Founder & Teacher

I'm an Integrative Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist

I have a Master of Science degree in Yoga Therapy, a postgraduate certificate in Ayurvedic Wellness Practices, and over 10 years of experience in the field of integrative mental health and yoga therapy. Integratively, I’ve worked with people experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, abuse, family conflict, stress and coping with life stressors, eating disorders, and low self-esteem, among others. I practice under the C-IAYT (Certified Yoga Therapist) credential through the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Judy Thompson, MS

Judy Thompson has worked in yoga therapy and integrative mental health for over 10 years, offering a trauma-informed approach centered on choice, consent, and respect for each person’s pace. Her work invites people to relate to the body’s cues as useful information, supporting steadiness, self-trust, and nervous system regulation. She founded Sakala School of Integrative Teaching to provide integrative professional education that bridges neuroscience, contemplative philosophy, and trauma-informed methodology. Across programs, Sakala School emphasizes applied, body-based learning and trauma-aware facilitation skills designed for direct use in clinical, educational, and community settings.

Professional milieu

education background

  • Master of Science in Yoga Therapy
  • Bachelor of Science in Wellness & Alternative Medicine
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Ayurvedic Wellness Practices

Credentials & Certifications

  • Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT)
  • Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500)
  • Registered Yoga School Owner (RYS)
  • Meditation Teacher (iRest)
  • Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coaching
  • Sacred Flame Wisdom Tradition Healer Priestess (Jaguar Medicine Shamanism, Vedic Tantra, and Tibetan Buddhism)
  • Certificate of Applied Clinical Hypnosis with Psychological Treatment
  • Advanced Mindfulness-Art & Science of Self-Compassion
  • Tai Chi for Health and Wellness
  • Yoga & Mindfulness for Children
  • Lifeforce Yoga for Anxiety & Depression
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Reiki Master
  • Certified Jyotish Vedic Astrologer
  • Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE)

Publications

  • Sakala Training Manual: 600+ pages
  • Sakala Yoga Teacher Card Deck: 100+ cards 
  • 48 Emotions, 48 Paths: Finding Balance with Emotions Using Dharana, a 48 Card Deck
  • Little Moments of Awe: A 36 Card Deck Using Tiny Wonders To Spark Connection, Joy, and Meaningful Exploration, a Card Deck for Kids
  • Quiet Rituals: A Pathway for Supporting the Nervous System Through Grief & Sorrow Following Dog Loss
  • Ground Beneath, Breath Above: A Card Deck Exploring Sensory Grounding and Connection, Designed to Guide Those Who Navigate Emotions Differently, particularly Alexithymia, Trauma Survivors, and Neurodiversity
  • Naldelon-The Systemic Response to Harm and Loss: Trauma-Aware Card Deck for Naming & Recognizing Systemic Harm
  • Trauma-Aware Card Deck: Cultivating Safety & Awareness-Somatic and Yoga Teaching Versions

Speaking Presentations

  • Trauma-Informed Competencies
  • Synergizing Post-Traumatic Growth through Yoga-Based Practices
  • Embodied Spectrum: A Kosha-Based framework to support 2SLGBTQIA+ Experience
  • Foundational Tools for Creating Trauma-Aware Spaces
 
 

Memberships & Affiliations

  • International Association of Yoga Therapists
  • Yoga Alliance
  • National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)
  • Society for Human Resource Management
  • Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience

Competencies

  • Trauma-informed, person-centered teaching in mental health-adjacent settings
  • Creative, structured curriculum development with practical implementation focus
  • Adaptable, resilient facilitation in dynamic environments
  • Strengths-based support for individuals and groups navigating growth and change
  • Empathic, patient, and attuned relational presence

Listen to Judy's Meditations on Insight Timer

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