Trauma-Informed Yoga
Mental Health professionals at the forefront of work in the field of trauma and PTSD such as Bessel van der Kolk, author of the bestselling book The Body Keeps the Score, often point to movement and yoga as being a powerful and transformative tool for survivors of traumatic events.
As a tool, extensive research has shown that Yoga can:
- Harness resilience by calibrating the nervous system
- Develop mindfulness and meditation as a path to reconnecting with the inner experiences of the body and breath with perspective and distance
- Cultivate a deeper body-mind connection for improved interoception
- Release stored trauma through somatic movement which may present as tension, aches or pains in the body
- Build techniques and strategies to cope with moments of overwhelm
Why pracice Trauma-Informed Yoga Teachers?
Practising with trauma-informed yoga teachers creates a space where safety, choice and respect are at the heart of the experience.
Trauma-informed teaching recognises that everyone carries their own history in their body, and classes are guided in a way that supports nervous system regulation rather than pushing or overwhelming it. Clear, invitational language, predictable structure and permission to rest or adapt at any time help students feel more at ease and in control of their practice.
This approach can build trust, encourage a deeper sense of embodiment and make yoga more accessible and nourishing, especially for those seeking gentler, more supportive ways to reconnect with their body.