I wrote this article for STAR - Sexual Trauma Awareness + Response, a non-profit here in Baton Rouge dedicated to resourcing survivors with legal aid, counseling, + more after sexual assault.
Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) is intended to help students reconnect with their bodies after experiencing short- or long-term trauma. TIY approaches the practice of yoga with consideration of the effects that trauma has on a person’s brain, nervous system, body, spirit, and heart.
What is trauma?
You’ve likely experienced some degree of trauma at one point in your life. This may have been a “little t” trauma — a stressful move, career change, or financial worries; or maybe you’ve experienced “big T” traumas — sexual assault, physical abuse, or ongoing oppression.
If you were unable to dedicate time, space, and resources to heal from the trauma, you may notice its effects on your body, mind, heart, and spirit: tight muscles, disconnection, racing thoughts, hyper-vigilance, hopelessness, resentment, and more.
How trauma-informed yoga can help?
First, it should be noted that yoga, even TIY, is not intended to be used as a stand-alone tool for healing from trauma. It is always recommended that a survivor of trauma be under the care of a psychologist or other mental health professional.
TIY — also referred to as trauma-sensitive or trauma-conscious yoga — often includes: breath work, slow/ grounding postures, and intentional, inviting language rather than commands. Students are offered multiple options throughout the class so that they may feel safe both during and after class. An example of this may be, “explore what it may feel like to lift your arms overhead” versus “lift your arms overhead”. In providing an opportunity for a person to experience a body movement by choice can give a survivor of trauma more autonomy over their bodies during the practice. And over time, this can support a survivor in regaining a sense of control in their life.
Physical postures (called “asana” in yoga) and breath awareness allow students to learn how to stay in the present moment and can help survivors with centering and grounding.
Trauma-informed yoga may help you:
· Connect deeply with your physical body
· Learn to release tension from your body
· Gain more awareness of your breath, thoughts, and movements
· Reduce fear responses in your physical body
· Empower yourself to heal holistically — body, mind, heart
· Feel safe to experience any physical sensations that may arise in your body
Join STAR in honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. I will be hosting a class at Electric Depot in Baton Rouge on April 12th at 6 PM.
Photograph by Hannah Sharriee.