What Is Trauma-Informed Yoga?
- Brainz Magazine
- Jan 20, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Written by: Angie Berrett, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Trauma-Informed Yoga is a path for everyone to befriend their mind, body, and soul while increasing resilience and their Window of Tolerance through intuitive and joyful movements.
Self Doubt about Yoga?
Have you ever thought “I can’t do yoga, I am not good enough, I am not flexible enough, my body doesn’t move that way, I do not have the right body type”, or any other variation on this theme?
As a Yoga Instructor, I regularly hear people tell me they know yoga is good for them but then explain why they cannot do yoga. Typically, these reasons include fear of being inadequate, concern about feeling overwhelmed, competitiveness in classes, or hesitation of being triggered by past traumas.
While studying to become an Advanced Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, I deepened my understanding of how powerful yoga is in healing, and how Trauma-Informed Yoga (TIY) truly is for everyone!
What is trauma?
Bessel Van der Kolk, a leading expert in trauma research, explains “Trauma interferes with the brain circuits that involve focusing, flexibility, and being able to stay in emotional control. A constant sense of danger and helplessness promotes the continuous secretion of stress hormones, which wreaks havoc with the immune system and the functioning of the body’s organs.” Based on this definition, most of us have experienced trauma.
How is Trauma-Informed Yoga different from traditional yoga?
TIY classes are taught with the idea that everyone has trauma and everyone’s trauma is different. TIY instructors strive to create an environment where all students feel safe, validated, and not triggered.
Trauma-Informed Yoga is taught by instructors who have a deeper understanding of:
Why stress can lead to trauma
The Autonomic Nervous System (Fight, Flight, and Freeze)
How trauma is stored in the body and mind
Similarities with commonly shared trauma experiences
Their own traumas
How to create a welcoming environment for all people, no matter their physical or emotional state.
Trauma-Informed Yoga has advantages beyond the benefits of traditional yoga. My top 5 differences between Trauma-Informed Yoga and traditional yoga are:
1. Trauma-Informed Yoga is accessible for everyone
TIY classes are designed to meet you wherever you are, and however, your body moves. A Trauma-Informed Yoga instructor offers many different variations and options while acknowledging that not everyone is going to look the same. You are encouraged to move according to your body, and find a variation that works for you. This freedom does not push or shame you into poses that are uncomfortable, painful, or inaccessible for you. Additionally, TIY instructors are sensitive to common triggers for people and teach based on this understanding. Two examples are no hands-on assistance and suggesting moving with the breath or at whatever rhythm feels soothing if breath work is uncomfortable.
2. Trauma-Informed Yoga Normalizes Feeling Conflicting Emotions
The human body is incredibly complex! Humans can feel a wide range of feelings, including opposing emotions. TIY uses language that recognizes and supports whatever sensations may be arising. An example is “Notice if this feels supportive, neutral, or uncomfortable. Maybe it feels more than 1 thing. Maybe you are not sure”. Additionally, when sensations become overwhelming, and you want to dissociate (or check out of your body) TIY provides support while acknowledging that emotions or feelings may be too much.
3. Trauma-Informed Yoga helps People use Intuitive Movement to Build Inner Resilience
TIY provides opportunities for you to disconnect from preconceived ideas about what you “should” accomplish, experience, and feel. This space allows you to learn how to move based on what your body is trying to tell you it needs. Tuning into your body’s needs rather than your mind’s instruction is Intuitive Movement. This builds resilience by cultivating patterns of movement that bring you strength when you feel discomfort. You become able to perceive sensations more favorably, expanding your “Window of Tolerance” to conflicting and unsettling feelings.
4. Trauma-Informed Yoga Focuses on the Journey, not the Destination
TIY places more emphasis on your experience in that moment rather than on how far you can get in a pose. The intention is not to force your body into a position, but rather to learn to listen to what your body is telling you. You are encouraged to explore where you can engage with your body in new and different ways. TIY focuses on staying grounded and in the present moment, while getting curious about how your body is moving into a pose, rather than how far you can push your body. Instructors will use language like “without judgment, notice how your body feels today” to help bring your curiosity and awareness to where you are right now.
5. Trauma-Informed Yoga Encourages Joyful Movements and Playfulness
TIY promotes a deeper mind, body, and soul connection in fun, empowering, and safe ways. Have you heard the old saying “Laughter is the best medicine”? That is true! Exploring ways of moving for the pure joy of moving, helps you tap into inner resources for healing you did not know you had. Playfulness allows you to feel sensations in ways that are enjoyable and not overwhelming.
The word Yoga itself means to unite body, mind, and spirit. Whether you have experienced trauma, are struggling with mental health issues, or feel like your body “isn’t made for yoga”, Trauma-Informed Yoga is a fantastic resource to join all parts of you together. TIY classes are designed to help you build stronger internal connections within yourself through supportive, empowering, and fun environments.
For a FREE short (less than 5 minutes!) movement sequence for when you are overwhelmed, CLICK HERE!
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Angie Berrett, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Angie Berrett (she/they) is an Intuitive Movement Coach, Registered Nurse, Advanced Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor, Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Instructor and child abuse survivor who understands the human body and how it works. Discovering playful ways of moving taught her how to listen to her body, overcoming her own personal trauma in ways traditional modalities could not. She is the Owner and Creator of Angie Berrett Movement, coaching people to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and trauma through play, movements and fun so they can have healing and peace in their lives.
