What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
Trauma-sensitive yoga includes meditation, attention to breath and gentle movement — with special care taken to help participants develop a positive and empowered relationship to their own bodies. Our highly-trained instructors offer a breath-centered yoga practice based on proven methods to activate the relaxation response, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A trauma-sensitive approach to yoga helps a participant notice their own internal experience of the body, developing an awareness of how their body feels without judgement. Trauma-sensitive yoga does not focus on performing postures correctly, and instructors do not perform any hands-on adjustments. Each participant is encouraged to explore what feels best and to develop awareness with self-compassion. The breath-based movement offered in a trauma-sensitive class develops a skillful attention to the felt body sensation which can aid in calming the mind and regulating emotional responses.
Class Design
Each Transformation Yoga Project class adheres strictly to evidence-based methodology. This ensures a safe, supportive, inclusive and consciously-held space for individuals to explore the connection between mind and body. Research shows, and our own participant evaluations confirm, that a trauma-sensitive approach connects individuals with their innate capacity for transformation.
Safety
In every setting in which we serve, we strive to create a safe space in an often stressful or challenging environment.
Predictability
Instructors are transparent about their role in participants’ lives, as well as, what to expect in class. Acknowledging it is stressful to try new things, instructors always clearly communicate what will take place before each class.
Accessibility
All classes are accessible to EVERY BODY without discrimination or exception.
Consistency
Within each program there is consistency in approach across multiple classes.
Boundaries
All facility rules are followed, proper boundaries are maintained with participants and staff, and the instructors’ yoga practice begins when they step into a facility.
Format
No hands on adjustments are made. All poses are offered as optional. No one is required to participate in anything they do not feel comfortable doing.
Language
Language used is non hierarchical, emphasizes choice and personal agency, leaving space for exploration and self-awareness.
Training
All instructors have trauma-sensitive yoga training, are insured, and otherwise meet TYP’s approval for working in each specific facility.
Service
Service is recognized as separate from “fixing”. We do not seek to change or transform any other individual. Instead we create space for others to come into their own capacity for transformation.
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