Trauma-sensitive yoga

Trauma-sensitive yoga

A yoga session designed to help with PTSD

International Therapeutic Yoga Federation

Trauma-sensitive yoga is a form of yoga that is specifically adapted to support individuals who have experienced trauma. It is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can reconnect with their bodies and regain a sense of control and empowerment.

History

The development of trauma-sensitive yoga is closely linked to the growing recognition of the benefits of yoga for mental health. In the early 2000s, researchers and practitioners began to explore how yoga could be adapted to meet the needs of individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. Organizations such as the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, Massachusetts have been pioneers in this field, developing specific protocols and training programs for trauma-sensitive yoga.

Principles

Trauma-sensitive yoga is based on several key principles:

• Safety: Creating a safe environment is paramount. This includes both physical safety and emotional safety, allowing participants to feel secure and supported.
• Choice: Participants are encouraged to make choices about their own bodies and movements, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment.
• Mindfulness: Emphasis is placed on present-moment awareness and mindfulness, helping individuals to reconnect with their bodies and reduce symptoms of dissociation.
• Non-judgment: The practice is non-judgmental and non-competitive, allowing individuals to explore their own experiences without pressure or expectation.

Benefits

Research has shown that trauma-sensitive yoga can be beneficial for individuals with PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Benefits may include:

• Reduction in PTSD symptoms
• Improved emotional regulation
• Increased body awareness
• Enhanced sense of empowerment and control

Practice

Trauma-sensitive yoga classes are typically led by instructors who have received specialized training in trauma-informed practices. These classes may differ from traditional yoga classes in several ways:

• Language: Instructors use invitational language, offering suggestions rather than commands.
• Pacing: Classes may be slower-paced to allow participants to move at their own comfort level.
• Environment: The physical space is arranged to promote safety and comfort, often with options for participants to choose their own positioning in the room.

Related pages

• Yoga
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Mindfulness

Trauma-sensitive_yoga

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  A person practicing yoga as a method to cope with PTSD.

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  Logo of the International Therapeutic Yoga Federation.