Finding Calm in the Chaos
Trauma-Informed Yoga is designed to create a safe, consistent space for anyone who could use a little more ease, predictability, and gentleness in their practice. Whether you carry anxiety, have experienced trauma, or simply need a space that meets you with patience, you belong here.
While I am not a therapist, this class can be a supportive complement to working with one. If emotions arise during practice, having a trusted therapist to process with can be helpful. You may also find it beneficial to journal after class as a way to reflect on your experience.
Together, we will focus on feeling safer in our bodies through gentle bilateral stimulation, engaging both sides of the brain, and key movements designed to help regulate the nervous system and reduce dissociation. I will offer a variety of options so you can move in a way that feels right for you, encouraging self-awareness and empowerment in your practice.
Above all, this class is a space where you are supported in listening to your body, honoring your needs, and cultivating a sense of safety within yourself.
For a deeper dive into what trauma-informed yoga is, why it works, and what to expect, check out the blog I cowrote with Amber Stevens of Boundless Body and Wellness.
How can trauma-informed yoga (TIY) help me?
For those who like to know the why behind the practice, here's what research tells us about the impact of trauma-informed yoga.
Reduction in PTSD Symptoms: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that trauma-sensitive yoga significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female participants (not limited to female bodies) compared to a control group receiving traditional care.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Practicing TIY helps individuals develop better emotional regulation skills. The mindfulness component of yoga promotes awareness of the present moment, which can mitigate the intense emotional responses often triggered by trauma.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Trauma often disrupts the connection between mind and body. TIY fosters a reconnection by encouraging gentle, mindful movement and body awareness.
Increased Sense of Control: By offering choices and emphasizing personal agency, TIY helps participants regain a sense of control over their bodies and lives, counteracting the powerlessness that often accompanies trauma.
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