Trauma-Informed Yoga

Trauma-Informed Yoga: Creating a Safe Space to Heal

Trauma-Informed Yoga (or Trauma-Sensitive Yoga) is not a style, but an approach to teaching that considers the impact of trauma on an individual. It aims to create a safe, stable environment where students can reconnect with their bodies in a positive way.

Core Philosophy

The emphasis is entirely on the student's internal experience and agency, not on the external appearance of a pose. The practice helps individuals rebuild a sense of physical and emotional safety and ownership over their own bodies.

Key Principles

• Invitational Language: The teacher uses invitations ("you might explore...") rather than commands ("do this...").
• No Hands-On Assists: Physical adjustments are not used, as unexpected touch can be triggering.
• Emphasis on Choice: Students are always free to opt out of any posture.
• Focus on Interoception: Encourages awareness of internal bodily sensations (e.g., "notice the feeling of your feet on the mat").
• Predictability: The environment and sequence are often kept consistent.

Key Poses

• The poses themselves are simple and foundational, drawn from Hatha yoga. The way they are taught is what defines the practice.
• Gentle, grounding poses like Child's Pose, Cat-Cow, and Mountain Pose are common.