Trauma Sensitive Yoga: Healing Through Movement and Mindfulness
We recognise the profound impact that trauma can have on the mind and body. To support individuals on their healing journey, Revolution Counselling and Wellbeing offers Trauma-Informed Yoga, a compassionate, mindful approach to yoga that creates a safe space for healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. This practice is specifically designed for individuals who have experienced trauma— whether from abuse, loss, chronic stress, or any other form of hardship—and it helps foster recovery through gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness.
Trauma-Informed Yoga is a form of yoga that integrates the principles of trauma recovery with mindful movement. Unlike traditional yoga, this practice takes into account the impact of trauma on the body, mind, and emotions, and offers a supportive environment where participants can explore movement in a safe, non-judgmental way.
The key difference in Trauma-Informed Yoga is that it focuses on safety, empowerment, and choice. Instructors are trained to create an environment that allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies at their own pace, while respecting their unique healing journey. This form of yoga helps participants develop greater body awareness, regulate their nervous system, and cultivate a sense of agency and resilience.
How:
Safety and Consent: With an emphasis on safety and consent, participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and are given options to opt out of or modify any pose or practice that may not feel comfortable. This creates a space where participants feel empowered to make choices that support their healing process.
Gentle Movement and Breathwork: The practice focuses on slow, mindful movements and controlled breathwork, designed to release tension and stress from the body. Breathing techniques help participants activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional regulation:
Mindful Body Awareness: Participants are guided to reconnect with their bodies in a gentle, compassionate way. Through mindful movement and breath, individuals can gradually increase awareness of their physical sensations, emotions, and triggers, helping to build resilience and emotional strength.
Gradual Healing and Empowerment: Participants work at their own pace, building trust in themselves and their bodies. The practice encourages self-compassion and allows individuals to rebuild a sense of control, helping them reclaim their power over their own healing process.
Benefits:
- Increased Body Awareness: The practice fosters a deeper connection between the mind and body, helping individuals to become more aware of their physical sensations, emotions, and reactions.
- Regulation of the Nervous System: Through breathwork and gentle movement, Trauma- Informed Yoga helps to regulate the nervous system, reducing the effects of trauma-related stress and anxiety.
- Reduced Anxiety and Stress: By focusing on the breath and slowing down movement, this practice can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and increase calm and clarity.
- Emotional Healing: The safe, non-judgmental space created in Trauma-Informed Yoga allows participants to release pent-up emotions, process trauma, and heal from past wounds.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Empowerment: Trauma-Informed Yoga promotes self- empowerment, helping individuals to feel more in control of their bodies and emotions, fostering self-compassion and resilience.
- Rebuilding Trust in the Body: For those who have experienced trauma, this practice offers a way to rebuild trust in the body and regain a sense of safety within oneself. Whether you are new to yoga or have practiced before, Trauma-Informed Yoga offers a safe path to healing and self-care. Revolution Counselling and Wellbeing is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you reconnect with your body, cultivate emotional resilience, and heal at your own pace.