Trauma Recovery Yoga™
This science-based somatic method is one of a kind in many ways. Containing much more than yoga postures, it integrates many carefully thought out, researched and proven techniques in a very specific yoga sequence that inspires a feeling of safety and connection. The method is easily adapted to be accessible to all levels young and old, including chair or bed bound individuals.
The method is comprised of techniques that with regular practice will help those suffering from insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, shallow breath, social anxiety, hypervigilance, involuntary thoughts, flashbacks and other effects of trauma being held in the body. These techniques are delivered in a yoga flow, that helps to rebalance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system bringing about an overall feeling of wellbeing.
Each posture has been carefully selected and many common postures have been banned from this method as they have been found to be too vulnerable or triggering to be effective for trauma. The instructor always begins with a very clear explanation of what to expect. Predictability is key to helping those who have found the world to be unpredictable. Our instructor practices with the class and has very specific training on what words to use and not to use, whether to use music, how to set up the space, and what touch is appropriate for these vulnerable populations.
The teacher guides as he/she teaches using constant and deliberate verbal cues, we have named "micro-ques" keeping the attention of the student away from the mind chatter that plagues the mind post trauma. These cues not only guide the body but the mind and spirit of the students. Calling the attention to self-regulation instruction, breath, gaze point, visualizations, and affirmations. Our mission is not to avoid all triggers, that would be impossible, but to lower the risk of triggers and to help people find a resource for safety when they are triggered. If they can do this on the mat, they can do this in the world. The method concludes with a very comfortable guided meditation, with permission to sit up, lay down, eyes open or closed, no matter, the matter is to feel safe and embrace this body scan method intended to reconnect the disassociated body to the mind and spirit of the student.
