Yin Yoga Teacher Training Amsterdam

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Amsterdam

The Thrive Yin Yoga Teacher Training (100 hours, Yoga Alliance) with Hellen van der Harten starts in October 2026 in Amsterdam.

Has Yin Yoga captured your heart? Do you want to deepen your own practice, gain a richer understanding of your body, and discover how to guide others toward stillness, balance and true release?

In this small-scale, personal training you build a strong foundation in anatomy, postures, philosophy, meditation, pranayama and the energetic body (Chi, meridians and chakras). You gain practical tools to teach safe, inspiring and thoughtfully structured Yin classes.

Why this training?

Our training is intimate, personal and led by senior teacher trainer Hellen van der Harten, who trained directly with Paul Grilley and brings ten years of experience in training Yin Yoga teachers. With just 8 to 16 participants and five weekends spread over four months, you have the space to grow, to integrate and to truly understand what makes Yin Yoga such a transformative practice. By the end, you will teach in a way that is safe, functional and creative.

What can you expect?

During each weekend we explore the foundations of Yin Yoga and you learn how to use sequencing, instruction, guidance and themes in your classes. You experience Yin postures deeply in your own body and you discover how differences in anatomical structure shape each pose.

We begin every day with practice and meditation, followed by theory: functional anatomy, philosophy, energetics, teaching methodology and more. After lunch we work through “learning by doing.” You test and observe differences in anatomical structures, explore “what stops me?” and you learn safe, clear cues, the use of props and adjustments for different students. We close each day with a Yin practice.

The Grilley Methode

The Grilley Method, developed by Paul Grilley, is a functional approach to Yin Yoga that focuses on skeletal variation and myofascial anatomy. It adapts postures to individual bodies, helps prevent injury and encourages a deeper awareness.

You learn how the body works both physically and energetically, and how to recognise and respect differences between body types. There is also plenty of room for personal growth, reflection, meditation and deepening your own practice.

“When you learn to see the body as 14 skeletal segments being moved bij 10 myofascial groups you will be able to skilfully adapt the 7 archetypal poses to fit the needs of every individual student” (Paul Grilley)

Course Curriculum

Functional Anatomy

You learn about the skeleton, the joints, muscles, the connective tissue network and the nervous system. You explore the wide variations in each person’s skeleton and learn to actually see this variation in yourself and in others. You also discover the key target areas that we influence with Yin postures. Finally, you learn about the connective tissue network: how Yin Yoga affects the connective tissue, and why.

Postures

We take ample time to analyse Yin Yoga postures. We look systematically at the Yin archetypes and their matching target areas. You learn the many variations you can offer, how to give clear verbal instruction and how to assist students effectively with props.

Philosophy

The ancient philosophy of yoga can greatly enrich our experience of (everyday) life. You are introduced to The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the eightfold path. You reflect on the relevant themes within this work and connect them to your own daily life.

The programme also covers the foundations of Taoism, with special attention to the concept of Yin and Yang, an introduction to Chinese Medicine, the five elements and Chakra theory.

Energy (chi) 

An important aim of yoga asana is to harmonise the chi within the meridian system. You learn about chi: what is it? Which different types of chi do we distinguish? You discover how chi flows through the body, explore the main meridian pairs and their functions, and you learn to activate chi in the body through dynamic exercises and relaxation techniques.

Meditation & Pranayama

Meditation and Pranayama are a regular part of every weekend. We encourage you to develop a personal meditation and pranayama practice. You are introduced to various meditation techniques, including Chakra meditation.

Teaching & Sequencing

We spend plenty of time on learning to teach: to your fellow students, your partner, your pet and anyone else who is willing. You learn how to guide others safely and efficiently in and out of postures, and how to build a class (sequencing). You receive tools to enrich your classes, such as integrating philosophy or working with themes.

Who is this training for?

Who is it for? This 100-hour training is for anyone who wants to become a yoga teacher or is looking to deepen their own practice and personal growth. You do not need to have completed a previous teacher training, but experience with Yin Yoga is essential. Whether you want to start teaching or simply grow within your own practice, if you feel an inner “yes,” you are welcome.

The Yin Yoga Teacher Training is perfect for you if you:

  • Already have some experience with Yin Yoga
  • Want to become a yoga teacher and are looking for an in-depth, authentic training
  • Want to deepen your own Yin practice and understand your body more fully
  • Are curious about the why behind yoga: anatomy, philosophy, energy
  • Feel that you want to give more in your life, perhaps by guiding others
  • Are seeking transformation, balance and personal growth

 Information Sessions

Information Sessions with Hellen

Before the training begins, we host inspiring information sessions where you:

  • Get to know Hellen personally
  • Ask any questions you have
  • Align the methodology with your expectations
  • Clear up any doubts
  • Meet your fellow students

 

Dates and locations of the information sessions:

  • Saturday 30 May, 15:00 to 16:30, studio Zeeburg              
  • Sunday 13 September, 15:00 to 16:30, studio Celebes

 

Personal Meetings with Hellen

Would you prefer a one-on-one conversation? No problem. Email info@thriveyoga.nl or info@hartenyoga.com and schedule a call or video meeting.

About the teacher: Hellen van der Harten

Hellen combines more than 20 years of yoga practice with deep training in Yin Yoga around the world. She originally worked as a filmmaker and mother in a busy, Yang-oriented life. Yoga brought balance, and Yin Yoga eventually captured her heart. She travelled the world and completed many trainings with highly qualified teachers, including Paul and Suzee Grilley, the founders of Yin Yoga.

Since 2015 she has been training Yin Yoga teachers. Her style is warm, clear and down-to-earth. She guides students in discovering the healing, liberating and transformative power of Yin.

Read more about Hellen on her page: https://hartenyoga.com/biografie/

Location: Stadsoase Naar Zee

Stadsoase Naar Zee, near the IJmeer.

A bright, spacious studio overlooking the water and the lighthouse. Calm, atmospheric and perfect for going deeper.

Easy to reach by tram 26 (direct from Central Station).

 

Find more information on the website: https://www.stadsoasenaarzee.com/

 

Study Materials

 Required:

  •  The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga – Bernie Clark  
  • The Key Muscles of Yoga – Ray Long  

 

Recommended additional reading::

  • Your Body, Your Yoga – Bernie Clark  
  • A Yogi’s Guide to Chakra Meditation – Paul Grilley

Dates and Pricing

Five weekends, spread over a period of four months

DATES

2026

  • Fri evening 23 + Sat/Sun 24 to 25 October
  • Sat/Sun 28 to 29 November
  • Sat/Sun 19 to 20 December

2027

  • Sat/Sun 9 to 10 January
  • Sat/Sun 13 to 14 February

PRICE

  • €1,550 Early Bird (registration before 1 July 2026
  • €1,675 regular (registration after 1 July)

 

Terms and information

  • The training is exempt from VAT, registered with the CRKBO (Central Register for Short Professional Education).
  • As a teacher in training you receive 10% off a monthly membership or 20% off a class card during the training. Alongside the weekends, we expect you to attend at least 12 classes (at Thrive where possible).
  • A deposit of €250 is required upon registration. We receive the remaining amount no later than four weeks before the training begins.
  • Payment in four instalments is possible (surcharge: €50, on the regular rate only).
  • The training fee includes the course reader and excludes other books and attending yoga classes outside the weekends.

Why choose Thrive

Small and personal, 8 to max. 16 students. You feel truly seen.

Hellen’s expertise, 20+ years of practice, leading yoga trainings every year.

Thrive Yoga, a recognised CRKBO training institute with 14 years of experience.

Time to integrate, 4 months. Real transformation takes time.

Inspiring location, a place where you quickly feel at home.

Do you feel an inner yes?

Then it is time. Email us (info@thriveyoga.nl).

Register as an interested participant. Come to an information session. Or schedule a meeting with Hellen.

You are more than welcome.

Thrive Yoga | Yin Yoga Teacher Training Amsterdam 2026-2027 Grounded in the wisdom of Paul and Suzee Grilley Led by Hellen van der Harten

What our students say

I did a Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Hellen and I loved it. That was my second attempt to do a Yin training but with the first one I didn’t really feel a resonance with the teacher. Hellen was the teacher I was looking for. Her extensive experience combined with strong feminine energy and interest in spirituality made this training very insightful and interesting. I feel I’ve learned a lot as a yin yoga teacher but also as a person. Highly recommended! Thank you Hellen!

– Kasia (Hartenyoga TT 2024 with Hellen)

The yin teacher training with Hellen was a true gift! Hellen is a super nice and knowledgeable teacher. I can still hardly believe how much I have learned in such a short time. Hellen is patient and the training itself is organised in a ‘yin’ manner, so there is enough time to let the material intergrade. From learning anatomy, meridian systems, understanding fascia to actually teaching in front of a group. You get the space to develop yourself in your own way and style, while at the same time getting enough of a steady basis (roots) to get you going. I can highly recommend this training to anyone who would like to explore their yin practice in a deeper way, or if you are looking for a good basis to get you going as a teacher. Thank you Hellen :).

– Roza (Hartenyoga TT 2025 with Hellen)

“This Yin training does not just let you taste the theory, it lets you feel, on both a physical and mental level, what Yin does and can be. From the wonderfully practical lessons in anatomy and Yin theory based on the 7 archetypes, to the self-inquiry around your physical limits, your meditation path and sometimes the confrontation with yourself and your own emotions during the Yin classes. A training that gives you so much as a person, that clearly shows you where you stand in life right now, and that also prepares you in many ways for the future as a professional teacher!”

– Sophie (Thrive Yin TT 2020 Sanne – Jorinde)

Twee of vijf proeflessen Yoga of Pilates

Om een goede indruk van Thrive Yoga te geven, bieden we je de keuze om te starten met:

  • 2 proeflessen binnen 1 week (€ 20,-)
  • 5 proeflessen binnen 1 maand (€ 40,-)

Deze introductiekaart aanbieding is eenmalig verkrijgbaar wanneer je nog niet eerder lessen bij ons gevolgd hebt en alleen beschikbaar wanneer je in Amsterdam (of aangrenzende gemeenten) woonachtig bent. De lessen kunnen in alle  studio’s gebruikt worden! De perfecte manier om kennis te maken met de verschillende lessen en docenten bij Thrive. Je kunt zowel Yoga als Pilates volgen (waarvan maximaal eenmaal Aerial). We adviseren om verschillende lessen / docenten uit te proberen zodat je ons gevarieerde aanbod kan ervaren.  

Je kunt voor Zwangerschapsyoga een losse proefles volgen voor € 10,- , Als je al Thrive lid bent en een rittenkaart hebt, dan kun je deze ook eenmalig gebruiken voor een proefles zonder bijbetaling.