Frequently asked questions.

Are Trauma-Informed/Trauma-Sensitive Yoga & Movement classes for me?

YES! Whether this is your very first yoga class or your 500th class, yoga at Empowered Spaces is for you. We believe that trauma-informed and resilience-focused yoga is for everyone.

Trauma-informed and resilience-focused yoga focuses on building personal and interpersonal resiliency and connection, practicing nervous system awareness and regulation, and cultivating self-trust and self-compassion through the practice of yoga shapes and mindful movement.

Trauma does not discriminate; trauma is something that effects us all in some way - large and small, noticeably and not so noticeable. We now know that unresolved trauma can often result in health issues, physical pain, anxiety, stress, depression, and behavioral challenges. This does not define you, does not make you weak, does not make you unworthy. To be human is to know struggle - to feel pain, disconnection, and dis-empowerment. We believe that to be human is also to know great joy, transformation, and power.

We strive to honor every individual’s lived experience, and we believe that yoga should be inclusive and accessible for everyone. This is a practice of tuning in and reconnecting to your body, with the goal of establishing and strengthening your sense of comfort, strength, and safety in your body. This results in greater self-regulation, stability, self-compassion, and personal agency. We develop a wiser and more compassionate relationship to ourselves, each other and our earth. Read more about why we believe in building trauma-informed and resilience-focused communities. You can also read more about the guidelines that we are committed to for holding space.

What should I bring with me to class?

Feel free to bring your own yoga mat and anything else that you need to make your practice more comfortable and supportive. We also have plenty of yoga props (mats, bolsters, blankets, and blocks - we do not use straps in our studio) available for everyone if you prefer to use what we have here. You may choose to bring water to class, but please no glass bottles. We also have water and tea service available in our waiting room.

What to wear?

Anything that you feel comfortable in and will allow you to move with ease. You may choose to practice bear foot, in socks, or with keeping your shoes on.

Restroom available for changing here.

What can I expect?

Doors open 15 minutes before each class begins. The yoga studio is the small building located behind the main two-story building. The studio is located on the ground floor. There is a free ten car parking lot adjacent to the studio and additional free parking on neighborhood streets. When parking on the streets, please be mindful of our neighbors. Restroom is wheelchair-accessible and ramp-accessible in the main building. Empowered Spaces strives to be accessible and inclusive of all abilities.

When you arrive to the studio you will be greeted by the teacher. You will also be asked to fill out a new student form.

There is space in the studio for you to store your shoes (if you choose to remove them) and other belongings. The teacher will show you where all of the yoga props (mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks) are if you choose to utilize what we have. We do not use any yoga straps in our studio. You will then have the choice to lay out your mat where ever is comfortable for you.

We intentionally keep our classes small, there will never be more than 18 students in your class.

The doors will remained unlocked throughout class, and you always have the option to step out and then return to class as needed.

Please visit How We Hold Space for more details on what you can expect from the teachers at Empowered Spaces.

Is there scholarship available?

The Empowered Spaces Scholarship Fund is one of the ways in which we strive to make yoga accessible and inclusive to everybody, especially to those in our communities who have typically been marginalized or excluded, or who commonly encounter barriers to yoga and other healing/wellness services. If you are experiencing any financial barriers to being able to attend the services offered here, please reach out to inquire about applying for scholarship. Everyone deserves to be able to access the services they need to lead a life of joy, health, and well-being.

What if I have more questions?

If you have more questions or if there is something that you want us to know about you before you arrive, please feel free to reach out to the teacher of your class. For all general questions about Empowered Spaces contact Kelly Caul.