A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Yoga
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Yoga
We live in a time when mental health issues are on the rise; depression, anxiety, and trauma are challenges that many, if not all, are grappling with. Nearly everyone has experienced some degree of trauma in their lives.
So, what exactly is trauma-informed yoga?
It's a distinct approach to yoga instruction that significantly differs from other yoga practices. It's built upon an understanding and recognition of trauma and its profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
"A traumatic event is anything that overwhelms our capacity to cope and respond. It leaves us feeling helpless, hopeless, and out of control. When we think of trauma, we often envision major events like car accidents, abuse, or war, but trauma exists on a spectrum. Both major and minor events shape us. When we lack the tools and resources to deal with trauma, it affects our physiology and manifests in our bodies. When we can't find safety or express ourselves, traumatic energy becomes trapped in our bodies."
- Hala Khouri, Yoga Teacher & Psychologist
This approach to yoga is an embodied practice that addresses the whole person and recognizes that everyone carries some degree of trauma within. Its purpose is to cultivate awareness of bodily sensations while employing tools and techniques for self-regulation and rebuilding trust in one's body, mind, and environment.
When a sense of safety and trust is established within the body, it can begin to release tension, stress, and pent-up emotions.
While we cannot change the past, we can be mindful of our actions in the present to avoid re-traumatization. This approach to yoga is designed to meet each person where they are and to adapt and support them on their journey of healing from trauma.
In contrast to other yoga practices that focus on achieving specific asanas, trauma-informed yoga emphasizes being present in the body, building agency, and making choices to support self-care and well-being while acquiring skills for self-regulation.
Self-regulation involves monitoring and managing your nervous system's response to different environments. While a stimulated nervous system can be helpful in responding to stressors, it can lead to trauma, burnout, and illness when these responses persist after the stressor has subsided. It is essential for yoga facilitators, teachers, and space holders to possess an understanding of nervous system regulation and how trauma is stored and released in the body. Being trauma-informed and trauma-aware as yoga teachers is a vital duty of care.
How does a trauma-informed yoga class differ from a regular yoga studio class?
In a trauma-informed practice, there are no hands-on adjustments. When I teach this practice, I am always at the front of the room, demonstrating so that students can see me at all times and understand what I am doing. I maintain a neutral voice tone to avoid stimulating the nervous system and teach a slow, repetitive, rhythmic practice that prioritizes safety and offers a range of choices through invitational language. Unlike my studio classes, there is no music playing. I follow a step-by-step sequential practice that focuses on building safety, inclusivity, and interoception through various somatic practices.
How can you incorporate trauma awareness into your yoga classes?
Integrating trauma awareness into your yoga classes is a thoughtful and compassionate approach to teaching. It begins with recognizing that healing from trauma is a universal journey, and as yoga instructors, we have a vital role to play in creating a safe and supportive environment.
Yoga, breathwork, meditation, and other practices can both release and induce trauma. To incorporate trauma awareness into your classes, start by examining inclusivity, offering variations and modifications for all body types and abilities, and being mindful of your language and intentions. Am I inviting students through my language, or am I directing them toward what I believe they "should" feel? Consider the impact of pranayamas and sounds on the nervous system, and be attentive to yoga poses that may trigger vulnerability.
Above all, remember the importance of respecting each student's autonomy and boundaries by seeking permission before providing any physical assistance. Not everyone wishes to be assisted, and it is crucial to obtain permission before making any physical adjustments. By cultivating this awareness and fostering a space that nurtures trust, agency, and equips students with tools for life beyond the yoga studio, you can make a profound difference in their well-being and healing journey. Your role as a trauma-informed yoga teacher is an invaluable contribution to the collective healing process.
About Kimberley Utama
Kimberley is certified as an E-RYT500 and RA Vinyasa YTT Lead Facilitator. She is passionate about yoga and how it can transform your life, whether through a Vinyasa Flow class or a Restorative practice. She believes that yoga holds the answers that most people are seeking.
Yoga can empower people to believe in themselves and their dreams, to step outside of the box, and dare to take the risks needed to live a life of happiness.
Kimberley is half Balinese and half Australian. She grew up in the west in Melbourne, Australia, for most of her life. However, 12 years ago, she decided it was time to reconnect with her Bali roots. It was here on the island of the gods that she met her husband and gave birth to her three beautiful sons.
Kimberley has trained and taught with a selection of teachers that include Les Leventhal, Janet Stone, Daniel Aaron, and more, in a mixture of Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.