Trauma and Embodied Healing
Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:30pm
October 3rd - October 24th
Join us in person or virtually
Led by Rachel Jones 500hr RYT (she/her)
***This course is now eligible for 8 hours of Continued Education for yoga teachers under Yoga Alliance***
This four week series is for health and wellness professionals, activists, educators, those working with the public in any capacity, or anyone interested in understanding the complexities of trauma and the human experience.
The hope is to develop greater compassion and to provide more effective care and solutions for the communities we serve as well as ourselves.
We will explore the intricacies of Polyvagal Theory through education and group discussion. In addition, we will use yogic philosophy to draw parallels to our modern understanding as well as to gain an understanding somatically through physical practices.
What to Expect
The beginning of each session will be educational with opportunities for group discussion on Polyvagal Theory, neuroscience, and various popular theories around the topic and science of trauma. The main focus here will be on the nervous system and how our connection to our bodies plays a huge part in the way we understand safety.
Because of this connection, strong parallels can be drawn with the philosophy of Yoga under which powerful tools have been developed over thousands of years to address what we now know as trauma. These philosophical ideas will be a part of the conversation and will lead us into the second portion of each session which will involve physical and somatic practices that are relevant to our conversations.
Movement practices will be explorative and not extremely strenuous, though there may be moments of challenge. Regardless of what is offered, the priority is always for the practitioner to decide what movement feels right for them.
The intention is to make classes as accessible as possible to most bodies. Know that modifications are available for most things and if you have any physical concerns there will be opportunities to disclose/discuss beforehand to try and find alternatives or support. Witnessing the physical practice in a group setting may also be valuable even if portions of it are not accessible physically.
In this workshop series, we will approach our understanding in the Trauma and Embodied Healing workshop series in the following ways,
- We will engage in educational discussion on Polyvagal Theory
- We will learn the physiological mechanisms of how the entire range of human experiences are stored in the body
- We will use pieces of Yogic philosophy to help interpret the complexities of trauma
- We will study these complexities in our own bodies and nervous systems through gentle movement and breath practices
- We will learn practical and appropriate tools to bring these visceral studies to the communities we serve
- We will discuss how the wisdom of these topics can be implemented to create better systems of healing for our communities
How to Prepare
Dress in any way that makes you feel comfortable and will allow you to participate in a movement practice.
Water is always good to have.
You may want to bring a journal to capture thoughts from the discussion.
Yoga mats, blankets, yoga blocks, and bolsters are provided but please feel free to bring any props, or things to make you more comfortable as everyone will be invited to sit on the ground for discussion (however folding chairs are available if desired).
This series will be held in person as well as virtually. Sessions will be recorded and made available to everyone for one week should you not be able to attend one of the dates.
Registration
Fill out this form and Rachel will contact you via email within 1-2 business days. In her email will be information/questions regarding your registration as well as a payment link (Venmo, Paypal or cash available). Your spot will be reserved once a payment plan is in place. Note that there is scholarship available through Empowered Spaces if interested.
Feel free to email Rachel with ANY questions!
EQUITY PRICING:
Empowered Spaces and Rachel Jones value community care. Given the systemic injustice in this world which affects each of us differently, this equity pricing scale acknowledges that our ability to pay for services, and access those services, varies. We offer a self-determined sliding scale based on the ways that your identity grants you access to privilege and to social capital, e.g. race, gender & sexual identity, socio-economic status, educational background, able-bodied-ness, etc.
Sustainer Rate - "I can pay my way" - $225
Supporter Rate - "I can help support my community" - $265
Community Rate - "I can use support from my community" - $165
*Full and Partial Scholarships available
**Full & Partial scholarships: Empowered Spaces is committed to doing everything possible to make offerings accessible to everyone. To inquire about the Empowered Spaces Equity Scholarship please contact Kelly at kkcaul@yahoo.com
COVID-19 PROCEDURES
We will follow CDC guidelines when it comes to masking. Currently: Masks are optional. If cases go up in St. Louis County and guidelines change, masks will be required throughout the practice. Please stay home if you have symptoms, test positive, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Empowered Spaces yoga studio is located on the ground floor. There is a 10-car parking lot adjacent to the studio & additional free parking on neighborhood streets. Restroom is wheelchair-accessible and ramp-accessible in the main building. Please reach out to Kelly kkcaul@yahoo.com if there is anything more we can do to make our offerings more accessible. Empowered Spaces is committed to accessibility, and strives to be accessible and inclusive of all abilities and all individuals.
Meet Rachel
Yoga Therapist, Educator, & Psychology and Trauma Studies B.S.
I have been a participant and student of the healing process for many years and my learning continues not only through study, but also through witnessing the communities I serve. I offer group and individual sessions on movement, meditation, and self study as well as education on these topics. I am fascinated, passionate, and committed to the innate human ability to self-heal as well as to the solutions we can find toward healing our communities at large.
In 2017 I embarked on a 200 RYT program and began my journey as a teacher of self study, movement, and self-healing. Since then I have completed a 500 RYT, began a 4 year program as a Yoga Therapist, and studied both formally and informally the sciences Psychology and Trauma Studies.
My practice has evolved and taken many turns as a result, spending two years working full time as a Wellness Guide at a recovery center primarily working with individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder.
In my time here I had the opportunity to design and facilitate a trauma informed yoga program as well as group education on wellness. With this experience I became very interested and gained a deep understanding of PolyVagal Theory and how that relates to embodied healing particularly through the lens of Yogic philosophy.
Today, I continue my work in that intersection of thought through facilitating Yoga Teacher Trainings both at the 200 and 500 hour level. In addition, I take these concepts and practices into individual sessions as a 2nd year candidate Yoga Therapist.
If you’re interested in learning more about Yoga Therapy or my offerings visit my website.