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Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor Jobs in California

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Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor information

What is a trauma informed yoga instructor?

A Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor is a yoga teacher trained to create a safe, supportive, and choice-based environment for individuals who have experienced trauma. They use principles of trauma-sensitive teaching, such as invitational language, mindful sequencing, and an emphasis on self-regulation. Their goal is to foster empowerment and healing by allowing students to reconnect with their bodies in a non-triggering way. These instructors often work in various settings, including yoga studios, mental health facilities, shelters, and rehabilitation centers.

What are some common challenges faced by trauma informed yoga instructors, and how do they address them?

Trauma Informed Yoga Instructors often work with individuals who have experienced significant emotional or physical trauma, which can present unique challenges such as triggers, emotional releases, or varying comfort levels in class. To address these, instructors are trained to create a safe, non-judgmental space, use invitational language, and offer choices in movements to empower participants. They also receive ongoing training in trauma awareness and self-care to maintain their own well-being. Building trust and maintaining clear professional boundaries are key aspects of the role, and working closely with mental health professionals is common for ensuring holistic support for participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trauma informed yoga instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor, you need a solid grounding in yoga instruction, an understanding of trauma and its impacts, and recognized certification in both general and trauma-informed yoga. Specialized certifications such as Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training (TIYTT) and familiarity with client intake systems or class management software are typically required. Exceptional soft skills like empathy, active listening, sensitivity, and strong communication are critical for creating a safe and supportive environment. These skills and qualifications ensure instructors can effectively guide students while prioritizing psychological safety and helping facilitate healing through yoga.

Are trauma informed yoga instructors in high demand?

Trauma-informed yoga instructors are increasingly in demand as awareness of mental health and holistic healing grows. Many healthcare, wellness, and community organizations seek certified instructors with specialized training to support trauma survivors, leading to expanding job opportunities in various settings.

How much do trauma-informed yoga instructors make?

Trauma-informed yoga instructors typically earn between $25,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for an organization. Many instructors supplement income through workshops, private sessions, or certifications in trauma-sensitive practices.

What are popular job titles related to Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor jobs in California?

For Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 69% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$22 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


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Job description

The salary range for this position is $22.00 – $25.75 hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 

Under direct supervision, incumbents are responsible for providing general trauma-informed counseling strategies and counseling services to participants in the Driving Under the Influence Program (DUIP). The Counselor/Instructor will demonstrate the importance of ensuring the physical and emotional safety of clients and the understanding of general trauma-informed counseling strategies.
DUIP Counselor/Instructors responsibilities include facilitating group and education sessions; managing assigned client caseloads; performing general trauma-informed counseling strategies; facilitates collaborative treatment and recovering planning and maintains clarity of roles and boundaries. Makes referrals to clinical team when needs of client is beyond the scope.


The DUIP Counselor/Instructor is responsible for but not limited to:

Individual, Group, and Education Counseling 90%

Responsible for facilitating group and education sessions and client interviews in accordance with DUIP philosophy and State/County guidelines.  Manages assigned client caseload and progress in accordance with program regulations and State/County requirements. Performs general trauma-informed counseling strategies, including but not limited to, grounding techniques to manage dissociative experiences, cognitive behavior tools to focus on both anxiety reduction, and distress tolerance, and stress management and relaxation tools to reduce hyper arousal.  Facilitate collaborative treatment and recovery planning with an emphasis on personal choice and a focus on clients’ goals.  Maintains clarity of roles and boundaries in the counseling/client relationship.  Makes appropriate referrals to clinical team when the needs of clients’ are beyond the scope of practice. Identifies strengths, coping resources and resilience of clients and the importance of ensuring the physical and emotional safety of clients.

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 10%

Attends monthly meetings and provides case management services.


  • High school diploma or equivalent; must be certified by and AOD organization or be in good standing as an Associate / Intern through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences
  • Two-years experience providing counseling services in the field of alcohol and/or mental health

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

  • Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from
    SDSU at time of hire.
  • Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check
    results (including a criminal record check).
  • San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
    Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research
    Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful
    discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or
    national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
  • Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the
    job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that
    every employee has equal access to resources and support.
  • SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of
    1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities
    Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher
    Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California
    Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws
    including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities.
    Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that
    prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any
    other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and
    retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
  • SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not
    limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits,
    disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

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