TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA – 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. Our methods are directly informed by clinical research (see references below). In this gentle introduction to Yoga you will experience different movements and practices that make up a Yoga practice.
How is this different to other Yoga?
The sessions are structured but there is an emphasis on choice, 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) Could nightmares please take a permanent vacation? 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 can be made accessible to everyone. If you’re interested in untying some of the knots that you feel in your body, reducing everyday stress then give this session a try.
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?
All equipment is supplied. Just wear loose comfortable clothing. We will also provide refreshments at the end of the session.
How many in the class? Normally I am too self-conscious to go to Yoga
The sessions will be small (8-10) and there are 2 facilitators, you can take time-out and receive extra support if required.
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 will be invited to attend an individual session at our offices prior to the first Yoga session. Here we can answer all your questions, show you around and ensure you feel comfortable to be in the program.
Who are the Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitators?
Connie Robinson
Connie is an experienced yoga teacher; she specialises in yoga classes for trauma, anxiety, depression, over 50s, meditation, gentle yoga, restorative yoga, & yoga for children. Connie teaches in yoga studios throughout the Northern Beaches, Sydney. Read more here: http://www.connierobinson.info/project/about-connie/
Email: conniefrancis33@hotmail.com
Phone: 0458 007 706
Jane Macnaught
Jane is a registered counsellor, she specialises in trauma, grief and anxiety counselling and works with adult survivors of childhood abuse and trauma, refugees, asylum seekers, people with PTSD, and other stress realted issues. She has a private practice in Northern Beaches, Sydney
Read more here: www.tranquilloplace.com
Email jane@tranquilloplace.com
Phone: 0425 152 490
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.traumacenter.org/products/pdf_files/yoga_transcending_trauma.pdf
http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/111714p8.shtml
SUGGESTED BOOK LIST – an important list:
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” Bessel A. van der Kolk
“Waking The Tiger. Healing Trauma” Peter A. Levine
“Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming your Body” David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper
“The Body Remembers” Babette Rothschild
“Trauma and Recovery” Judith Herman
“Flow, the Psychology of Optimal Experience” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
