If you’ve ever found practicing yoga emotionally difficult, trauma-informed yoga could be worth a try. In a nutshell, it’s a specific style of yoga which helps people recover from emotional trauma by replacing the negative emotions with feelings of safety and connection.
Most yogis would say that the practice of yoga has helped them deal with challenges in their lives – be it mental health problems, job struggles or day-to-day stresses. And though yoga is a powerful tool for many in reconnecting with themselves, it can also be a very triggering practice for some – particularly those dealing with ongoing and complicated trauma.
Sound familiar? We spoke to yoga teacher and founder of Trauma Therapy Manchester Susi Wrenshaw to find out what trauma-informed yoga (TIY) really is, and how it could help almost anyone…
What is trauma-informed yoga?
“Trauma-informed yoga is a specialist branch of yoga which helps people recover from the impact of trauma on the body, brain, emotions and sense of self. The first stage is focused on creating safety, learning to manage difficult emotions and beginning to address trauma-related patterns,” she says.
“The second stage processes trauma held in the body, discharges survival responses and releases unresolved emotions. The final stage involves integration – reflecting on the recovery journey and planning for the next steps.
“It is delivered by Accredited TIY teachers and can be done in small groups or one to one. You will usually meet or speak to the teacher before signing up. There isn’t a universal definition of trauma-informed yoga so do ask the teacher about their approach, experience, training and accreditation.”
Why might regular yoga be difficult for those with trauma?
“Through regular yoga practice, the mind can become still so we may experience connectedness and peace, free from our perceptions and projections. This can be difficult for trauma survivors as stillness can quickly trigger dissociation or overwhelm.