“Trauma sensitive yoga and movement therapy is an opportunity for you to be completely in charge of your body in the present moment. You are welcome to make choices and notice feelings in your body in a way that is useful to you”.
~The Center for Trauma and Embodiment
I am trained in this trauma modality and it can be done in small groups or individual set ups. No prior history or experience in yoga is required. The yoga movements we would utilise are basic and easily adapted for each client’s need. No movements are ‘compulsory’ and the very nature of the technique is centred around suggestive and invitational poses and language. The client is encouraged to make decisions based on what they feel meets their specific needs and allows them to feel comfortable in their space in that moment.
This practice focuses on psycho-education around stress, anxiety and trauma and how it impacts one’s body, mind and emotions. Often trauma can cause us to disconnect from our bodies and this practice helps us to become more in tune with our bodies through present moment experiences. It enables one to develop skills in making choices, taking effective action and creating comfortable internal rhythms based on noticing what sensations they may feel in their body. Thus, the goal is to walk away from each session feeling more empowered within yourself and to re-claim your body.
For a trauma sensitive yoga and movement therapy session you would need to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move in. You would need to bring a bottle of water and a towel. If you own a yoga or fitness mat you can bring that with, if not a towel can be used. Any additional items that may create comfort are also welcomed, such as: a cushion or pillow, or perhaps a blanket.
The focus in these sessions is the body’s movement which I would guide and lead via yoga poses, movement and verbal communication. Clients are merely required to listen and partake in as they wish. There wouldn’t be any verbal discussion of each person’s specific trauma. This would be processed in our regular individual therapy sessions should the client wish to do so. The emphasis is on the body and individual internal decision making and present experiences. Psycho-education around stress, anxiety and trauma would also be explored. The basic poses and breathing techniques that are taught can then be used by the client in their own home space to help alleviate their symptoms related to stress, anxiety and trauma.