Ericeira, Portugal - May 16-21, 2026
35-hour YTT: YACEP, Spanda 300h YTT, Spanda 800-hour Yoga Therapy
Overview
This immersive 5-day, 35-hour Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher Training, held in the serene coastal town of Ericeira, Portugal, offers yoga teachers an in-depth exploration of trauma-informed principles grounded in the latest scientific research. This training includes a short online portion (neurobiology of stress and trauma), which serves to prepare you for the in-person training. During the in-person part of the training, we will explore many topics, including a deeper look at what trauma is, defence mechanisms, emotional regulation, and how to approach dysregulation, principles of trauma-informed teaching, as well as supportive yogic tools and embodied approaches such as the Embodied Calm Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Nidra and somatic tools for nervous system regulation that can be safely introduced to the yoga practice. This training is guided by lead trainer Nina Vukas, founder of Spanda Institute, yoga therapist, educator, and author of Safe Space: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Embodied Calm: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Nidra books. Nina will be supported by other Spanda Faculty teachers.
The training offers 35 hours of continuing education hours applicable toward YACEP for all teachers, as well as credit toward the Spanda 300-hour programme and the Spanda 800-hour Yoga Therapy training.
Key Information
Dates: May 16–21, 2026 / Training starts on May 16 at 5 pm, check out on May 21 at 11 am
Location: Olive3 Retreat Centre, Ericeira, Portugal
Daily Schedule:
◦ 08-09:30 yoga class
◦ 09:30-10:30 am breakfast break
◦ 10:30-13:30 lectures
◦ 13:30-15:30 lunch break
◦ 15:30-18:00 lectures and practicums
Certification: 35-hour TSY module applicable to:
YACEP (open to all teachers)
Spanda 300-hour Advanced Training
Spanda 800-hour Yoga Therapy Training
Lead Trainer: Nina Vukas, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP, C-IAYT
Investment:
800-1060 € (early bird prices available until January 10, 2026)
Spanda students receive 10% off tuition
Includes: Tuition, B&B accommodation, and Safe Space: TSY book
Module Description
The Safe Space Trauma-Sensitive module is designed to offer an in-depth exploration of both the theory and the practical application of creating safer and more supportive environments for all students. While this approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who may experience trauma-related symptoms, its principles are valuable in any yoga or therapeutic setting because they promote clarity, consistency and a predictable environment in which people can participate at their own pace.
Throughout the week, we explore key topics such as the neurobiology of trauma, the body's response to stress, and the mechanisms behind our natural defence systems. We look at how these processes influence behaviour, perception and learning, and how a teacher’s choices can either support or disrupt a student’s sense of safety. You will also gain practical experience in applying trauma-sensitive techniques, recognising signs of dysregulation, and integrating nervous system regulation tools into your teaching. We examine how to adapt core yoga practices, including asana, pranayama and meditation, so they align with trauma-informed principles and foster a sense of agency, choice and comfort for everyone in the room.
An important component of this module is the Embodied Calm Trauma Sensitive Yoga Nidra. This approach to Yoga Nidra has been developed specifically with trauma sensitivity in mind, using invitational language, careful pacing and grounding cues that help students feel anchored in their bodies and surroundings.
Whether you teach general yoga classes or work with more vulnerable populations, this module offers practical tools and a clearer understanding of how to support your students’ wellbeing while maintaining strong professional boundaries. TSY helps teachers understand how to create conditions in which students feel safe enough to engage with the practice, and in which the yoga itself can be a supportive resource alongside other forms of care.
The module is open to all yoga teachers wishing to integrate trauma-informed principles into their teaching, regardless of style or method. In addition to the in-person training, participants receive online pre-training lectures on the nervous system, providing a solid foundation for the week ahead.
Your Teachers
Nina Vukas
E-RYT 500, RPYT, C-IAYT
Lead Trainer
Nina is a founder of Spanda Institute, a program director, and a lead trainer for Advanced Study Programmes. 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 Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, an author of Safe Space: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Embodied Calm: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Nidra. She holds a degree in Psychology, a postgraduate certificate in Neuroscience of Mental Health and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Neuroscience.
Alberica Rindi
E-RYT 200, RYT 500
Biki is one of our Teacher Trainers and holds both the 200-hour and 300-hour diplomas with the Spanda Institute, along with additional studies in India in Ayurveda (Lords Research Centre, Kannur), Aerial Yoga (Rishikesh Yogkendra), and Yoga Therapy for children with special needs (Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute).
She has had the opportunity to teach in various countries and to diverse groups of students during her travels, as well as in her home country of Portugal. Believing that this practice should be accessible to all, she has volunteered extensively, offering yoga and dance to children and adults with special needs, as well as in a centre for people experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges, where students make her classes incredibly fun and engaging.
Biki also organises bespoke annual retreats in Portugal and Italy.
Marina Moric
RYT 500, PhD Neuroscience
Marina will deliver a portion of our online pre-training focused on neurobiology.
She has been part of our community for many years, first joining us as a student in the 200-hour Teacher Training, after which she began teaching at our first home base, Sangha Yoga Studio. She went on to complete her 300-hour training and Prenatal Yoga studies with us, as well as additional trainings with other renowned teachers.
She later moved to Switzerland, where she completed her PhD in Neuroscience in Basel. Recently, Marina has relocated to the Canary Islands to surf, practice yoga, and fully embrace a life close to nature. Her movement passions include Acro Yoga, Aerial Yoga and Paragliding, so if she’s not catching a wave, you might find her upside-down or up in the air.
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 … 960 euro
Late Bird … 1060 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition, B&B
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Large Single
Early Bird … 1100 euro
Late Bird … 1200 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition, B&B
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Twin or Double Shared
Early Bird … 800 euro
Late Bird … 900 euro
Spanda Students 10% off tuition
Price per person includes:
Tuition, B&B
Nina’s Safe Space TSY book
Terms and Conditions
Transfers are not included in the packages.
We require a non-refundable deposit of 300 euros to secure your spot.
Full payment for Early Birds must be made by January 10, 2026.
Full payment for Late Birds must be made by April 10, 2026.
Student testimonials
“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)
“I really enjoyed all aspects of this course, it included in depth science based knowledge for trauma to then be able to combine this with the ancient teachings of yoga. There were outside speakers as well to expand and give different perspectives and teachings which was and excellent addition. Nina brings so much knowledge to TSY with her background as not only a yoga teacher but as a yoga therapist and psychologist - I feel like I have come away from the course really inspired to deepen my studies in this area and cemented my belief that we all hold some trauma in our bodies from this life or past lives and that using yogic tools can be so helpful to everybody as we navigate this ever changing and transformational world. This kind of work can really help shift trauma held within people much more than western medicine perhaps - so I can only highly recommend this course with Spanda! Thank you!" Francesca (UK)
“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)