SAFE SPACE
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
The Safe Space Trauma-Sensitive module is designed to offer an in-depth exploration of both the theory and practical application of creating safer, more supportive environments for all. This approach is especially helpful for individuals experiencing trauma-related symptoms, but its principles can benefit anyone in a yoga or therapeutic setting.
Throughout this week, we’ll delve into key topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, understanding how the body responds to stress, and the mechanisms behind our natural defence systems. You’ll also gain practical experience in applying trauma-sensitive techniques, learning how to recognise signs of dysregulation and integrate nervous system regulation tools into your teaching. We’ll cover how to adapt core yoga practices—such as asana, pranayama, and meditation—so they align with trauma-sensitive principles and promote safety and comfort for all participants.
Whether you’re teaching general yoga classes or working with vulnerable populations, this module will equip you with invaluable insights and practical tools to support healing, enhance your students' well-being, and maintain clear, professional boundaries in your teaching practice.
The module is open to all Yoga Teachers who would like to learn how to apply trauma-informed principles in their teaching, regardless of their teaching style or method. Apart from the in-person part of the training, this module consists of online pre-training lectures on the Nervous system.
Schedule:
09:00 - 10:30/45 Morning practice + short break
11:00 - 13:00 Lectures
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 - 18:30/19 Lectures and Practicum
Your Teachers
Nina Vukas
E-RYT 500, RPYT, IAYT
Nina is a founder of Spanda Institute, a Program Director, and a Lead Teacher for Advanced Study Programs. She has been a Yoga practitioner since 1998, started teaching full time in 2005, and has been educating yogis on their journey towards becoming Yoga Teachers, as well as educating Yoga Teachers to advance their knowledge and teaching skills since 2009. Nina is also a Psychologist, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever a student. Currently, she is studying Neuroscience.
Nina is the lead trainer on this course and will teach all three modules as well as most of the online modules.
Marina Moric
RYT 500, PhD Neuroscience
Marina has been with us for years, first as a student finishing her 200-hour TTC after which she started teaching classes in our fist home base, Sangha Yoga studio. She continued her Prenatal 300-hour studies with us as well as other renowned yoga teachers.
Marina lives and works in Basel, Switzerland where she moved to pursue her PhD in Neuroscience. You’ll most likely find her upside-down or in the air; her passions include Acro Yoga, Aerial Yoga and Paragliding. She is our resident Neuroscientist, teaching neuroscience on our 200 and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training courses.
Marina will be covering the Nervous system part of Anatomy & Physiology for the online part of the training.
Location
Olive3, our retreat centre is located in the old town of Ericeira, a charming seaside village on Portugal’s west coast, renowned for its world-class surf, stunning cliffs, and relaxed atmosphere. With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and breathtaking ocean views, it perfectly blends traditional fishing village charm with vibrant surf culture. Several beaches are within walking distance, including the beautiful Praia do Sul, just a few minutes away, along with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Olive3 features a beautiful, light, and spacious yoga shala, where we have been leading our training courses since 2018.
Accommodation and Food
The rooms at Olive3 are simple yet charming, designed to create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere for your stay. Each room offers a peaceful retreat, with shared bathrooms that are well-maintained and conveniently located. Breakfast is included in the price, and for lunch and dinner, you can explore the many restaurants in Ericeira, offering a wide variety of options to suit every taste and budget.
Investment and Terms
Small Single
Early Bird … 1275 euro
Late Bird … 1375 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Spanda Ambassadors 20% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition
B&B for 6 nights
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Large Single
Early Bird … 1345 euro
Late Bird … 1445 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Spanda Ambassadors 20% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition
B&B for 6 nights
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Twin or Double Shared
Early Bird … 1065 euro
Late Bird … 1185 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Spanda Ambassadors 20% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition
B&B for 6 nights
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Terms and Conditions
Packages do not include transfers
We take 300 euro non-refundable deposit to save your spot
Full payment for Early Birds is due by December 1st 2024
Full payment for Late Birds is due by April 1st 2025
Student testimonials
“My 300 Hour YTT at Spanda Institute, exceeded my expectations. Nina is a true leader, and I feel incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to train with her. The program she has designed is one of the most thorough training I have ever done, and I've done many yoga teacher training courses. I walked away with a wealth of knowledge, and I now feel confident and excited when I'm teaching my students about anatomy. The trauma-sensitive section of the training was so insightful and has me considering going back to school for psychology. The training not only helped me become a better teacher, but it also brought so much self-awareness. All of the teachers are incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate and are really striving to transform the yoga world. I know I'm a better teacher having done the training, and honestly a better person. I look up to Nina so much, and would jump at the chance to take another training with her and Spanda Institute.” Laurelle (Canada)
“I was attracted to Spanda Institute and Nina's approach which resonates with my ratio (science meets tradition). Still, this TTC offers so much more—beautiful teacher souls who hold safe space for students, unselfish knowledge sharing, and inspirational classes. The group was wonderful and I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to connect and learn with them and from them. Moreover, the place itself serves perfectly for this kind of learning like a cherry on top :). Altogether this was a magnificent experience that will be deeply embedded in my journey as a yoga teacher.” Ivna (Croatia)
"I loved the 300-hour YTT! Nina operates with nothing short of excellence. I really appreciate the Spanda Method because it is so thorough and a useful structure for teaching people the core elements of practice - sankalpa, meditation, breath-informed asanas, and restoration. In the 300hr course, we dove deep into anatomy compensation patterns and how traumas, major and minor, can affect students in their yoga practice. It was very helpful to see how these stress patterns can affect us physically, and how we as yoga teachers can better inform students to meet postures where their bodies are at. Nina also brought in an expert panel of guest speakers who provided more in-depth knowledge on the history of yoga, kirtan, neuroscience, and somatic awareness. The women drawn to the teacher training were equally as awesome and I made life-long friends! Highly recommend Spanda Institute for deepening your yoga studies!” - Jenessa (US)
“This teacher training was so much more than I could have imagined! It really gave me a new and refreshing perspective on yoga not only for myself but also to teach. Everything from the pre-recorded pre-study material, to the in-person training, to the materials we received, the location and the people were amazing! Nina has put together exceptional training which is based on tradition but is backed by science, which I believe makes this TTC even more special and valuable. Also, the in-house and guest lecturers were all experts in their fields and willing to share their knowledge with us and help bring us further on our path. I am so happy I chose this course and will be forever grateful to Nina and her team for what I have learned.” - Laura (Switzerland)
“I enjoyed the training a lot; also, I could say that it was one of the best months in the last years because I had a chance to go deeper, not only regarding yoga knowledge but also myself. I am already using much of the knowledge we got at the training in my personal life and classes. I'm going to be forever thankful not only for the knowledge but for the whole experience. All the knowledge Nina and the teachers gave us was mindblowing and gave me another perspective. I now think differently about yoga and the way of teaching it. The training gave me the knowledge and self-confidence I lacked and ideas for developing my own yoga business. The place where we stayed, the nature and peace around us, was great. The food was perfect. I would recommend this teacher training to everyone, not only those who want to teach but to everyone who wants to open their minds, see things from a different perspective and nurture the body, mind and soul.” - Anja (Slovenia)
“This course is transformational! The content is so well thought out and taught professionally by each tutor in a way that felt really nourishing. I have learned so much about myself, and have more of an understanding of the people I choose to surround myself with every day. Trauma Sensitive Yoga has really opened up my mind to something that is extremely helpful in life situations and I am looking forward to using that knowledge for the good of my community.” - Gillian (UK)
“The Spanda Yoga Method is a unique and inspiring Method with a huge variety of creating Yoga classes. I really loved Ninas and Bruno’s teaching and I wished every person could join one of their amazing classes! Nina is a lovely and amazing person with a huge knowledge of the science of the human body. Adding this knowledge to her Yoga classes (pranayama and meditation included) and sharing it at the YTT, Nina gives the opportunity to have a completely new point of view to asanas and connecting vinyasa. I am so grateful for all the wisdom I got from her and Hareesh. Everything was just perfect, a sacred space and I felt like being at home. This YTT will open your mind and strengthens you from the inside so you can grow from the inside out. I definitely recommend this YTT for every Yogi(ni).” - Shirin (Germany)
“I have few certifications in yoga, but I especially wanted to study with Nina and her Spanda Institue, as they have a very scientific and profound approach to yogic studies. Great place to be!” - Marta (Austria)