Trauma sensitive yoga was developed by David Emerson, yoga teacher at the Trauma Institute at Justice Resource Institute (JRI) in Massachusetts under the guidance of trauma specialist Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk (see video at bottom of page).
The goal of Trauma Sensitive Yoga Therapy is to help the participant increase their body awareness – to notice what is happening in the body – and thereby learn to release tension, reduce and control anxiety, and experience and tolerate emotions. TSY can help calm the mind and regain a sense of safety in the body.
Trauma-informed yoga supports the participant to reconnect with the body, learn to feel again and better regulate stress, anxiety and negative feelings. It can be used well alongside other forms of therapy. For example, it can complement EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Important themes within Trauma Informed Yoga are:
- Experiencing the present moment: interoception, or being physically present in the now.
- Empowerment. Being able to make their own choices regarding their bodies and experiences that are kind, gentle and caring.
- Being able to take effective action: increasing and decreasing intensity in muscles through breathing.
- Connecting with your body and environment with the help of breathing.
In Trauma-informed yoga, I do not use physical touch. I facilitate by inviting you, giving you the choice to join, stop or watch. You always have the choice to stop, skip, not do or modify a movement earlier. The movements and exercises are safe and gentle. They aim to get moving, to be allowed to feel and to be able to respond to whatever presents itself.
Trauma Informed Yoga is offered on an individual basis. Please feel free to contact me if you want to know more or want to get acquainted.
Bessel van der Kolk on Trauma and Yoga: