Trauma, broadly defined as ’too much experience too suddenly’ affects millions of Americans each year. Traumatic events leave their mark emotionally as well as physically as the symptoms of trauma are long-held within the body often deregulating the central nervous system and creating ongoing feelings of hyper vigilance and physical agitation. Whether it be the news of a terrorist attack, a car accident, or physical/sexual abuse, the pain of trauma often leads survivors to disconnect which may lead to addictions, eating disorders, depression, isolation and hopelessness.

Luckily, today there is a growing body of research finding that the practice of yoga is a powerful treatment for trauma. Not only can yoga reduce the symptoms of trauma, but can reconnect survivors to their inherent worth and the light that is contained within.

To be a trauma-informed yoga teacher or other healing arts facilitator requires one to attune to the ways in which the symptoms of trauma may be present, adjust their own presence in order to create safety, and to commit to patience and an open heart.

This training seeks to ignite a conversation about trauma awareness that will help yoga teachers, massage therapists, or anyone else working with human bodies and minds to become more inclusive for students recovering from trauma.

This training will explore:
-The definition of trauma and it’s deep cultural roots
-How trauma is stored in the body
-Reading bodies for signs and symptoms of trauma
-Trauma sensitive presence and attunement as a teacher
-Sequencing for a healthy stress response
-How to safely use yoga sequencing and cueing to build resilience
-How to include trauma sensitivity into public classes
-How to hold space for students when emotions arise on the yoga mat