What we do
Santovas programs are inspired by trauma-sensitive yoga and trauma-sensitive mindfulness methodologies. Working in collaboration with youth service providers and schools, we offer our programs in the spaces where youth live and learn.
What is yoga?
Santovas facilitators have varied yoga backgrounds, but they all teach Hatha yoga in our programs. Originating in India, Hatha yoga refers to the physical branch of yoga, which helps practitioners to cultivate and sustain mental and physical health, by practising a range of physical stretches and breathing exercises, as well as techniques to calm the mind.
We are deeply grateful for and honour the Indian lineages and accordant teachers who have helped to make yoga accessible to the world. While drawing from the rich, Hatha yoga tradition, Santovas classes are entirely secular and have no religious references, rituals, nor prayers.
What makes Santovas classes trauma-sensitive?
The text below outlines the Santovas approach, which is inspired in particular, by Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive yoga, and trauma-sensitive mindfulness methodologies and practices (see links for more information).
Santovas’s trauma-sensitive approach considers how, for many (most) of our youth participants, the act of slowing down and identifying and experiencing present-moment sensations can be very difficult and uncomfortable. Knowing this, Santovas facilitators are skillful at using invitational language when teaching, while also providing choices and modifications, so that youth participants feel welcomed into safer spaces.
During Santovas classes, the emphasis is not on the physical forms of yoga, but rather, cultivating present-moment awareness and leaning to work with what surfaces in these moments, both positive and negative. Familiar yoga poses are instructed with modifications that enable all participants to move at their own pace, ability, and energy levels. The use of invitational language by our facilitators enables youth participants to make choices about what feels right for them, in the moment (for example, not doing a yoga pose that they do not want to do!).
What is trauma-sensitive mindfulness?
Indian Buddhist meditation (for example, as in the well-known Vipassana tradition) is traditionally taught with specific instructions around (seated) posture, breath, and often includes long periods of silence after instruction from the teacher. What is commonly referred to as mindfulness meditation, is a secular, non-religious, North American adaptation of (Indian) Buddhist meditation practice, wherein the teacher verbally guides students through meditation practices, sometimes thematically-inspired.
Trauma-sensitive mindfulness is an adaptive approach to practising mindfulness meditation. Practitioners or teachers who have personally experienced (or work with those who have) witnessed (one or many) traumatic events, may prefer this form of mindfulness practice over traditional meditation practice.
Language is used carefully in trauma-sensitive mindfulness instruction so that practitioners are not meant to feel as though they should (or should not be) having certain experiences. Participants are consistently and gently guided by the facilitator, so they are never left in complete silence for long periods of time. Participants may learn specific exercises for focusing their attention and for managing difficult sensations are they arise. Trauma-sensitive mindfulness can be done seated, standing, lying down (or even while walking!), as chosen by the student.
PROGRAMS
What happens during a Santovas class?
Duration
Individual classes range in length from 30 to 55 minutes, and are taught either on-site (or online) at partner institutions, schools, and centres serving youth. Classes include both physical yoga exercises, and mindfulness meditation.
In creating weekly routines that are revisited during each class, Santovas facilitators emphasize predictability and consistency, which can provide reassurance and ease for some participants.
Trauma-sensitive yoga
Each student has their own yoga mat, as does the facilitator. The facilitator guides students through a variety of physical yoga poses in which the emphasis is on mindful exploration through movement, observation, and stillness. Physical autonomy is important; there is no physical contact either between the facilitator and students, nor amongst the students.
Classes have a beginning, middle and end, participants can count on predictability and consistency as part of their experience.
Trauma-sensitive mindfulness meditation
Students are invited to choose a physical position for most comfort (seated, lying down, standing), and are verbally guided through gentle (mental) explorations, by the facilitator.
Using verbal prompts, the facilitator invites youth participants to explore sight, sound or sensation, both within and outside of the body, both positive and negative. Specific techniques are taught to help participants manage the difficult physical and mental sensations that might arise during class, and which can also be used in their daily lives.
Facilitators
Santovas facilitators are neither trauma experts nor mental health practitioners. Our programs are taught by certified yoga teachers who have a minimum of three years teaching experience. Santovas facilitators receive ongoing teaching mentorship, as well as periodic training in trauma-sensitive, mindfulness-based yoga and meditation for youth participants.
Santovas facilitators are sensitive to the variety of youth participants’ past and current life experiences. Leading with empathy and authenticity, they too have their own personal struggles! Santovas facilitators are dedicated to meeting youth participants where they are, as they are.
Partners
Working in close, collaborative partnerships with Youth Protection service providers, youth mental health specialists, community workers, schools, and teachers, Santovas programs are offered in the spaces where youth live and learn.
Santovas endeavours to establish long-term engagements at partner sites so that youth participants may benefit from consistent and reliable access to our programs. We offer in-person classes and online classes over Zoom.
Batshaw Youth and Family Centres
Batshaw Youth and Family Centres provide psychosocial, rehabilitation and social integration services for youth in Montreal and surrounding areas. Batshaw oversees the care and placement of both youth in Youth Protection and the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Batshaw youth facilities include foster homes, group homes, and larger residential facilities in Montreal, and the outlying regions.
Santovas provides both in person and Zoom classes to youth in care at Batshaw in Montreal, and in Prevost (Laurentian mountains). We also work closely with the adults who work with the youth, to ensure that our programs serve youth participants’ needs.
Elisabeth House is a rehabilitation centre that provides support services to families with children aged 0 to 5. They primarily work with young mothers and mothers-to-be who are experiencing difficulties adjusting to pregnancy or parenthood. Services are offered to mothers and their families in residential and outpatient programs. These services are intended for the English-speaking population of Quebec and are generally based in the Greater Montreal area.
Santovas offers in-person programs to mothers in care in Montreal. We also work closely with the other professionals who support these women, ensuring that our programs meet their needs.
Integrated University
Health and Social Services Center of South-Central Montreal
The "youth center mission" of the CIUSSS youth program is a government institution in Quebec (Canada) that helps young people in difficulty. Young people may be admitted to a youth centre from birth until they reach the age of majority, if so ordered by a court.
According to the Youth Protection Act, youth centres have a mandate to protect minors from neglect, sexual or physical abuse, or abandonment. They are also responsible for rehabilitating young offenders who have committed offences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. They offer second line, psychosocial, rehabilitation and social integration services to young people, their families and mothers in difficulty. There are seventeen youth centres throughout Quebec’s administrative regions.
Santovas offers in-person and Zoom courses to youth in care in Montreal and the West Island. We also work closely with adults who work with young people to ensure that our programs meet their needs.
Testimonials
Teacher
“I think that this class is exactly what the students need. They are learning being in tune with their bodies.”
“I have heard the students say that they feel more relaxed and able to hold their stress after their yoga session.”
Group home staff
“The yoga class enables the kids to move at their own pace and comfort level.”
“It helps the youth with anxiety, slows down their brain activity and gives them a natural sleep aid.”