The world is carrying more grief than it knows what to do with.
This is the work the world is asking for.
Train for it.
You've been in the room when grief arrives.
You feel it in your classes. With your friends, your family, your clients. In the heaviness that settles over a room without explanation. In the student who comes to the mat week after week and something in them is unreachable. In the moment a pose or a breath opens something up — and suddenly grief is present, uninvited and overwhelming, like a wave that takes you down.
Yoga and somatic practice give people access to their grief in ways they do not always see coming. Your body holds what your mind has been managing — because we can't think our way through grief. Grief is not a problem to solve. It is the natural response to loss. And when it surfaces in the spaces where we hold people, it needs somewhere to go.
If you are a yoga teacher, coach, death doula, grief educator, or someone who feels called to hold this kind of space, you have probably already been in that room. You did what you could. And you may have left wondering whether what you offered was enough.
This training was made for that.
THE NEED
We are living through a time of collective grief unlike anything most of us have seen.
Collective grief does not stay separate from personal grief. It compounds it. The student who lost their mother last year is also carrying the weight of the world. The one who seems fine is holding both. They bring all of it into your space, whether they mean to or not. Grief opens us to grief. It can be a doorway to healing what was never finished. It can also be more than a person can hold alone.
Somatic practice is one of the most direct pathways into the grief body. That is its gift. For a teacher without grief training, it can feel like standing at the edge of something vast with no map.
Most yoga teacher training prepares you beautifully for the physical body. Living through your own grief gives you the experience no curriculum can teach.
What it doesn't teach is what to do when grief surfaces in the middle of a class. How to hold a student through the long aftermath of loss. The kind of presence this work actually asks of a teacher.
That gap is where your training ends and this one begins.
SOMATIC GRIEVING
The body is where grief lives.
In the tightness across the chest that arrives without warning. In the breath that catches. In the places that brace and hold. Grief takes up residence in the body and stays there until it is met.
Somatic grieving works directly with those places. With care and presence, it builds the conditions where grief can finally be felt, witnessed, shared, released.
For yoga teachers: this takes what you already know about the body into one of the most needed rooms a teacher can enter. For coaches, therapists, doulas, caregivers: it offers the missing piece — how grief lives beneath words, and how to support it without trying to fix.
WHAT THIS TRAINING DEVELOPS IN YOU
This builds something in you that lives beneath technique.
You will learn to create safety — not the idea of it, the felt experience. You will learn to stay grounded while staying open. To listen without steering. To reflect honestly, without judgment. To stay with the process when it gets messy. It will get messy.
You will learn to offer a teaching, guide a four-body centering meditation, hold group sharing, lead movement, and close with integration. You will practice all of it before you graduate — in real time, with real people, with feedback.
Most practitioners are trained to work one-on-one. A circle is something else. This is where the training takes you somewhere most programs never go.
THE METHOD
The Mindful Grieving curriculum is the body of work I have spent over a decade building.
Refined through circles, through trainings, through sitting with hundreds of people in the middle of their hardest moments.
It is a grief-specific somatic curriculum designed to be held in community — in circles and programs that run six weeks, six months, nine months.
You'll study the philosophy of community-based somatic grief work, trauma-sensitive practice, shadow work, and how to support someone through the evolution of identity that loss requires. And you will be doing your own grief work alongside all of it.
I’m Wendy Black Stern. I founded the Center for Somatic Grieving.
I came to this work through loss. The loss of my son Noah cracked my life open in ways I could not have anticipated and sent me looking for something that could hold what I was carrying. I found it in yoga. I found it in community. I found it in the body's capacity to move through grief when given the right support.
I have been teaching yoga for over 25 years. I'm a certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, a trained group facilitator and grief educator, and the creator of the Mindful Grieving curriculum, which now reaches facilitators across the US and around the world.
I built this training because I wished it had existed when I needed it.
This training will change you, too.
You will leave a different facilitator. You will also leave a different person.
The two are not separate. They never were.
Your own grief work is part of the curriculum
Not a side practice. Part of the work itself.
You will sit in circle. You will write. You will move what your body has been holding. With your cohort, with cohort leads, with the people walking it alongside you.
This is not therapy. It is the specific grief work a facilitator needs to have done in order to hold someone else's grief without flinching, without fixing, without quietly making it about themselves.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Yoga teachers. Grief educators. Coaches. Death doulas. Therapists. Bodyworkers. Hospice and palliative workers. Spiritual directors. Caregivers. Faith leaders.
Anyone whose work already brings them close to the rawness of someone else's loss — whether they were trained for that part or not.
If you've read this far, something is recognizing itself.
What you'll take with you
Skill, built in your body. You will leave able to facilitate, not just describe. The skill is in your hands by the time you graduate.
Your own grief work, done. Enough of it to know the difference between presence and avoidance.
A complete, licensed curriculum. Session guides, templates, the architecture of Community Circles and six-week / six-month / nine-month programs.
Trauma-sensitive practice that holds. Somatic practice, shadow work, and the evolution of identity that loss requires.
The business side of grief work. A dedicated module — how to talk about this work, price it, and build a practice that lasts.
A community to grow inside. A global network of 100+ certified facilitators. You will not be doing this work alone.
Life after certification
The grief is still going to walk into your room. That doesn't change.
What changes is that you will know what to do when it arrives.
Because you have sat with your own grief. Because you have a complete curriculum to work from. Because you understand the body as a grief container in a way most teachers have never been shown.
That person can be you.
Align with Your Heart’s Mission
If you're passionate about supporting others through grief, envision yourself as a transformative guide with the skills of a certified yoga therapy facilitator, and seek a comprehensive experience that combines the rich traditions of yoga with therapeutic practices for deep impact—then you've found your path.
This training is meticulously designed for individuals committed to making a difference, eager to dive into their own depths of potential, and ready to assume the role of a compassionate mentor guiding others on their journey to healing and self-discovery.
Join us and become a vital part of a community intent on illuminating and transforming lives, one heart at a time.
The training — format, schedule, faculty
Virtual · 200 hours
Six modules across six months
Begins November 7, 2026
Class times (during module weekends):
Fridays · 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM MST
Saturdays · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
Sundays · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM MST
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November 8th - 10th, 2024
Introduction to CSG’s Yoga Therapy Program:
Focus on Personal Process & Mindfulness-based Grief EducationPhilosophy & Guiding Principles of Community-Based Somatic Grief Work
Evolutionary Themes of Mindful Grieving
Format of CSG’s Signature Yoga Therapy Programs
Introduction to Group Facilitation - Group Dynamics & Sharing Guidelines for Yoga Therapy Programs
Body Scan Technique
Introduction to Shadow Work
Shifting the Culture of Grief
A Conscious Exploration of Death and Dying
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December 6th - 8th, 2024
Break down of Primary Skills: Focus on Guiding Key Components & Exploration of Grief Through Shadow Work
Grief as a Teacher & Exploration of the Four Bodies
How to Facilitate Key Components of CSG’s Signature Yoga Therapy Programs including:
Dharma Talk
Centering Meditation
Group Facilitation
4 Phase Asana
Integration Meditation
Learning your Triggers Embodying your Emotions Through Asana
Creating a Bridge Between your Practice and your Life
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January 4th - 5th, 2025
Grief in the Body: Focus on Asana & Dual Process Language from the CSG Perspective
Evolution of Identity Through Loss + Grief as a Catalyst for Change
How to Guide Dual Process Language
Creating Closure
Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Trauma in the Body + Physiology of Trauma with Dr. Arielle Schwartz
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February 8th- 9th, 2025
Facilitating Community Circles + Practice Teaching Sessions & Feedback
Facilitating Community Circles
Personal Strengths & Learning Edges
Practicum Preparation & Teaching
Practice Teaching Session & Feedback
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March 8th - 9th, 2025
Business of Mindful Grieving + Practice Sessions & Feedback
Practicum Teaching
Marketing & Business Practices with Chelsea Brady of Rising Creative
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April 19th, 2025
Graduation Ritual & Closing Circle
Q&A
Community Gathering
Our Faculty
Wendy Black Stern
LEAD FACILITATOR
Nancy Gruskay
COHORT LEAD
Laura Cummings
COHORT LEAD
Dr. Arielle Schwartz
GUEST FACULTY
What’s Included
The training
200 hours of grief-focused yoga therapy curriculum
Six live virtual modules across six months
Reading, reflective writing, daily meditation and yoga practice, journaling
Peer mentorship
Hands-on practicum with instructor feedback
Teacher Tool Kit for Yoga Therapy Facilitation
Business and marketing module
The credential
Certification as a Mindful Grieving Yoga Therapy Facilitator
Licensure to facilitate Community Circles and six-week, six-month, and nine-month Mindful Grieving Programs
The community
Ongoing membership in a global community of 100+ certified facilitators
Prerequisites
Before joining our program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Yoga Teacher Certification: Completion of a 200+ hour yoga teacher training program ensuring a foundational understanding of yoga practices and principles.
Personal Growth Work: At least 25 hours of personal growth work (workshops, therapy, retreats, or training)
Not yet a certified yoga teacher?
The Yoga and Somatic Foundations course is the 50-hour, self-paced prerequisite. Move through it on your own time, must be completed before YTT begins.
If you're unsure whether you need it, reach out.
Certification Requirements
To graduate from our program and receive your certification, the following components are essential:
Out-of-Classroom Assignments: Engage in reading and writing assignments to deepen your understanding and reflection on the course material.
Reflection Papers: Submit papers that capture your insights, growth, and experiences throughout the training.
Daily Practices: Commit to daily meditation and yoga practices, fostering personal well-being and deepening your connection to the teachings.
Journaling: Maintain a journal to document your journey, reflections, and revelations during the course.
Peer Mentorship: Participate in peer mentorship, offering and receiving support from fellow trainees.
Six-Week Practicum: Complete a six-week practicum, applying your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting to facilitate yoga therapy sessions.
Maintaining Mindful Grieving Licensure
Upon fulfilling these requirements, graduates will receive a certificate and licensure qualifying them to facilitate Community Circles, and Mindful Grieving Programs spanning 6 weeks, 6 months, and 9 months.
Once certified, Mindful Grieving Facilitators are required to maintain their licensure to stay current with the Mindful Grieving curriculum and uphold the integrity of the Mindful Grieving body of work.
This certification and licensure empower you to make a significant impact through specialized yoga therapy facilitation in various community settings.
REFLECTIONS FROM PAST STUDENTS
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Wendy Black Stern
Wendy Black Stern is the founder of the Center for Somatic Grieving. She came to this work through loss — the loss of her son Noah cracked her life open and sent her looking for something that could hold what she was carrying.
A resident of Boulder, Colorado, she finds her ground in nature, travel, deep human connection, and live music.
25+ years of yoga practice and teaching. Certified Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and instructor. Reiki-certified. Her work is shaped by the teachings of Ram Dass, Shiva Rea, Twee Merrigan, Shannon Paige, and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.
In 2012, in the aftermath of her loss, she founded the Grief Support Network. She later founded CSG with a different focus: to change how individuals and communities meet, experience, and move through loss.
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★★★★★
Having a safe and nourishing container to attend to my grief process and physical body needs has been profound and deeply healing for me.
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★★★★★
My work with Wendy was nothing short of life-changing.
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★★★★★
This is an incredible program, there is a new layer I shed off from my personal self into my growth and healing in every circle that I attend. I am so grateful to Wendy and her loving team.
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★★★★★
This program has offered me the best opportunity to somatically experience my grief in a private way, while simultaneously feeling a greater connection to those around me.
Begins November 7, 2026 · Fully Online via Zoom
Join us for 200 hours of comprehensive training that includes:
200 hours of comprehensive training
Live classroom sessions and video webinars
Enlightening reading materials
Reflective writing exercises
Peer mentorship opportunities
Hands-on practicum experience
Personalized feedback from experienced instructors
Business and marketing module
Teacher Tool Kit for Yoga Therapy Facilitation
Certification as a Mindful Grieving Yoga Therapy Facilitator
200 hours of grief-focused yoga therapy curriculum
12 Monthly Payments: $305
Pay In Full: $3,499
Frequently Asked Questions.
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The program is for certified yoga teachers and yoga therapists interested in supporting people through loss, and integrating yoga therapy into the healing process of grief.
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Participants must have a 200+ hour yoga teacher certification and at least 25 hours dedicated to personal growth work, which could include workshops, therapy sessions, or retreats.
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Skills for supporting others through grief, a deepened personal understanding of grief, a comprehensive curriculum blending yogic wisdom with modern therapy techniques, and insights into the business side of yoga therapy.
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Topics cover somatic grief work, mindfulness-based education, trauma-informed yoga, shadow work, and practical teaching techniques. The program includes classroom sessions, webinars, readings, reflective exercises, and a practicum.
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Yes, these include completing out-of-classroom assignments, reflection papers, daily practices, journaling, peer mentorship, and a six-week practicum.
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It's a virtual training held via Zoom, with sessions on specified Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at specified times MST.
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Yes, graduates can facilitate Community Circles and Mindful Grieving Programs of various lengths.
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The training offers expert guidance from experienced instructors in both yoga practice and grief counseling, along with a supportive community of peers.
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Upon fulfilling the requirements, you will receive a certificate and licensure qualifying you to facilitate Community Circles and Mindful Grieving Programs spanning 6 weeks, 6 months, and 9 months.
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Once certified, Mindful Grieving Facilitators must maintain their licensure by staying current with the Mindful Grieving curriculum and upholding the integrity of the Mindful Grieving body of work.
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This certification and licensure empower you to make a significant impact through specialized yoga therapy facilitation in various community settings.
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If you're looking to dive deeper into what the Mindful Grieving Yoga Teacher Training can offer you or have specific questions, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with Wendy. This call is a great opportunity to discuss your interests, any concerns, and how this training can meet your needs. Schedule your call here: Schedule a Call with Wendy.
Have More Questions?
If you're looking to dive deeper into what the Mindful Grieving Yoga Teacher Training can offer you or have specific questions, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute call with Wendy. This call is a great opportunity to discuss your interests, any concerns, and how this training can meet your needs.
Become a Beacon of Light
FOR THOSE WALKING THE PATH OF GRIEF
Whether you aspire to guide individuals, groups, or specialize in working with specific populations, our Mindful Grieving Yoga Teacher Training will equip you with the tools and wisdom to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
ENROLL TODAY
The grief of our world is not going anywhere.
What can change is who is ready to meet it.
The world needs more people willing to hold space for loss in a way that is steady, informed, and human. If you feel called toward this work, something in you already recognizes it.
We are here. And there is room for you.
