When:  September 25 to 27, 2026

We are deeply honoured to welcome Laurel MacKay to Newfoundland from Victoria, BC. Laurel will be offering a rare and much-needed training, a new retreat for all NL yoga teachers.

In a time when understanding trauma is essential across all healing and teaching spaces, Laurel brings over 25 years of clinical experience into a course designed specifically for yoga teachers, health professionals, and caregivers. Her presence here is a unique opportunity to learn how to meet others with greater awareness, sensitivity, and skill—while deepening your own capacity to hold safe, inclusive, and responsive spaces.

This training speaks directly to the needs of our time: supporting nervous system health, restoring a sense of safety in the body, and bridging the worlds of yoga and evidence-based trauma care.

Join us for a transformative 25-hour intensive designed for yoga teachers, health professionals, and caregivers ready to deepen their impact.

Explore what trauma-informed yoga really means and how to make your asana classes more accessible and supportive for all.

Held at Tree of Life Retreat Center, nestled in the wild, restorative landscape of Newfoundland just 45 minutes outside of St. John’s.

Over 2.5 days, we will learn, share, and grow together.

You will gain practical, evidence-based tools to support nervous system regulation and foster a truly inclusive practice. In this intimate group of just 12 participants, you’ll receive personalized mentorship and space to integrate these powerful somatic techniques.

In your downtime, enjoy:

• walking trails
• swimming in the waterfall
• restorative yoga with sound bath
• fireside connection in community 

Training Overview

This comprehensive training is designed for yoga teachers and wellness professionals dedicated to offering yoga with compassion, sensitivity, and empowerment.

While we do not “treat” trauma in a yoga setting, we learn to recognize the importance of safety, choice, and trust. You will gain a guiding framework to understand and respond to trauma, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

What You Will Learn

• Foundations of Trauma-Informed Teaching
• The Seat of the Teacher
• The Nervous System & Trauma
• Creating a Safer Space
• Body Awareness & Grounding
• Mindful Sequencing
• Cultural Sensitivity & Ethics
• Self-Care & Resilience
• Practicum

Prerequisites

A 200-hour YTT is recommended for those wishing to teach. Open to mental health professionals with a personal yoga practice and interest in trauma-informed care.

Certification

Receive a 25-hour certificate of completion (including 5 non-contact hours), eligible for continuing education credits.

Meet Your Facilitator

Laurel MacKay (she/her)

Laurel is a Canadian Clinical Counsellor with over 25 years of experience across community mental health, schools, military communities, correctional facilities, and substance use treatment programs.

She integrates evidence-based approaches (DBT, RO-DBT, CBT) with somatic and body-based practices. Laurel is also a yoga teacher and sound healing practitioner with over 800 hours of training across multiple modalities.

Her work is grounded, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the realities of trauma and healing.

Outside of her work, she can be found in nature—on mountains, in forests, or by the water—with her dogs and daughters.

Proposed Schedule

Friday
2–3pm Arrival
Welcome + introductions

5:30pm Dinner

7pm Asana practice + optional sound bath

Saturday

7:30am Optional asana or trail walk

8am Breakfast

9am–12pm Training

12pm Lunch

1pm Training

5:30pm Dinner

7pm Fire gathering + reflections

Sunday

7:30am Optional asana or trail walk

9am–12pm Training

12–1pm Lunch

1–5pm Training + practice teaching

5–5:30pm Closing + dinner

Investment

$799 for the weekend

Early Bird $699 (paid in full by May 25, 2026)

Includes:

• Rustic accommodations (mostly private, some shared)
• Vegan & gluten-free meals (3 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches)
• Coffee & tea
• Printed training manual

Deposit: $250 (non-refundable)

Two partial scholarships available for BIPOC and trans participants.

 To register, please reach Laurel at: [email protected]