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YT 303: Yoga Therapy for Kids & Teens | 95 Hours

Course ID: YT 303
Title: Yoga Psychology for Kids & Teens Certification
Instructors: Melissa, Michael, Swaati, Alex & Carolyn

​Course Objectives
  • Specialized training in applying yoga therapy principles to children and adolescents.
  • Understanding developmental stages and adapting yoga practices accordingly.
  • Addressing common psychological challenges faced by young populations.

Lesson Titles
  • Trauma-Informed Theory in Practice
  • Uplifting Indigenous Culture
  • Cultivating Connection with Groups: Kids, Teens & Families
  • Yoga Activities & Practices for Kids & Teens
  • The Mindful Business of Yoga
  • Attachment Across the Lifespan
  • Trauma-Informed Invitations for Kids & Teens
  • Playful & Accessible Yoga for Kids & Teens
  • Sharing Patanjali's Teachings with Kids & Teens
  • Creating Offerings for the Whole Family
  • The Child Psychology of Yoga
  • Yoga for Special Populations
  • Fostering Choice, Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Certification Program Mentorship Support with Alex

Introduction of Program Frameworks & Guiding Philosophies
  • Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga: Introduces ethical guidelines (Yamas and Niyamas), physical postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), withdrawal of senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana), and enlightenment (Samadhi) in the context of working with children and adolescents.
  • Chakra System: Covers the seven chakras - Muladhara (Root Chakra), Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra), Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra), Anahata (Heart Chakra), Vishuddha (Throat Chakra), Ajna (Third Eye Chakra), and Sahasrara (Crown Chakra), and their relevance in supporting the development and well-being of young clients.
  • Panchamaya Koshas: Integration of the five layers of human existence - Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body), Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body), Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body), Vijnanamaya Kosha (Wisdom Body), and Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body) into therapeutic practices for children and teens.

Grounding in Teachings
  • Trauma-Informed Theory in Practice: Applying trauma-informed principles to create safe and supportive environments for children and adolescents.
  • Uplifting Indigenous Culture: Integrating Indigenous perspectives and practices to honor cultural diversity and promote inclusivity.
  • Cultivating Connection with Groups: Techniques for building strong, supportive relationships within groups of kids, teens, and families.
  • Yoga Activities & Practices: Designing and implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate yoga practices for kids and teens.
  • Attachment Across the Lifespan: Understanding the impact of attachment theory on the development and well-being of young clients.​​

Program Integration
This course builds on foundational teachings of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, the Chakra System, and the Panchamaya Koshas, deepening students' understanding and application of yoga therapy for children and adolescents. The principles and strategies learned in this course are woven into subsequent courses, providing a consistent framework for learning and practice. Students will build on these teachings throughout the program.

2025 Training Dates:
November 7-9
November 21-23
December 5-7
December 19-21

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 :)​