Interoception
    • Asana Integration
  • Module 4: Pranayama: Your Breath, Brain, Nervous System & Regulation
    • Pranayama Practice
    • Pranayama & The Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Pranayama & Theory: The Brain & Nervous System
    • Pranayama Integration
  • Module 5: Pratyahara: Withdrawal of Senses for Ethical Care
    • Pratyahara Practice
    • Pratyahara & the Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Pratyahara & Theory: Deep Rest, Ethical Self-Care, Collaboration & Community Care
    • Pratyahara Integration
  • Module 6: Dharana: Mindfulness Research & Relationships & Regulation
    • Dharana Practice
    • Dharana & the Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Dharana & Theory: Mindfulness Research on Relationships & Regulation
    • Dharana Integration
  • Module 7: Dhyana: Meditation Research as a Source of Support for Being over Doing
    • Dhyana Practice
    • Dhyana & the Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Dhyana & Theory: Meditation Research as a Source of Support for Being over Doing
    • Dhyana Integration
  • Module 8: Samadhi: Bliss, Unity, Enlightenment Embodied through Community Care and Social Justice
    • Samadhi Practice
    • Samadhi & the Trauma-Informed Pillars
    • Samadhi & Theory: Samadhi Embodied through Community Care & Social Justice
    • Samadhi Integration
  • Module 9: Honouring the Eight Limb Path
    • Final Eight Limb Practice
    • Eight Limb Integration
  • Certification Program Mentorship Support with Alex

Introduction of Program Frameworks & Guiding Philosophies
  • Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga: Introduces the ethical guidelines (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and enlightenment (Samadhi).

Grounding in Teachings
  • Foundational Yoga Teachings and Philosophy: Students will learn the historical and philosophical roots of yoga, focusing on its application in modern therapeutic settings. This includes a glossary of all core competencies included in the program.
  • Integration of Trauma-Informed Principles: Detailed exploration of trauma theory and how it intersects with the Eight Limbs of Yoga, enhancing the application of yoga in trauma-informed care.
  • Ethical Principles: Examination of Yamas and Niyamas in the context of trauma-informed practice, emphasizing healthy boundaries, authenticity, and choice-making.
  • Pranayama and Asana Practices: Practical exercises in breath control and physical postures to support embodiment and self-regulation.
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Techniques for integrating mindfulness and meditation to support trauma recovery and emotional resilience.​

Program Integration
This course builds on the foundational concepts introduced in YT 200, deepening students' understanding of how to integrate trauma-informed principles with the Eight Limbs of Yoga. These teachings are woven into subsequent courses, providing a consistent framework for learning and practice. Students will build on these teachings throughout the program.

Canmore Location:

109-705 10th Street Canmore, AB T1W2A3
We're next to Communitea & Vermelho, 
​on the corner of 10th St. and 6th Ave.

Established in 2014.
​Copyright © 2026 by
Dr. Melissa Jay is an Indigenous, nehiyaw-Métis member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. The primary location of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School is located in Chuwapchipchiyan Kudi Bi (translated from Îyârhe Nakoda as “shooting at the willows”), colonially known as Canmore. We are grateful to be located on Treaty 7 territory and the current and ancestral lands of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda), which includes of the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, and Goodstoney First Nation, as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika First Nation, Piikani First Nation, and Kainai First Nation. This is also the home to the Rocky View Métis District 4 within the Battle River Territory. We recognize all Nations who continue to nurture these lands, and we are dedicated to uplifting Truth, language, and culture as essential to right relations. As an act of reconciliation and commitment to decolonization, we are committed to the TRC's Calls to Action. 

At Canmore Counselling, we are also privileged to be yoga students, practitioners, and guides. Our offerings centre on the root of yoga as Indigenous to South Asia, and we are grateful to learn from and amplify the South Asian practitioners and teachers whenever possible. We are grateful for the eight limbs of yoga, as taught by Patanjali. It is a joy to walk alongside our incredible alumni of the Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School as they create opportunities for care, connection & curiosity within their communities. 

We believe wholeheartedly that trauma-informed care requires commitment to community, social justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and anti-racism. Thank you for being here :)​