Training Description:
This experiential training is designed for therapists, educators, and yoga instructors seeking to integrate trauma-informed yoga into their work with children. Participants will explore the foundational philosophy of yoga, learning how to adapt the 8 Limbs of Yoga in a way that is meaningful, accessible, and therapeutic for kids. Participants will gain a deep understanding of trauma-informed yoga principles and how to create safe, empowering, and developmentally appropriate yoga experiences that support children's emotional regulation, resilience, and healing.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the core principles of trauma-informed yoga and learn how to apply these principles to empower and support children in their healing and growth.
- Distinguish the 8 Limbs of Yoga and adapt them for children in therapeutic settings.
- Summarize how to structure developmentally appropriate yoga sessions that are engaging, inclusive, and supportive of children's needs.
Course Agenda:
- Gentle Practice- Setting Intentions
- Overview of training objectives
- Importance of trauma-informed yoga in children’s healing
- Defining trauma-informed yoga
- Key principles: safety, choice, empowerment, and self-regulation
- Child-friendly explanation of trauma-informed yoga
- Child-Friendly Overview of the 8 Limbs of Yoga
- Practical adaptations for trauma-informed yoga with children
- Designing age-appropriate yoga experiences for children
- Child-Friendly Movement, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques
- Experiencing a child-centered yoga flow
- Closing Practice
Your Instructor
Christine Mark-Griffin, LCSW, RYT, is a renowned expert in EMDR therapy for children and the author of the award-winning EMDR Workbook for Kids. Her approach to healing blends her clinical expertise with her passions for yoga, music, movement, and fitness, offering a unique and playful way to help others heal and grow.
She is the clinical director of Spark All Wellness, a small group practice in San Francisco, California, that specializes in EMDR and trauma-informed yoga therapy for women and children. Christine is also the founder of EMDR for Kids, where she is dedicated to providing therapists, parents, and children with the resources, tools, and advanced training they need to overcome trauma and build resilience.
Christine is an acclaimed trainer in the field of psychotherapy, having trained thousands of clinicians worldwide in integrating EMDR, play therapy, and yoga into their practice. Her diverse professional background—spanning non-profits, child welfare, juvenile justice, community mental health, schools, and higher education—has given her a deep understanding of complex trauma and a firsthand view of the resilience and healing that is possible.
At home in San Francisco, Christine resides with her partner, two children, and dog. The things that make her happiest include her family and friends, a good cup of coffee, baked goods, yoga, traveling, cycling, music & dancing—while continuing to inspire others with her work and passion for helping others heal.
Learn more: linktr.ee/christinemarkgriffin
Instagram: @christinemarkgriffin