Press/Testimonials

For Refugees: Listen to These Women Community Leaders!

Veterans Program

“My body is different; there is an absence of tension, I’m not walking around anymore with my fists clenched.”  Read More

— Mhikal Munny, Marine Corps Veteran

Yoga at the YWCA Shelter KUTV:

Green Tree Yoga teaches children to cope with traumatic situations through yoga. For a few hours every week, a classroom at the Y.W.C.A. in Salt Lake City is transformed into a yoga studio. The program teaches kids how to deal with their emotions if they have ever experienced trauma, or how to cope if they have a traumatic experience later in life. “A lot times, what happens is folks who have been traumatized become detached from their bodies,” said Yael Calhoun, the Executive Director of Green Tree Yoga.

Testimonials from Trauma Workshops

“It was most helpful knowing it’s okay to do yoga and therapy. Today I started with thoughts of leaving the social work career, I definitely feel EMPOWERED to continue. Self-care is critical. Thanks!” 

— C. Whiteley

“I would like more about the mind/science aspect. How do you train yourself to be more resilient? And it would have helped to talk more about the different kinds of trauma. I loved the breathing exercises and the way the yoga was incorporated into the presentation.”

— Christyn Dorius

“Yael did a really good job of introducing the concepts, ideas, and methods of working with traumatized populations. I realized that I have had more trauma in my past than I ever thought or acknowledged (as a very young child).”  

— Iris

“I found several things very useful: examples from groups you’ve taught in the past; experiential by inviting physical participation; clear guidelines for trauma sensitive yoga, resources.”

— K. Holmberg

“Please do a follow up session – go into more of what you have learned from your experiences, it was so helpful. It gave me a feel for it. I have a few friends that would be interested in a 40 hour certification” 

— K. McElligott

“I appreciated the yoga breaks and discussion of trauma’s impact on the brain. Nice to start with a yoga practice! And thanks for the food. I would love more --- and more detail!”

— Z. Lewis

“I really liked Yael’s voice – so soothing! And the resources to dip into on my own time at my own pace. I feel empowered by the understanding of connection, brain/body regions of the brain”

— K Rasmussen

“I loved the references to the authors, scientists, MDs that have informed your work in the area and your stories from the field!”

— K. Cutler

“I would want to take this again, one geared to at risk youth too. It was great!”

— G. Austin

“I appreciated the frequent movement breaks tied in with the verbal presentation. I am fascinated with the brain information!”

— J. Kelly

“It was helpful to have the direct bridge to physical practice and getting it incorporated into my practice.  I have been to other trauma trainings and left without feeling I had tools.  This training gave me things I can use that I know will work.” 

— S. Jones

“I really found the ‘domains’ of TS yoga very helpful. Tools, language to use./avoid etc. Super helpful!! I also like the physiology/medical tie in. I would have liked more technical information too. I would be totally interested in a follow up session!”

— Claire Momberger

“I want more in depth and ‘do’ more yoga practice!  Today I learned that yoga doesn’t always have to be yoga… it doesn’t mean drive to class, pull out a mat, and do do do till you feel better.  I can do little bits and it’s just as beneficial as a whole class.”

— M. Grindstaff

“What was most helpful was the yoga breaks!  I think this will be the key for me and for my clients. I LOVE the class! I would love a follow up session.” 

— D. Blauer

“I enjoyed the material covered, useful to beginner and experienced alike.”

— A. Kanigan

“This helped me look at yoga in a different way. It was completely relevant to clinical social work!”

— L. Hubbard

“Yes!! I want a follow–up session!”

— A. Babbitt