Teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga to Children

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Course features

  • Author: Cyndie Marler
  • Level: Advanced
  • Study time: 120 hours
  • Video time: 9 hours
  • Exams: 9

Course overview:

Participants will learn techniques to integrate into standard yoga classes, drawing from somatic-based therapy practices to address trauma-related symptoms such as dissociation, anxiety, chronic dysregulation, depression, and addiction. 
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Also included:

  • Comprehend the physiology of trauma and how it shows up in children
  • Understand the proven benefits of yoga and how it addresses dissociation, anxiety, chronic dysregulation, depression, and addiction.
  • Embody the foundational philosophies of yoga
  • Design and develop age-appropriate lesson plans.
  • Teach yoga in a trauma-informed manner to youth

What's included?

  • 9 Chapters
  • 1 Certification
  • 340 Questions
  • 25 Videos
  • 32 PDFs

Discover a Child-Centered Approach to Trauma Healing

Trauma-informed Yoga can be a powerful tool for children to manage stress and anxiety. The use of invitational language and avoidance of physical adjustments or corrections offers multiple modifications, and teaches present-moment awareness without judgment.

Research and Clinical Observation Shows:

Trauma-informed yoga adapts traditional practices to prioritize safety, choice, empowerment, and predictability. It helps address the embodied nature of trauma, supporting nervous system regulation and healing.

Benefits of Teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga to Children

These benefits are supported by feasibility studies, qualitative feedback from youth, and emerging research on trauma-sensitive yoga as a complementary intervention. It works well alongside other therapies and is particularly valuable because it is somatic (body-based), which can reach children who struggle with talk therapy alone.

Calms the Nervous System and Reduces Hyperarousal

Children with early trauma often remain stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Trauma-informed yoga uses slow, mindful movements and focused breathing to activate the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) system. This lowers chronic stress, anxiety, and physiological arousal, helping kids feel more grounded and in control.

Builds a Sense of Safety and Body Trust

Trauma can disconnect children from their bodies and erode feelings of safety. This approach creates a predictable, non-coercive environment where kids choose their movements and pace. It fosters internal safety, improves interoceptive awareness (sensing internal states), and helps restore a positive relationship with the body.

Enhances Emotional Regulation and Resilience

Mindfulness and breathwork teach children to notice and manage emotions without overwhelm. This builds emotional resilience, reduces reactivity, and provides practical tools (like breathing techniques) for everyday stressors, supporting better coping and fewer meltdowns or shutdowns.

Improves Self-Regulation, Focus, and Executive Function

By integrating movement, breath, and present-moment awareness, it strengthens prefrontal cortex functions. Benefits include better attention, impulse control, and self-regulation—critical for children whose trauma has impacted brain development and learning.

Promotes Empowerment, Agency, and Self-Compassion

Group or relational elements in a safe setting help rebuild trust and prosocial behaviors. Studies show reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, plus improvements in sleep, perceived recovery, and resilience—benefits that extend beyond the mat into daily life and relationships.

Supports Social Connection, Recovery, and Long-Term Well-Being

Group or relational elements in a safe setting help rebuild trust and prosocial behaviors. Studies show reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, plus improvements in sleep, perceived recovery, and resilience—benefits that extend beyond the mat into daily life and relationships.

Instructors

Cyndie Marler
Founder, Yoga & Montessori Specialist
Online learning and training have become an essential part of our society. LearnWorlds is one of the top platforms to create and sell online courses.
Jaya Dharamdasani 
Yoga Specialist
Online learning and training have become an essential part of our society. LearnWorlds is one of the top platforms to create and sell online courses.
Barkley 
Montessori Specialist
Online learning and training have become an essential part of our society. LearnWorlds is one of the top platforms to create and sell online courses.
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