Trauma-Informed Yoga

It is now widely understood that trauma and difficult life experiences are stored in both the mind and body. 

Evidence has found that trauma affects the speech centre of the brain making it difficult for individuals to talk about their experience. This means that talk-based therapies aren't always the most effective way to treat trauma. Bottom-up therapeutic approaches  can be helpful as they work with the body to release trauma, and re-program the brain.

Yoga for Trauma guides participants to begin to remember that your body belongs to you! I do this by always referring to your body and body parts as YOURS to begin to build pathways in your brain so you can remember it this way too. Some participants find that they gradually become more comfortable being present in your body. 

In Yoga for Trauma I use invitational words, which means I invite you to move your body rather than telling you what to do. It is always your choice if you want to move or practice at all. This can be an empowering approach as you learn that you are in charge of your body, and can help you develop a greater sense of control over your body and life. 

Yoga with Trauma classes may also assist you to increase your window of tolerance (which refers to the period of time between being triggered and your body responding). This is done by gradually giving you tiny opportunities to push outside of your comfort zone in a safe and supported space.

Yoga for Trauma can help to increase mind-body connection which can help to address the root causes of behaviours that suppress inner sensations such as drug and alcohol use, self-harm, risky sexual behaviour, and other high-risk activities.

The added benefit of group yoga is that it provides an opportunity for you to connect with others in a safe and supported way. This is something that is particularly important for trauma-survivors, and individuals who experience increased isolation and loneliness.