Nourishing Heart Trauma Informed Yoga Retreat & Training

Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, USVI

NH
Nourishing Heart Yoga
  • Email address verified
15 reviews
Jan 14 - 21, 2023
Group size: 10 - 22
Nourishing Heart Trauma Informed Yoga Retreat & Training
Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, USVI

Nourishing Heart Yoga
  • Email address verified
15 reviews

Jan 14 - 21, 2023
Group size: 10 - 22

About this trip

This retreat is designed for a broad spectrum of participants:  yoga students (new and experienced), yoga teachers, therapists, trauma workers, survivors and any individual interested in trauma-informed yogic practices


Yoga Instructors: earn a Yoga Alliance CE approved 50 hour Trauma-Informed Yoga Certification that allows you to teach Trauma-Informed Yoga classes.


Licensed Therapists: earn 30 Indiana CE Hours for LMHC, LCSW, LMFT in Using Yoga to Heal Trauma.  If you live outside the state of Indiana, you may request your home state licensing board to approve these credits.


Participants:  Learn to use the practices of Healing Trauma with Yoga for your own personal healing journey.  You do not need to be a professional to attend this retreat; it is designed for all. 



The retreat provides an overview and understanding of what trauma is, how it affects us, how to use yoga as part of the healing process, and how to incorporate components of trauma-informed yoga into your life, classes, or clinical practice. We will also cover the benefits of trauma-informed yoga for students who are not necessarily traumatized but who are experiencing everyday or chronic stress. We will focus all of our practices on healing and regulating ourselves from stress and trauma.


USE DISCOUNT CODE "EARLYBIRD" AT CHECKOUT TO RECEIVE $200 OFF UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15, 2022.


During the day, wake up with morning breath work, meditation and healing yoga in the yoga hall, cooled by ocean breezes.  Yoga is followed by a scrumptious, plant-based breakfast featuring local exotic fruits.  Then dive into experiential workshops that teach you how to bring trauma-informed awareness into your life.  Later, there is time to soak in the salt water pool or explore white sand beaches, peaceful harbors and rocky shorelines; go hiking (in many different ecosystems), snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing or kayaking.  Enjoy a delicious lunch, visit colorful local festivals, historical and ecological tours and much more.  Return to a gentle, therapeutic yoga class in the afternoon to unwind from a day of relaxing, Caribbean style.


In the evening we gather in the oceanview gallery porch for dining on a sumptuous gourmet 100% plant-based dinner prepared from local organic produce while the sun sets beautifully behind the water.  Then enjoy our evening trauma-informed program or additional evening activities such as therapeutic yoga, dancing, star gazing, or free time.

About your Facilitators

Denise Hyble, LMFT, LMHC, RYT200


Denise’s approach as a yoga teacher is to help people feel connected to their body, quiet their minds, stimulate a healthy nervous system, and release tension in the body caused by stress, anxiety, or trauma.  Denise teaches gentle, mindful yoga. She sees yoga as a means of listening to the truths of our bodies rather than only the “shoulds” of our brains.  Her teaching technique uses a combination of gentle asanas, breathwork, meditation, and somatic yoga.


Denise is also a gestalt psychotherapist in private practice specializing in trauma and PTSD work. Healing from trauma has been her focus and her passion both on the yoga mat and in the therapist’s chair.   She is trained in Yoga to Transform Trauma, TRE (Trauma and Tension Releasing Exercises),  Neurogenic Yoga, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Emotional Freedom Technique, Gestalt Physical Process, Restorative Yoga and Embodied Life.  Denise also created and teaches an online series on Yoga for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.


Having raised two adult sons, she now lives in Bloomington with her husband, dog, and cat. In her spare time Denise can be found gardening or knitting. 



Matece Skow, CMT, E-RYT500


Matece Skow, Founder of Nourishing Heart Yoga, has been fostering compassionate growth and healing for students and clients for the past 24 years. She facilitates safe and nurturing environments for the transformation of body and heart through the practices of yoga, breathwork, meditation, essential oils, hands-on healing, and massage.


Matece directs and teaches the Nourishing Heart Yoga 200 Hour and 300 Advanced Hour Yoga Teacher Training programs.  By design, she works with small groups, so as to develop close relationships with students and trainees. She devotes her attention and energy to meeting students where they are, helping each individual experience yoga in their own way, according to their own understanding and capability.


An avid traveler, Matece has led numerous international and domestic retreats and trainings.  Through her travels and online yoga classes, she has had the pleasure of sharing yoga with people all over the globe.  Returning to the midwest from northern California where she taught and studied yoga in the Silicon Valley for 8 years,  she currently enjoys the adventure of being more rooted in her town of Bloomington, Indiana, with her husband and young son.

Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training

If you choose to participate in the training component of this retreat you will obtain not only an intellectual understanding of trauma and Trauma-Informed yoga, but also the ability to offer Trauma-Informed Yoga classes to a variety of populations.  You will also achieve a more profound awareness of the self, which is integral to the effectiveness of all types of therapeutic yoga classes. If you are not a yoga teacher, this training will provide you with skills you can use with patients and/or clients.  If you are not a therapist or a trauma worker it will help you to discover methods for your own self-regulation.

Through lecture, self-inquiry, group discussion, asana practice and breath work we will cover:

  • What trauma is and how it is expressed in the body
  • Types of trauma and adverse childhood experiences, and how the nervous system and mind rewire in response to these traumatic events
  • What trauma-informed yoga is and is not
  • Symptoms of trauma and applicable trauma-informed practices to support nervous system regulation
  • The significance of the vagus nerve in trauma and the role yoga plays in its ability to function optimally
  • Holding space in the seat of the teacher 
  • Trauma-informed teaching tools and cues to create a safe and sacred place for students to heal
  • Breath awareness and practices, and its relation to trauma-informed yoga
  • The importance of heart­-rate variability (HRV) on the body’s ability to manage stress
  • How tremoring (Neurogenic Yoga) can help us heal from trauma and stress
  • Resource growing to induce the relaxation response and support nervous system regulation. Will include but not limited to these topics: boundaries, embodiment, sound/mantras, chakras/nadis,  Bhavana, Sankalpa, and more

How the Training Works

As this retreat is designed for a broad spectrum of participants:  yoga students (new and experienced), yoga teachers, therapists, trauma workers, survivors and any individual interested in trauma-informed yogic practices, there are two different ways you can participate.  


How it works:  the Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training Certification is a total of 50 hours.  30 hours happen during the retreat and those who wish to earn their certificate in Trauma Informed Yoga may then complete an additional 20 hours of online education with Denise and Matece, post-retreat.


Participant Path: this is someone who is coming on the retreat for their own personal knowledge and healing journey with no intention to share the information in a professional setting.  All classes and workshops are optional.  The 30 hours of Trauma-Informed Yoga Training are included within the retreat with no additional cost.


Certificate Path: this is someone who would like to become a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and share Trauma-Informed Yoga in a professional setting, whether that is teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga classes or sharing the techniques of Trauma-Informed Yoga with clients in their professional practice.  The 30 hours of Trauma-Informed Yoga training included during the retreat are required as well as an additional 20 hours after the retreat of online training and homework.  For those seeking certification, there is a $300 fee associated with the additional training hours.  When registering, you will see this as an "Add-On". 


Accreditation for Therapists: 

Using Yoga to Heal Trauma. 

30 Indiana CE Hours for LMHC, LCSW, LMFT provided by and in partnership with Inner Resources Training Institute.

Inner Resources Training Institute is an approved provider for: 
The Indiana Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapist, and Mental Health Counselor. Boards have approved this organization to provide category 1 continuing education units for LSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and LMHCs. Provider # 98000765A 


Association for Play Therapy Approved Provider #07-200


To ensure that the credits you receive are applicable for your purposes, please contact the agencies for which you are seeking credit directly. You must attend the entire session to receive credit, no partial credit will be issued. Inner Resources Training Institute follows all CE guidelines and maintains responsibility for the program. 
Cost of CE $25

 

Accreditation for Yoga Teachers: 
The program is accredited by Yoga Alliance as 40 Contact and 10 Non-Contact CE hours.  

Program Completion

Students will demonstrate the following as evidence of successful completion of the Nourishing Heart Yoga Trauma-Informed Training and Retreat.


Retreat:

  • Fulfillment of all required class time during the identified dates 
  • Complete all Journal (Daily Reflection) assignments after each day of training

Onsite Training Total Time = 30 hours


Independent Post-Retreat within three (3) months of training dates: 

  • Complete Journal Exercise (Daily Reflection) after each day of Onsite Training - (approx 1.5 hour) 
  • Complete the Required Reading assignments identified in the manual under “Works Cited” -(approx 11 hours) 
  • Complete a one page written book review for all required reading assignments -  (approx 1.5 hours) 
  • Compile a specific and comprehensive listing of targeted organizations, agencies within your local area that provide trauma recovery and/or related services, i.e., safe shelters for victims of domestic violence, Special Victim’s Units, rape crisis centers, children’s centers, centers providing low/no cost medical or mental health services in under-served areas. List a minimum of 10-12 agencies - (approx 2 hours) 
  • Compile a specific and comprehensive listing of local therapists within your area that provide individual mental health services with trauma specialization for use as referral resources. List a minimum of 10-12 individuals that provide a diversification of traits including gender, race, LGBT, sliding fee and/or payer assistance, etc. - (approx 2 hours) 
  • Complete two online course units on the Mighty Network. - (approx 2 hours) 
  • Provide all of the above in addition to a copy of your Yoga Teacher Certification 
  • Follow the Yamas & Niyamas as evident in our personal words and actions 

Independent Post-Retreat Time = 20 hours


Total Retreat & Post–Retreat Time =  50 Hours

Adventures

We will offer a few included adventures during the week in which you will be welcome to participate: 


Snorkel lesson

Guided snorkel along Frederiksted Pier

Guided nighttime snorkel along Fredreiksted Pier

Swimming and sunning at Rainbow Beach

Shopping/dining trip to Christiansted that includes a yoga class and an organic fruit smoothie at the local’s yoga studio

Guided snorkel of the Coral Restoration Project in Butler Bay

Basketweaving class

Historical walking tour of Butler Estate


All this adventure will flow beautifully with our daily program. 

The Flow

You can expect a wonderful flow to your days.  There will be opportunities to practice trauma-informed yoga and meditation at least once daily, with a spacious balance of personal time to truly relax, let the teachings sink in, and enjoy the island pace of life.


This location was chosen for the retreat specifically because it is on the quiet side of the island, away from distractions and tourists.  If you are hoping for a week of reconnecting with yourself, with the ocean, with spirit, then this retreat is for you.  If you are hoping to learn the invaluable healing techniques of trauma-informed yoga either for your own personal healing journey or to share with others, then this retreat is for you.  The emphasis will be on slowing down, resting, and rejuvenating the body, mind, and heart while enjoying the serenity of the pristine natural ocean environment.

The Yoga

We will focus all of our practices on healing and regulating ourselves from stress and trauma.


Throughout the week you can expect to practice trauma-informed yoga that is gentle, beginner-friendly, contemplative, and easeful.  No prior yoga experience is necessary.  If you have been practicing for a while, you will enjoy the slow pace of the classes that allow for tremendous depth and exploration in the postures. 


The breath work and meditation practices are accessible and straightforward.  The focus will be on depth and cultivating a mindful presence through open and loving awareness.  Journaling and writing will also be woven throughout the week as well.  



The Food

Savor three organic, vegan, plant-based gourmet catered meals daily:


•A Full Breakfast; fresh exotic, local fruits; coffee & tea; fresh squeezed juices and smoothies; and baked goods


•A Tropical lunch daily all prepared from fresh local produce.


•A Two Course dinner each evening with dessert.


All food is vegan. 

We can accommodate allergies & sensitivities, please make sure to list them when you sign up.

The Journey

Feather Leaf Inn is a short 30 minutes drive from Henry E Rohlnson Airport (STX). 

American Airlines is the main carrier to St. Croix, though you can find flights on other carriers.


Roundtrip transfers from the airport are included at no additional charge.

Transportation on arrival and departure day will be made according to the flight schedule of our participants. We will do our best to keep your wait at the airport to a minimum!

The Pricing

All prices listed are per person.


•If you are traveling with friends, please write in the comments section of your checkout, whom you would like to room with.

•If you are traveling alone, we are happy to pair you in shared accommodations.


If you intend to become certified in Trauma-Informed Yoga, you will need to complete an additional 20 hours of online education and homework.  There is an additional $300 fee to cover these additional hours.  This option will be available to you at check out as an "Add On" option.


USE DISCOUNT CODE "EARLYBIRD" UNTIL SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 TO GET $200 OFF!


What’s included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights, 8 days at Feather Leaf Inn
  • Airport Transfer
    Arrival day transportation from Henry E. Rohlson Airport (STX) provided and departure day taxi to the airport included.
  • Daily Yoga
    Beginners welcome & encouraged! Enjoy a variety of yoga styles, all trauma-informed and designed to heal and regulate the bodymind from stress and trauma.
  • Daily Meditation
    A safe and nurturing environment for transformation of body and heart through the practices of breathwork and mindfulness meditation.
  • Plant-based Meals
    Three 100% organic, gourmet vegan meals each day. UV filtered water, teas and coffee throughout the retreat.
  • Christiansted Excursion
    Safari Taxi to Christiansted for a yoga class and fresh, organic juice at The Courtyard followed by free time for shopping and exploring Christiansted.
  • Guided Night Snorkel
    Our expert guide will take us on a night snorkel at Frederiksted Pier. Snorkel gear is provided or bring your own from home.
  • Basketweaving
    Spend a leisurely afternoon learning to weave a basket from natural plant materials from the rainforest of St. Croix.
  • Live Music & Singing
    Join professional musician Ann Percival for a casual night of singing simple, uplifting, and inspirational songs. This is a favorite activity of past participants.
  • Historical Walking Tour
    Learn the history of the Butler Bay Estate (Feather Leaf Inn). We’ll talk about the plants and animals we share the land with and give an overview of the coral reefs.

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    We are happy to offer guidance regarding flight itineraries.
  • Travel Insurance
    Recommended
  • Alcohol
  • Independent Transport
    If you wish to rent a car to get around on the island, we can make recommendations.
  • Souvenirs/Personal Items
  • Bodywork Sessions
    We will provide an experienced massage therapist for private bookings on site.
  • Live Music Sunset Sail
    Our final night excursion is a sunset sail with live music. This excursion is optional (not everyone likes boats!) so it is *not* included. The trip costs $150 and we will help with reservations.
  • Gratuities
    It is recommended to bring cash for gratuities for drivers and staff. We can offer guidance in this area.

Available Packages

Premium Double

Premium Double is a QUEEN BED in a newly renovated room that has Crucian mahogany headboards made on the property from storm-felled trees.  


All rooms and balconies have high-powered fans and screens on all the doors and windows to harness the ocean breeze plus the following amenities:

  • Private double queen rooms with ocean-view balconies
  • Ocean view from each shower
  • Private balconies
  • Two queen beds per room
  • Good WiFi connectivity
  • Desk and armoire in each room.
$2,295
Standard Double

The Standard Double room is for a TWIN BED in a double occupancy room.  


These rooms provide a delightful space that offers luxury accommodations and ocean views while providing stylish creature comforts within. 


All rooms have high-powered fans and screens on all the doors and windows to harness the ocean breeze plus the following amenities:

  • Private bedrooms with ocean-view
  • One queen bed and one twin bed (this pricing option is for the twin bed)
  • Good WiFi connectivity
  • Private shared bathroom
$2,145
Deposit:$500
Deluxe Shared

The Deluxe Shared room is for a TWIN BED in the multiple occupancy Seaview Suite.  (No more than 5 guests in this two room suite.)


The deluxe shared room provides ample space in a luxury accommodation with ocean views.  The Seaview Suite has two sleeping areas with a total of 4 twin beds and a king size bed.  (To sign up with a friend and share the King Size bed, please make a note of this in the comments when you register.)


  • Private bedrooms with ocean-view
  • Mini fridge
  • Private bathroom
  • Good WiFi connectivity
  • High-powered fans
$1,920
Deposit:$500
Single Suite

The QUEEN BED Single Suite at Feather Leaf Inn offers spacious, luxury accommodations while providing stylish creature comforts within.  

  • Private bedroom with garden view
  • Private patio/entryway
  • Private ensuite bathroom
  • One queen bed, perfect for a couple
  • Good WiFi connectivity
  • Air-conditioning
$2,995
Deposit:$500
Commuter

This option is for locals who will not be staying at the Feather Leaf Inn, but who wish to participate in the yoga programming, excursions/adventures and meals.  The price is per person and is inclusive of everything except sleeping accommodations.

$1,150
Deposit:$500

Available options

Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Certificate
$300

For certification in Nourishing Heart Trauma-Informed Yoga, complete an additional 20 hours of online education after the retreat.  



Itinerary

Your Caribbean Dream
Ocean view & Salt water pool

Your Organizer


NH
Nourishing Heart Yoga
15 reviews
Guided by Founder, Matece Skow, and additional expert instructors, Nourishing Heart Yoga provides safe and nurturing environments for the transformation of body and heart through the practices of yoga, breathwork, meditation, essential oils, hands-on healing, and massage. Nourishing Heart Yoga has been leading international yoga retreats since 2012. Participants on our retreats walk away feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and refreshed.

Reviews

I had such a wonderful experience. It was such a delight. Looking forward to Matece’s next retreat.
By Tanya M for Nourishing Heart Yoga Retreat 2024 on Mar 04, 2024
I had a great time. The food and the accommodations were wonderful. I would highly recommend the FeatherLeaf Inn and the Nourishing Heart Yoga Retreat.
By Mary Lou R for Nourishing Heart Yoga Retreat 2024 on Feb 27, 2024
I had a great time. Great hosts and facilitators! Wonderfully planned activities with an abundance of free time. The group was friendly, kind and wise. I would do this again in a heartbeat.
By Debra H for Relax and Rejuvenate: A Nervous System Regulation Retreat for Stress on Jan 29, 2024
A wonderful week with the perfect mix of yoga, activities and free time. The Featherleaf Inn is a beautiful & quiet place for a retreat. The vegan meals were delicious and prepared with great care.
By Laurie E for Relax and Rejuvenate: A Nervous System Regulation Retreat for Stress on Jan 26, 2024
It was a trip of a life time. Wonderful people, accommodations, a beautiful town, perfect weather and scrumptious food. Could not ask for a nicer place or an overall perfect trip..thank you!
By Aldine P for Yoga in the Land of Saints and Scholars on Sep 30, 2023
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References

My first retreat with Nourishing Heart Yoga. Very well and thoughtfully planned. Good balance of yoga , education & free or fun time. I’m in for 2024.
By Laurie E on 30 Jan, 2023