Trauma-Informed Yoga

When someone experiences trauma, it can be difficult to understand or identify what they are feeling and how to make sense of what happened to them. As such, when the body is not able to safely release the traumatic experience, your body may tense and activate your fight or flight response. With too much stress on your system or the inability to escape the threat, the body may eventually shut down or collapse to protect itself.

Trauma-informed yoga was not created reexperience past traumatic experiences. Rather, the focus is on helping you become more aware of what is happening in your body in the now. Once you are able identify areas of tension or stress, then you can work on releasing “stuck” emotions.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA & TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA

Trauma informed yoga is implemented, by trauma-informed practitioners, that are aware of the impacts of trauma on the body. These professionals will provide support and tools to help clients feel comfortable and safe during yoga sessions.

For example, a trauma-informed yoga therapist might encourage clients lower their gaze during a session. Whereas, in a general yoga class, the closing your eyes is encouraged to help eliminate distractions. When we are working with clients with trauma histories, it can be quite overwhelming and scary to close their eyes.

Trauma-informed yoga sessions are 60 minutes in duration and incorporate yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and somatic therapies. Thus, your experience will be a different than a yoga session at a studio.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION

In an individual session, there is preparation and customization of a client’s specific needs. It is very important to create a safe, trusting, and supportive environment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA

• It can help reduce mood instability and PTSD symptoms
• It can help you become more present in your life
• It can help you feel more connected and balanced in your body