A trauma-based approach to yoga makes the practice safer and more accessible, addressing the unique needs of trauma survivors. It is to help empower individuals by offering them opportuinty to take control and choose what they want to do with their own body. It aims to help individuals:

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• Gain a greater sense of awareness through their body

• Notice any sensations in their own body (interoception)

• Help to release tension (trauma) stored in their body

• Learn to tolerate bodily sensations 

• Interoception - the ability to notice what is happening in ones own body - is a key element to Trauama Informed approach. ​

 

A trauma informed style of yoga helps individuals with trauma to recogonise and tolerate physical sensations, in order to help them regain a feeling of safety inside their bodies. As body awareness and sensations become familiar, the less frightening they become, helping indivdiuals to manage their emotions more effectively. 

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How can you become traumatised? 

• You experience a traumatic event?

• You witnessed, in person, a traumatic event?

• You learned someone close to you experienced or was threatened by a traumatic event (Secondary Trauma)

• You are repeatedly exposed to graphic details of traumatic events (paramedic, therapist, police etc).

 

Who can become traumatised?

• Anyone

• Trauma does not discriminate

• Do not presume you know anyone; trauma survivors will probably be the person you least expect

• Also, people may react very differently to experiencing the same traumatic event; we are not all the same

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