First responder mental health faqs

$1375/person, First Responders receive 10% off their ticket with code FIRSTRESPONDER. This is the honor system, please honor it!

Foundations Training is currently only being offered as a part of Instructor School: This 8-hour online course educates participants on: History of YogaShield Yoga For First Responders The original intention of yoga and what yoga is not Functions of the nervous system Neurobiology of stress and trauma Ingredients to Mindfulness The 3 Principles of Resilience What makes YFFR unique - Culture and Methodology Introduction to YFFR Methodology (Yoga Class) Specific techniques to practice immediately Next steps for bringing YFFR to more people and departments After this training, participants will understand the why and how of yoga and its benefit for public safety and military. Participants will be able to practice the principles of YFFR for themselves, as well as properly educate others in an informal setting on YFFR culture and methodology and why it is a distinct and unique program. Foundations Training is not intended to train someone to be an Instructor, and participants are not certified to teach YFFR Protocol. Foundations is perfect for: Clinicians Social workers Command staff Administrators Wellness Coordinator Peer Fitness and Peer Support Trainers First responders Military Family of first responders and military Anyone who is looking for additional tools in their toolbox, further education and understanding of stress management and resilience, or to arm themselves with language and logistics for buy-in from their department, but may not be ready or desiring to become an Instructor themself. Prerequisites: None

This five day Instructor School certifies you to: Instruct YFFR Protocol for departments and programs on a drop-in basis Use YFFR’s official and structured curriculum for: Academy Programs Training Demo Workshops In-service Trainings Conference presentations Become a member of the YFFR Training Cadre (upon request) In Basic and Advanced Training trainees will receive: A breakdown of the YFFR protocol Three standardized YFFR classes Best practices and smart teaching tools for yoga instruction A deeper look at the science of yoga as it relates to trauma The Western and Eastern science behind YFFR protocol 12 YFFR Mat Class Workshops Squad (small group) Breakout Sessions and Practice Teaching An overview of trauma-specific yoga and cognitive training techniques Introduction to Tactical Skills for Law Enforcement and Fire Service Techniques for Optimizing Human Performance Breaking Down YFFR Training Curriculum for Recruit Academies and In-Service Training Fascia Release Techniques for Optimal Mobility Peak Performance Drills Breakout Sessions and Discussion Practice Teaching Standard Neurological Reset practices (similar to Yoga Nidra) YFFR Instructor Manual with extensive reference materials After this training attendees will know how to teach the YFFR Protocol to first responders in department settings. By the end of Instructor School attendees will have the tools to practice the techniques of YFFR Protocol themselves, speak authentically about yoga and the YFFR mission, and teach the YFFR Protocol with a high level of effectiveness and professionalism. Instructors will be expected to uphold YFFR’s Personal and Professional Areas of Excellence including: Code of conduct Internal and external communication protocols Demonstrate tactical and cultural competency Effectively explain the science and methodology behind the YFFR Protocol *Note: Post training requirements must be completed before certification Instructors will sign a licensing agreement to use YFFR’s name, logo, and material upon completion of training requirements Prerequisites: Foundations Training Post Training Requirements: Cultural competency classes for Law Enforcement and Fire Service Online, open book written test Documentation of 5 classes taught Ride-along (for civilians) Written essay Post certification requirements to teach YFFR: Sign licensing agreement to use YFFR’s trademarked name and material (must sign to receive additional benefits listed below) Subscribe to YFFR Instructor Network which gives you the below benefits (fee waived first year, $120* every year after) *YFFR reserves the right to change this fee at any time. Access to the YFFR Instructor Portal where all your member benefits live Access to 1 year of YFFR On Demand (short yoga classes, workshops, and instructors-only information) Access to 1 year of YFFR University (continuing education classes) Digital Instructor Toolkit to support you after training 20% Discount on YFFR Merchandise Affiliate code for YFFR On Demand to share and earn 15% commission on every sign up using your code Access to the Instructor Success Team Listed on YFFR’s public-facing database of Certified Instructors as long as Instructor is in good standing Good standing requirements: Must teach at least 10 YFFR Classes per year 1 must be recorded and submitted via CEU platform Document each class taught via Class Participation Report (including department P.O.C. and dates of classes) Program evaluations will be sent to P.O.C. by YFFR HQ A Regional YFFR HQ Representative may audit classes on a random drop-in basis based on the schedule of classes provided.

We are currently working on a bridge course for RYTs. This will be a completely online course, which will certify you in our protocol. The tuition of this course will be reduced, however the Annual Instructor Network Fee will still apply. If you're interested in signing up for the bridge course when it becomes available, estimated Q1 2024, please complete the form by clicking HERE.

YogaShield Yoga for First Responders offers trainings and programs based in traditional Hatha Yoga and principles from Trauma-Informed yoga and tailored it to the unique needs of the public safety and military populations. This methodology is knows as the YFFR Protocol. Read more about what makes us unique?

You can find information about upcoming Instructor School on our website under the TRAININGS & EVENTS tab. You can also sign up for the early notification list, http://bit.ly/TeacherTrainings. We’ll announce new trainings to that list prior to announcing them to the general public so you’ll have a little extra time to register. The early notification list does not guarantee you a spot in training.

No previous experience with yoga is required.

No. Civilians, first responders, and military personnel are all eligible to attend Instructor School.

Plan on classes being from 07:30-17:30 each day with an hour break for lunch and several short breaks during the day.

You can expect a mixture of lectures and mat classes (2 a day). We also offer one police/fire skills day where you will get hands on information about how the YFFR protocol can help police and firefighters in their respective jobs.

We request that you dress in business casual for the lecture portions of the course. For the mat classes, we request that you dress in modest clothing such as black or blue shorts or yoga pants and a YFFR shirt or other t-shirt or tank top. We request that you do not wear brightly colored or patterned yoga gear, belly bearing/crop tops, or anything with profane language. This is part of the YFFR protocol and is also how you will be expected to dress to teach class in a first responder or military department.

We do not currently reserve blocks of rooms for trainings.

Although the YFFR Protocol has a foundation from the principles of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY), it has adapted and adjusted many TSY practices in order to make the YFFR Protocol specific to active-duty first responders and military. Instructor School will offer notes on Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, but the training along with the protocol should not be considered classical Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.

Yes. Once you receive your certificate you can upload it to Yoga Alliance under the YACEP, Olivia Mead. You will receive 80 CEUs!

YFFR offers four OPEN instructor schools each year. We are currently looking to secure 2025 locations. Open instructor schools are open to the public including civilians and first responders from around the world. There is no cost to host an open instructor school. The hosting agency does receive one comp seat for every 10 seats filled, up to 4 comp seats total. Logistically, we need a dedicated space with room for 55 people. We keep our classes capped at around 45 people and have approximately 10 team members who provide the training. This would need to be a space where we could lock up every night and leave our items in the room. It would also need AV hookups. We need space for mat classes for 40+ people. This does not have to be a dedicated space and we could arrange specific times when we would need to use it. A place to hold our skills training day. Preferably a fire/police training center. We would also need assistance from local fire and PD. We will be happy to provide more detailed information about hosting a training. If you are interested, please email info@yogaforfirstresponders.org and someone will be able to set up a phone call or answer any other questions you have.

For agencies looking to host an instructor school for only their agency staff or on an invite only basis, we offer the CLOSED instructor school option. The cost for hosting this training program is $50,000 for a cohort of up to 40 trainees. Additionally, we offer the option to accommodate up to 5 additional seats at a rate of $1000 per seat. This ensures flexibility for your agency to include extra participants who can immensely benefit from this invaluable training. If an agency wanted to share the cost with a partnering agency, we can make those accommodations. Logistically, we need a dedicated space with room for 55-60 people. We keep our classes capped at around 45-50 people and have approximately 10 team members who provide the training. This would need to be a space where we could lock up every night and leave our items in the room. It would also need AV hookups. We need space for mat classes for 40+ people. This does not have to be a dedicated space and we could arrange specific times when we would need to use it. A place to hold our skills training day. Preferably a fire/police training center. We would also need assistance from local fire and PD. We will be happy to provide more detailed information about hosting a training. If you are interested, please email info@yogaforfirstresponders.org and someone will be able to set up a phone call or answer any other questions you have.