I have practiced yoga for 18 years and utilized information about breathing practices in my clinical practice for the past 10 years. I have wanted to become a yoga teacher for the past several years but it hasn’t worked out for various reasons. I feel like our lives really do lead us down certain paths that we are meant to be on and Sakala YTT was where I was meant to be! Although I felt like I had significant knowledge of yoga asanas and breathing prior to entering, I’m impressed with how much more there was to learn. I learned a lot about myself, why yoga has always been so healing for myself during difficult times, how to help my clients and use the ideas/concepts/poses in my clinical work, and most importantly how to be trauma informed in my teaching. Judy is brilliant and full of so much information to help you start your path as a yoga teacher, whatever that may look like.

{Sakala School offered an} organized, hands on, multi-intelligence appreciation, learning style preference acknowledged, welcoming, safe atmosphere. Perfect timing. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. Thank you.

I was part of a very small cohort where I didn't think I was going to connect or have so much in common with anyone just because I always really just went into settings to take information in and listen. I did do this here but I also witnessed how much sharing became a big valuable part of the experience. I think that was very beautiful and challenging at times. Thank you Judy it was truly an Upanishad " sitting down near" an illumined teacher.

In the mental health field, it is often said for providers to practice self care, however, for me, it is always a difficult thing to do. The Sakala yoga teacher training program provided a safe space for me to not only practice self care but explore/reflect on things that were not serving me. I had the opportunity of being introduced to Dr. Gabor Mate who provided a new perspective on trauma. It helped with my own healing and provided knowledge to share that can help others as well. The Sakala yoga teacher training encourages self-growth and healing which provided me with the strength to continue to support others the best that I can in my role as a Mental health clinician.

{Witnessing Beauty Yoga Teacher Training} provides a meaningful approach to our work and offers a new and necessary tool for working with people on their healing journey.

This is an amazing journey, aside from just “yoga”, it teaches so many valuable lessons of the physical body, mind and spirit. It really delves deep into self awareness and our connectedness to others, nature and the universe and how we can all help heal each other. Judy Thompson is an amazing human! The thoughtfulness that she has put into the training manual and classes is outstanding! It is a beautifully balanced course that covers everything from the neuroscience, anatomy, Hindu Philosophy and all the poses, breath work and meditation all within the trauma-informed framework. It is a truly valuable experience that inspires, enlightens and enhances self-awareness that, you, in turn can share with your clients.

I enlisted in Witnessing Beauty for the concept of learning more about yoga- instead, I left with way more than I thought I would enjoy, plus a bonus of becoming a teacher.

One of the best decisions I made for the youth that I serve and for my own personal growth.

I have been in my personal yoga practice for over 15 years and in my clinical practice for over 10 years. I've sought out and been interested in a yoga teacher training that would integrate my love of yoga and my clinical work as a trauma therapist for the past several years and found the Sakala program by happenstance. Immediately after speaking with Judy I knew this training was exactly what I had been seeking, however my experience went far beyond my expectations. I have learned professionally and personally through this process. I have the utmost gratitude for the comprehensive and integrative way that Judy presented the education and for the richness of the Sakala program that she has developed.

Sakala's Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training was such an immersive and transformative training. I learned not only about trauma and the experience of yoga within the trauma realm but about myself as a person and a therapist. I recommend this to anyone who is in the clinical field and is interested in bringing yoga into their practice. Judy is such a knowledgeable teacher that allows space for everyone and creates a comfortability with the topics and others in the class.

Within the safe, nurturing environment of the community of classmates in my cohort, I discovered much about myself and experience true post traumatic growth. I discovered comfort in the wisdom of my crone. I wish to share that journey and help others find their wisdom as well. The teachers training created a safe space for growth and introspection. Elders need to discover safety in their bodies, bodies that are becoming unknown and sometimes unfriendly to them. My training will help to get the message of renewed self love to them.