Relieve Stress, Increase Calm with a Soothing Yoga Session ⋆ Tranquillo Place

TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA EXPLAINED

The Questions & Answers you asked for…

If you’ve been thinking about trying yoga, but not sure where to begin, this could be just the right place to start. In these gentle sessions we will give you an introduction to yoga, you will be introduced to different movements and practices.

Perhaps you have tried yoga before and you are one of the hundreds of people that reported in research that they went to one class, and left never to return again – it was too difficult, too fast, uninviting, crowded, hot, overwhelming, or complex. We invite you to try again.

The objective of Trauma Sensitive Yoga is not to bring up traumatic memories or emotions, but rather to help you increase awareness, so that you begin to notice what is happening inside your body. This will help you learn to release tension, reduce fear, tolerate sensation and have more control over anxiety and stress.

Trauma is a thing of the past, but your body can want to react as if you are still in danger, so you have learned to brace, or shut down to protect yourself and you may feel isolated and tired of living this way. We all react and cope in different ways; recurrent negative thoughts, sleep issues, unwanted stress, uncomfortable anxiety, and a myriad of symptoms prevail when you have experienced trauma.

“A common denominator of all traumas is an alienation and disconnection from the body, and a reduced capacity to be present in the here and now.”
‘Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming your Body’ by David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper

What is Trauma Sensitive Yoga?

Trauma Sensitive Yoga offers a safe way to make peace with your body, to learn through a gentle experience to trust and be more accepting of your body. Yoga helps people to inhabit their body more fully thereby reducing negative symptoms and increasing a sense of comfort within your body. The methods are directly informed by clinical research (see references below). In this gentle introduction to Yoga you will experience different movements, practices and asana.

How is this different to other Yoga?

The sessions are structured with an emphasis on choices, moving towards comfort and away from pain. We foster your internal sense of safety, personal agency and choice. You are invited to begin cultivating your capacity for self awareness and self regulation. You will be given choices, and you might decide not to lie on a yoga mat, you may prefer a chair or simply stand.

Who would benefit? Who comes to Trauma Sensitive Yoga?

Any one can benefit from a Trauma Sensitive approach to Yoga. I am recommending these sessions to anyone that might say any of the following phrases:
“I want the memories to stop interrupting my day; they get stuck in my mind. (Flashbacks) I want the pain to stop – pain that the doctors cannot diagnose, anxiety pressing on my chest, pain that arises in times of distress. (Pointing to areas where pain is felt) The noise outside gets under my skin, I am irritated by so much – it’s not normal. I’m on alert for danger; it’s exhausting. Anger! Yes, sometimes I feel out of control and then I am not sure why, where the anger came from, it can be embarrassing. I can’t think straight, my memory is hopeless; I can’t remember something that was clear to me minutes ago. I’m struggling at work, losing control, some days I just can’t take any more and I stay in bed, even there I can become overwhelmed. My heart pounds, I have gut wrenching sensations and my breathing gets chaotic. I want to be able to be fully present with my family, my heart to be open. I just can’t seem to calm down; all I want is peace of mind. Peace within my mind. I don’t feel in charge of my own body, or my mind.” (various client comments)

I can’t do Yoga, how could I benefit? I can’t even cross my legs!

Regardless of your physical health, Trauma Sensitive Yoga is accessible to everyone. If you’re interested in untying some of the knots that you feel in your body, reducing everyday stress and finding more connection, comfort and calm this may be just what you need.

Is it all about Yoga?

Actually most of the session will involve gentle and simple yoga movement and practice. We will also invite you to try some tools and give you ideas to help you unwind, relax and de-stress, fresh ways to soothe and calm your mind, body and the way you view the world around you. These will be soothing sessions, and if you want to debrief at the end we will be available for you.

What do I bring?

Bring your own yoga mat. Wear loose comfortable clothing.

How many in the class? Normally I am too self-conscious to go to Yoga

At Tranquillo Place yoga sessions are private you may bring 1-2 people with you or come alone (max 3) BOOK IN HERE

Sessions at Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club are held with Balanced Practice Yoga Studio, the rroom is light and airy and spacious plenty of room for up to 20 students. Jane’s Soothing Yoga classes are currently on Mondays at 6pm BOOK IN HERE (this will take you to the yoga studio website)

I think my energy levels are too low for yoga?

The great thing about this class is that everything is optional and can be modified to suit where you are on the day. Previous participants say that by attending these sessions their energy levels soar.

I’m not good at doing breathing exercises?

The classes overall have a sense of flow and invitation to become aware of how you are experiencing your body and your breath. You will be given options and choices at every stage.

Is it safe? Can we meet up before the first session?

All participants, especially those that have been referred to us by their counsellor, psychologist, other medical practitioner or GP may like to attend individual sessions prior to joining a small group Yoga session. You may also like to pair up, bring one or 2 friends or family members to share the session with you. On your first visit to Tranquillo Place there will be time to answer all your questions, show you around and ensure you feel comfortable to be in the program.

Who are the Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitators?

Jane Macnaught an experienced counsellor / psychotherapist. Over the past 5 years Jane has been studying trauma sensitive yoga and how incorporate these practices within therapy session. More recently Jane has completed 350hr yoga teacher training and is training new yoga teacher trainees in the art of delivering a trauma aware yoga class in all settings. Jane specialises in yoga classes for trauma recovery, PTSD, anxiety, stress reduction, relaxation, gentle yoga, and Soothing Yoga Sessions is her main offering.

Articles That Discuss Trauma Sensitive Yoga

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/allinthemind/healing-trauma-through-the-mind-and-the-body/6425638

http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/111714p8.shtml

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Relieve Stress, Increase Calm with a Soothing Yoga Session

TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA EXPLAINED