What is stopping you from practicing Trauma Sensitive Yoga? I have known people who were interested in trying yoga therapy for trauma, but wouldn’t like to explore it because they didn’t think they were suited to practicing it. My name is Jen Stuart and, in this opportunity, we will discuss who Trauma Sensitive Yoga is for and refute some common prejudices people may have about this therapy.

Yoga for Trauma is not the same as regular yoga

“Yoga” means to join things together, the union of body and mind. The approach Trauma Sensitive Yoga has is different from the one regular yoga has. Yoga for Trauma is a therapy. It’s not a discipline, but an alternative treatment and, as such, it’s objective is to heal. It brings you back into your body, healing emotional wounds, making you regain safety in your body and environment, helping you to meet your own needs. It uses interoception, somatic experiencing, mindfulness, meditation, breathing techniques and more.

Trauma Sensitive Yoga fits you, not the other way around

As stated before, this therapy revolves around you, in a gentle and nurturing way. Sessions are specifically tailored to your needs. This being said, it doesn’t matter if:

• You think you have not enough flexibility: Everything is an invitation, and an opportunity for you to choose what is appropriate for you, moment to moment. You won’t be requested to do more than you can do but to do just as much as you are comfortable doing. You are encouraged to explore your own body limits, in your own way, staying in a form that is relaxing and comfortable to you, or pushing yourself a little more if you feel like it. Everything is a choice.
• You don’t have “yoga clothes”: It doesn’t matter how you show up that day. There are no expectations. Whatever type of outfit makes you feel comfortable during the session is fine, no one will judge. 
• You have never done yoga before: Yoga for Trauma is for everybody. From those who have never heard of yoga before, to experienced yogis. This practice allows you to move at your own rhythm, you are the one who sets the pace.
• You don’t like to be touched: Although in a common yoga class, teachers tend to provide hands-on assists, in a Trauma Sensitive Yoga session that won’t happen. People have different reasons to refuse hands-on adjustments, that’s why practitioners don’t do them and help to create a space you feel safe in. 
• You are wondering “am I suffering from trauma?”: Our mind can suppress traumatic memories, but the body stores them and shows it through chronic pain, insomnia, stomach ache, and more. It doesn’t matter if people around you don’t think you have gone through something traumatic, what matters is how you feel and, if you don’t feel good, then yoga for trauma release can help you heal.
• You are an elderly person or minor age: There is no age restriction. There are classes for adults and children, all ages and stages.
• You are pregnant: Yoga for Trauma is a gentle therapy, harmless to you and your baby. You will work with your body and your mind, reconnecting them, can enhance the bond that you have with the life growing in you as you become more aware of internal sensations.

Who can Yoga for Trauma help? 

Yoga for trauma survivors is oriented at anybody who has faced a traumatic event and is struggling with the aftermath, such as:

• You have been emotionally wounded
• Veterans with PTSD
• People with anxiety disorders and/or panic attacks
• Anyone with physical trauma
• Kids or adults suffering from developmental trauma
• People with PTS, PTSD or complex PTSD
• Practitioners with vicarious trauma

Trauma Sensitive Yoga can help you to regain your life back, change your relationship with trauma, empower yourself throughout your recovery journey and be able to enjoy your present moment. If you are ready to explore the benefits that this practice can offer you, please check Journey with Jen.