200hr Yin Yoga teacher training
gold coast
A journey into stillness, nature & soul
Held in a tranquil forest sanctuary on the Gold Coastâwhere morning mist kisses the treetops and birdsong drifts gently through the leavesâour 200hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training is a heart-opening path inward.
This is more than just a certification. Itâs a homecoming.
Surrounded by native wildlife and like-minded souls, youâll be guided through five sacred days of Yin practice, self-discovery, and transformational learning. With small class sizes and nurturing facilitators, youâll feel seen, supported and spacious enough to grow into the teacher youâre meant to be.
why this training feels like coming home
⨠Nature-Infused Immersion
Study in a lush, forest-fringed location where your nervous system can finally exhale and your intuition can rise.
𫶠Small Groups, Deep Support
We keep our cohorts intentionally intimate, so every student receives personalised attention, mentorship and heartfelt connection.
đ§ââď¸ Yoga Alliance Certified Curriculum
This 200hr program blends the stillness of Yin with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, functional anatomy and the art of holding safe space.
đ Mind, Body & Spirit Aligned
Youâll explore meridians, fascia, emotional release and energetic balanceâall through the slow, sacred lens of Yin.
đ Teach With Confidence & Compassion
From intelligent sequencing to embodied cueing and self-inquiry, youâll gain the tools to guide others with depth and authenticity.
WHAT OUR graduate STUDENTs SAY

The Yin yoga Teacher Course with Essence of Living and Michelle was life changing.
I had always been curious about the deeper reasons behind Yin practice, wondering why it left me feeling so balanced, restored, and peaceful.
Taking this course with Michelle turned out to be one of the best choices Iâve made.
She brings a holistic approach to teaching, which helped me see Yin in a whole new way, not just as a practice but as a journey into understanding myself.
Michelle led us through each aspect of Yin, connecting the foundations and philosophy with the physical side of the practice.
She didnât just explain what to do; she showed us why it matters.
Learning about meridians, the bodyâs energy lines, and the principles that guide Yin practice opened my eyes to the deeper workings of the body and mind.
I was also fascinated by the ways Yin practice aligns with traditional Eastern teachings, especially with the influence of Buddhism that she shared.
I loved how these teachings added layers of meaning and purpose to the practice, making it more than just a series of movements.
One of the most inspiring parts of the course was how Michelle integrated her 25 years of experience.
Her stories and insights were full of wisdom, and each lesson felt like a gift from her own journey.
She has such a natural way of sharing knowledge that it doesnât feel like learning in a traditional sense â it feels like an invitation to explore and understand at a deeper level.
Knowing that she has dedicated so many years to studying, practicing, and teaching made everything she shared feel incredibly valuable and genuine.
I came away from the course with so much more than just knowledge.
I felt enriched, inspired, and motivated to continue my Yin journey with a new sense of purpose.
The experience was truly profound, and I am grateful for the guidance and insights Michelle shared with us đđŚ
Maria
is this path for you?
This training is for you if:
đ Youâre a student or teacher ready to slow down, soften and listen
đ You long to study Yin Yoga in a sacred space surrounded by nature
đ You value community, personal growth and intimate learning environments
đ Youâre seeking a Yoga Alliance accredited Yin Yoga Teacher Training on the Gold Coast
let the stillness transform you
This isnât just a training. Itâs a soul-deep experience in the heart of natureâa chance to slow down, reconnect, and rise as a guide for others.
đż Ready to step into your softness?
27th - 31st October 2025
Lectures and training:Â 5 days in person | Monday - Friday | 7am - 2pm | Lifetime Access to Online Content
Where:Â Gold Coast Hinterland
ASSESSMENT
In order to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be a yoga teacher, there are a number of assessments required as a part of the course.
- 40 x yin yoga classes which can be done either online or with your favourite teacher.
- 4 x observation report
- 2 x one hour class deliveries (one completed in the face to face component with your fellow teacher trainees to other to be filmed at home either by yourself or with a student & sent in for review)
- 1 written exam
- 2 x Yoga Centre Reports
- Design & Create Yoga Resume
- 3 x 1000 word reflective essays/book reports
- 2 x 500 word reflective essays/book reports (Insight Yoga - Sarah Powers & Yin Yoga - Paul Grilley)
- 2 x 500 word reflective essays/book reports (The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching - Thich Nhat Hanh & The Dhammapada - Eknath Easwaran)
- 3 x two minute presentations on assorted topics
- Develop client screening appraisal
- Personal Development plan
- 7 x online course modules - Yoga History & Philosophy | Ayurveda | Nutrition | Anatomy | Personal Trainer | Special Populations | Pregnancy & Postnatal Fitness
Many of these pieces of assessment will be delivered during your training, however you do have a total of 6 months to complete all of your assessment.
REQUIRED READING
There are a number of books required to complete the course, these will be referenced within the training. You do not have to read them cover to cover before training commences.
- Insight Yoga â Sarah Powers
- Breathe â James Nestor
- The Heart of the Buddhaâs Teaching â Thich Nhat Hanh
- The Dhammapada â Eknath Easwaran
- The Heart of Yoga Developing a personal practice by T. K. V. Desikahar
- Yoga Anatomy - Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
- Breathe Bend Blossom â Michelle Merrifield (purchase in studio or online)
Online retailers we suggest to find your materials include Book Depository, Amazon and AbeBooks. Fishpond.
Course Facilitators
Meet our lovely teachers

Michelle Cassidy

Susie Tagarro

Johnny Yang
Book a call with Michelle
While you can scroll down and find all of the information about dates, cost, location, assessments and facilitators, we think it's amazing to discuss such a life changing opportunity with a real person!
Michelle has been running Essence of Living since 2004 and these teacher trainings are truly her passion. She would LOVE to discuss any questions you have! Book a call with her!
donât see a time your like ? click herecourse curriculum
history & philosophy of yoga
Techniques, Training and Practice
Teaching Methodology
Anatomy and Physiology
Buddhism Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers
Practicum
Group yoga Training
exercise programming
special populations
client screening
business skills
nutrition
say hello, donât be shy
Leave your details and she'll get in contact!
Email : [email protected]
Phone : +0413137155
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