"To respond to the grief that we experience as a collective, we need to be present to what is breaking our hearts. We need a spiritual practice to hold and allow us to feel grounded as we begin to recognize our brokenheartedness."

-Michelle Cassandra Johnson-

Why I Offer Trauma-Informed Yoga

I offer trauma-informed yoga as an extension of my work in counselling—grounded in an understanding that our experiences live not only in our thoughts, but in our nervous system and body.

 For many people, traditional approaches to wellness can overlook the impact of stress and trauma on the nervous system. Trauma-informed yoga creates a space where choice, safety, and autonomy are prioritized, allowing you to reconnect with your body at your own pace. By working with the body as a resource, clients can gradually build capacity, increase tolerance for sensation, and develop more flexible responses to stress.  There’s no pressure to push, perform, or get it “right”—just space to notice, explore, and build a different kind of relationship with yourself.

Trauma Informed Yoga Classes and Trainings

Upcoming events:

  • 30 hr Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training at Ma Wellness and Yoga in Victoria, BC May 27th-June 21st, 2026
  • 25hr Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training and Retreat in Newfoundland, Sept 25-27th, 2026

Reach out with questions HERE

Register for Ma Wellness and Yoga Register for Newfoundland

Honouring Yogic Teachings & Cultural Lineage

Yoga is a living tradition with roots in ancient South Asian practices and philosophies. Teachings found in texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita reflect a depth and complexity that extends far beyond physical postures.

I approach yoga with respect for these origins and with an awareness that modern, Western yoga spaces have often separated the practice from its cultural and philosophical context. My intention is not to replicate or represent traditional lineages, but to engage with yoga in a way that is thoughtful, informed, and accountable.

In this space:

  • yoga is offered as a practice of awareness, relationship, and inquiry—not performance
  • elements are adapted through a trauma-informed and therapeutic lens
  • care is taken to avoid appropriation, while remaining transparent about the limits of my role and training

I hold appreciation for the teachers, lineages, and cultures that have carried these practices forward, and I remain committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and humility in how this work is offered.

Laurel MacKay Counselling and Yoga

560 Johnson St, 221
Victoria, BC
V8W 3C6

lmackaycounselling@gmail.com

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