What is Trauma?
Trauma is a subjective experience of an event. It can be life-threatening or life-altering. Trauma often overwhelms the individual. The individual may experience loss of control due to the traumatic event. The traumatic experience may continue after the event is over. At least ⅓ of people experience trauma at some point during their lives.
- Common Symptoms
- Negative thoughts & mood
- Avoidance
- Intrusion, flashbacks, & reliving
- Hyperarousal & hyperactivity
- Physiological Impact
- Physical illness & injury
- Decreased cognitive abilities
- Tendency to dysregulate
- Impaired communication
- Impaired interoception
- Psychological Impact
- Feeling isolated
- Feeling unsafe
- Resisting the trauma state
Yoga & Trauma
“The essence of trauma is dissociation, disconnecting from self and others and moving away from reality. Yoga is about connection. It is self-realization, finding the truth about what we are, who we are, and why we exist. In this respect, it is the polar opposite of trauma.”
Patanjali’s definition of Yoga – “chitta vritti nirodha”- translates to “cessation of mind turbulence” helps by calming and regulating the mind, which can help people with their clinical treatment. (Satchidananda, 2012) Since trauma has the potential to disrupt the mind-body connection, and Yoga focuses on bringing that connection back, Yoga has a direct relationship with Trauma.
3 Stages of Trauma Recovery
- Safety & Stabilization: Yoga teaches self-regulation skills so that we can begin overcoming dysregulation.
- Coming to Terms with Traumatic Memories through lessons of acceptance taught through Yoga philosophy.
- Reconnection, Integration, and Moving On through the safety of the Yoga community as you reconnect to the outside world.
Making Poses Trauma Sensitive
Break down poses into small steps. Explore each pose, focusing on sensation over the alignment. Gently push boundaries, but never through them. Experience the pose without forcing yourself into a deeper expression of the pose. When the balance between effort and relaxation is found, stop “doing” the pose, and let it just happen. Accept yourself where you are.
Pranayama
The breath bridges the mind & body. Focusing on the breath helps us return to the present moment and awareness. Pranayama may be different for someone with trauma. Be sensitive to a student’s resistance. There isn’t a certain technique that is better than others. Keep it simple. I’m breathing in. I’m breathing out. Ujjayi can be distressing for some; it may remind them of an assailant or someone dying.
What is our role?
Our role as Yoga teachers is to create a safe & comfortable environment for ALL students. We help guide & facilitate students to find their truth, inner peace & empowerment, and offer options – that way, if someone begins to feel unsafe, they can move to a place where they feel secure.
Safe Environment
We offer a safe environment by offering knowledge, predictability, and a safe space. Exits are visible and accessible. If anyone has their back to the door, it should be the instructor. We should try to arrange people so no one has another person behind them. Windows with curtains for privacy in a space above ground are preferred. The studio should be odor-free. Some props, like straps, may be triggers for some—no hands-on adjustments without permission. Neutral decorations, for example, middle eastern decorations, can be disturbing for soldiers with PTSD. And finally, if we are intentionally providing a class that focuses on students who experienced trauma, we can name and describe our classes with descriptions like “helps with mood regulation” or “Helps relieve stress and anxiety.”
Language
verb + body part + direction = clear instruction
(verb + body part + direction) x choice = clear TS instruction
- If you like…
- Perhaps…
- Maybe…
- When you are ready…
- What would happen if…
- If it feels alright…
- You may wish…
- Another option would be…
- You could try this or…
- I would invite you to…
- In your own time and your own way…
- Explore…
- You can choose…
- As best we can…
- Personal boundaries…
What Do We Need to Know?
You will, most likely, at some point, have someone suffering from trauma in your Yoga class. Be aware! People dealing with trauma can be hypersensitive. Kindness, compassion, patience, and a gentle tone are good qualities to exhibit. We don’t need to be perfect. We will make mistakes. Use them as opportunities to learn & grow! Be your authentic self!
(Abram, 2018; Joanne, 2021)
- Abram, B. (2018). Teaching Trauma Sensitive. North Atlantic Books.
- Joanne, S. (2021). Trauma-Informed Yoga. PESI Publishing & Media.
- Satchidananda, S. S. (2012). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Integral Yoga Publications.