HI! WELCOME TO MY SUMMER, 2025 NEWSLETTER!


I'm announcing

"A Day to Illuminate Grief,"

happening tomorrow, 6/21/25, and an opportunity to take my course/retreat,

"Yogic Approaches to Nervous-System Regulation in Clinical Settings,"

in person in the Dominican Republic in November.

Join Joann for a 15-CE Professional Training:


"Yogic Approaches to Nervous-System Regulation in Clinical Settings."


Do you want to take a cutting-edge training in one of the most beautiful spots in the world?


I will be offering my course, "Yogic Approaches to Nervous-System Regulation in Clinical Settings," taken by over 1,000 mental health clinicians and allied professionals, on a beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic.


The training takes place at a relaxing pace-- 3 hours a day, over 5 days-- November 10-15, 2025, at the brand-new Dreams Playa Esmeralda. This all-inclusive resort is located on the 5km long Esmeralda Coast of the Dominican Republic, an undeveloped cove which is among the most photogenic shorelines in the Caribbean. It is known for its turtle nesting area, and is recognized for eco-conscious tourism. It's close to Los Haitises Natural Park, Montana Redonda and La Bahia de Samana. The closest airport is Punta Cana.


The resort has nine gourmet dining options and seven bars and lounges, as well as kid's and teens programming, at no extra charge.


The cost is $1550 per person for five nights, double occupancy, and $2,000 per person for a single room. This price includes the amenities of the all-inclusive resort and course tuition. There is an optional additional charge of $30-$60 for CEs, depending upon the profession. Family rates are also available. Please see the https://www.hotelplayaesmeralda.com/

website for details and photographs. A full outline of the course will be available soon on my website, www.joannlutz.com.


CE INFORMATION


  • CEs, when approved, will be available to Psychologists nationally, and for California-based LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs for license renewal for programs through the American Psychological Association. CEs for Ca. Licensed Nurses are offered by the California Board of Registered Nursing


  • LCSW, LPCC, LEP and LMFTs, and other professionals from outside of California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept credits from programs offered by approved sponsors of CEs by the American Psychological Association. Nurses outside of California must confirm acceptance with their licensing boards.


I'll be opening registration soon.

BELOW: The Emerald Coast, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.


ATTEND "A DAY TO ILLUMINATE GRIEF," and donate!


THIS SUMMER SOLSTICE HEALING EVENT on 6/21/25,

is a FUNDRAISER for

"THE LIGHT MOVEMENT."


Schedule of Events

Please register for all events on the LIGHT website, https://lightmvmt.com



8:00 AM – Hike for Healing with Yve (Littleton)

Grief hikes are an opportunity to experience movement in a natural setting. Nature is a potent source of comfort and healing. Together we will experience a variety of ways to reflect on grief and living with others who are also grieving. This walk will range from 2 to 3 miles on an easy path or trail in Littleton, CO. All ages welcome. 



10:00 AM – Gentle Yoga with Pauline (Online/Virtual)

A gentle yoga class to soothe the brain and nervous system. The class is trauma sensitive and will include mindful movement with breath awareness. The practices are designed to soothe and nurture the mind and the body. This class welcomes all teens and adults, no previous yoga experience needed, practices can be done chair based or standing. 



11:00 AM Somatic Journaling with Erin (Online/Virtual)

A gentle, guided journaling workshop for all – no prior journaling experience necessary. Find meaning through reflection, using the power of journaling to navigate loss, healing and personal transformation. Find meaning through reflection!


Register (in-person)

Register (virtual)

1:00 PM – Lotus Flow with Alex at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver) & (Online/Virtual)

Lotus Flow – Journey Through Darkness and Light. This class combines the dynamic flow of vinyasa with trauma-informed principles, helping you build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness while promoting emotional regulation and body awareness. All teens and adults are welcome to join. Note that we also have kids yoga just next door at the same time!



1:00 PM – Kids Yoga (Ages 4-12)

with Amy at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver)

This class offers gentle movement, breath, and play to help children feel safe, express emotions, and regulate their nervous systems after loss or trauma. It supports healing through connection, creativity, and choice. Parents, feel free to make this a family activity or enjoy your own yoga class at the same time right next door with Alex!



2:00 PM – Painting Light, Honoring Love with Taylor at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver)

Painting Light, Honoring Love is a candle painting workshop for those navigating grief. Using warm, colored wax, we create personal candle tributes to honor and remember loved ones, holding space for healing, creativity, and reflection. All teens and adults are welcome to join.


Register (in-person)

Register (virtual)

2:00 PM – Gently Moving with Grief, Chair Yoga for All Abilities with Amy at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver) & (Online/Virtual)

This gentle, accessible chair yoga supports those navigating grief or trauma by promoting nervous system regulation and somatic awareness. With adaptive movements and invitational language, it fosters safety, breath, and grounding—all from a seated position.



3:00 PM – Grounding with Herbs.

Creating a Container Herb Garden with Devon at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver)

Come create a container herb garden and learn the practice of grounding through gardening. All ages welcome!



3:00 PM – The Healing Power of Sound with Clarissa at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver)

A soothing sound bath accompanied by gentle teachings on how sound can be a balm for grief, offering release, remembrance, and inner renewal.



4:00 PM – Somatic Finger Painting: Nature Connection with Olga at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver)

A calming, sensory activity for all ages. Using fingers and natural paints, participants create images from nature to support grounding, self-expression, and nervous system regulation. This class is a great choice for all ages!


Register (in-person)

Register (virtual)

4:00 PM – Embodying Light Through Movement with Pooja at Unity Spiritual Center (Denver) & (Online/Virtual)

Celebrate the longest day of the year through gentle, guided somatic movement and expressive dance. Rooted in mindfulness, this class invites teens, adults, and elders to reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and move with the rhythms of the season.

Register

6:00 PM – Kids (ages 9-12) Creative Writing & Illustration with Sam & Austin (Online/Virtual)

Create Awesome Stories with Emotion – Sam Casey and Austin Ickes, the author and illustrator of the upcoming middle grade novel Jay the Magical Middle Schooler, teach kids how to express emotions in characters. In the first half of the class, Kids will have time at the end of the class to share their work.

Can't make it to the events? You can still help by making a donation!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO https://lightmvmt.com/donate/

******************************************************************************************************

My courses are based on my book

Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone.

Here's the purchase link:


Jhttps://uk.singingdragon.com/discount/JLTHYZ20?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Ftrauma-healing-in-the-yoga-zone


***************************************************************************



Reviews of Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone


in Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone Joann Lutz transforms

yoga practices into a neurobiological based therapeutic

strategy that facilitates and optimizes health through enhanced

autonomic regulation. This model, which she names Nervous

System-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (NITYA), is the

product of an insightful consilience of ancient traditions with

contemporary neuroscience. Embracing the model will lead to

deeper understanding of the wisdom embedded in yoga and the powerful neurophysiological impact it may have on rehabilitating mental and physical health.

Stephen W. Porges, PhD: Distinguished University Scientist,

Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington; Professor,

Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at

Chapel Hill


In Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, Joann Lutz combines

ancient wisdom from yoga with a scientifically informed

therapeutic approach for safe and effective trauma resolution.

Compulsory reading for anyone interested in healing trauma

through neuroscience blended with compassion!

Shirley Telles, MBBS PhD: Director, Patanjali Research

Foundation


With over 5% of the population experiencing trauma that leads to clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder, its prevalence is becoming more recognized in society. Neuroscientific research is revealing that this condition is a mind-body disorder, and yet conventional treatments such as psychotherapy focus on cognitive processes and have been only partially effective. This book comprehensively describes the theory and application of yoga as a mind-body intervention for trauma. It is a welcome contribution to the growing field of trauma-sensitive yoga that will be of significant use to both patients and therapists.

Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, PhD: Assistant Professor of Medicine,

Harvard Medical School; Editor in Chief, International Journal

of Yoga Therapy; Editor, The Principles and Practice of Yoga in

Health Care


An innovative approach to healing trauma.

Dean Ornish, MD: Author of “UnDo It!”; Founder and President, Preventive Medicine Research Institute; Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF


Joann Lutz offers an in-depth exploration of accessible methods to address the complexity of trauma through comprehensive understandings of the nervous system and yoga philosophy and practices. Her writing supports the reader in reflecting upon the many nuances of applying these theories and practices for trauma sensitivity. This book is a valuable resource to anyone wanting to learn more about how yoga can safely and effectively benefit people who have experienced trauma.

Marlysa Sullivan, DPT, C-IAYT: Author of Understanding Yoga Therapy: Applied Philosophy and Science for Wellbeing


Joann has wondrously woven together multiple disparate models of how yoga affects the post-traumatic nervous system, to enhance our understanding and utilization of these practices. This work will be a cherished contribution to the growing body of work on these ever evolving theories.

Jonathan Rosenthal, MD: Resident Physician, Neurology,

NYU School of Medicine; www.neuroyoganyc.com; www.

jonathanrosenthalmd.com


These days, when I teach, I hear a common question from yoga therapy students: What’s the evidence for this? Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone is the perfect place to send them for answers, and to look them up myself! Joann Lutz does a remarkable job of linking specific practices to their effects on the autonomic nervous system. Each recommended practice is backed up by scientific evidence or, if the data is not yet available, current scientific theory. The research behind why and how yoga can help trauma survivors heal is invaluable for yoga therapists and mental health practitioners. I will be referencing this rich compendium of research and practice for years to come!

Amy Weintraub, MFA, C-IAYT, YACEP: Author of Yoga Skills for therapists, Yoga for Depression, and the card deck, Yoga for Your Mood


Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone is the book that all yoga

teachers and yoga therapists will benefit from reading. It is the

perfect bridge between the teachings of yoga, modern allopathic medicine, and the psychology of healing trauma. The book explains in detail how the nervous system functions when it is healthy vs dysregulated, and how to bring it back to balance using the tools of yoga. I will be recommending it to all of my students and colleagues!

Amy Wheeler, PhD (Southern California): Former President of

the International Association of Yoga Therapists (2018–2020);

www.amywheeler.com



JOANN LUTZ, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT

JOANN LUTZ, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP.

(LICENSED PSYCHOTHERAPIST, CERTIFIED YOGA THERAPIST)

www.joannlutz.com


Joann, trainer, author, psychotherapist, and yoga therapist/teacher, is the creator of Autonomic Yoga, a nervous-system informed, trauma-sensitive yoga approach to mental health care.


Her book, Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, is being praised by international leaders in yoga therapy and trauma studies. In it, she describes and applies the Nervous System-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga model of care (NITYA).



She is also the author of a NASW CE course, "Bringing Yoga into Social Work Practice," and the paper, "Classical Yoga Postures as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Autonomic Nervous System Regulation." published in "Proceedings of the Yoga and Psyche Conference, 2014," published by Cambridge Scholars.


Joann has been practicing yoga since 1970, and teaching it since 1980. She has been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 1991 and Certified as a Yoga Therapist since 2016.


COPYRIGHT 2024 BY JOANN LUTZ