TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA
Trauma Informed Yoga
What is trauma informed yoga?
We live in a world where we are collectively experiencing increasing levels of trauma. Trauma Informed Yoga is a specialist branch of yoga that can help people recover from the impact of trauma on the body, brain, emotions and sense of self. My training with Susi Wrenshaw of Trauma Therapy Manchester has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and qualities to support students who have experienced trauma.
The training follows the 3-phase model of trauma recovery, as first put forward by Judith Herman. The first stage of stabilisation is focused on creating safety, learning to manage difficult emotions and beginning to address trauma-related patterns. The second stage processes trauma held in the body, discharges survival responses and releases unresolved emotions. The third stage involves integration and enables reflection on the recovery journey and planning next steps forward.
Trauma Informed Yoga can help to reset the nervous system, release physical patterns of tension and make space for emotions that may have been put on hold.
“Trauma is not the event that happened to us, but the lasting adaptations that took place within us which helped us survive.” Susi Wrenshaw.
What can you expect from trauma informed yoga?
During these sessions you will learn techniques which can help increase self awareness of the nervous system, give choice and autonomy, explore reliable routes to safety through self-regulation and encourage a positive relationship to self. Trauma Informed Yoga teaching includes:
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invitational language and the option to explore movement and stillness at your own pace
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clear boundaries and choices
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help to understand what is happening in the body and the brain
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fully accessible movements and postures with suggested modifications/variations
The sessions may include gentle yoga based movement, breath awareness and/or breathing practices, guided meditation, relaxation techniques, conversation, journaling and sound. Any practices shown are optional and worked through together in a collaborative way. There are no hands-on adjustments.
Who would benefit from Trauma Informed Yoga?
Trauma Informed Yoga can be beneficial for adults and children/teens who have experienced trauma, as well as those who don’t identify as having experienced trauma. It may be beneficial for those with PTSD or CPTSD and for those who are noticing some of the effects of trauma showing up in the form of anxiety, worry, fatigue, depression, sleep problems, digestive problems. No knowledge of yoga or level of fitness is required and sessions can be chair based.
You can join me online from the comfort of your own home which can help you to
feel safe and at ease. You will be able to connect with me prior to the session and
discuss any specific needs that you may have.
Sessions are usually 60 minutes and will
be individually tailored for you after we have had an initial chat.
When booking you will be asked to fill out a health form.
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If you’re unsure whether Trauma Informed Yoga would be suitable for you please feel free to contact me to ask any questions you may have.
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If you are a clinician with a client and/or patient who would benefit from Trauma Informed Yoga feel free to contact me to discuss a referral.
USEFUL TO KNOW
All abilities are catered for and every body is welcome.
You are encouraged to move as you need to for your own body,
with options given for variations and modifications to make the pose work for you
and your body on that day.
