Trauma-Informed Yoga
Have you considered incorporating trauma-sensitive approaches in your teaching?
Read below for ideas so you can create a safe space for all of your students in an ongoing, intentional, and consistent manner.
Create a sense of safety in your classes:
emphasize choice:
"choose any pose" can feel overwhelming.
instead, support autonomy while keeping choices structured
introduce the class structure to provide predictability, transparency, and trustworthiness
encourage breaks
speak in a gentle yet clear voice
use language that invites and encourages rather than commands
2. Shift your cues beyond the physical aspect of practice:
cue with the goal of improving safety and how each pose feels
encourage students to back away from poses that cause pain, undesired pressure, or intense shortness of breath
provide positive feedback beyond how the pose looks
celebrate the connection to breath, concentration, and individuality of their practice
3. Promote inclusivity and a welcoming environment for all:
avoid gender-specific language
emphasize that the same benefits can be reached in many different ways; avoid reinforcing the "pose hierarchy"
rephrase common terms such as "the fullest expression of the pose"
provide equitable attention and feedback to all students
inquire about students' injuries and physical comfort levels before class
Oftentimes, the ways in which we structure and teach our classes can prevent students from fully receiving the benefits. For example, loud music or a heavy emphasis on body part cueing can feel unsafe and distracting to students depending on their history and experiences.
With these simple yet impactful changes, you are honoring the true intentions of Yoga: full mind-body-spirit connection and harmony for everyone.
Keep learning more! Helpful books and resources on this important topic:
Overcoming Trauma through Yoga by Elizabeth Hopper, PhD & David Emerson
Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Practice by Susana Barkataki
Further resources: The Embody Lab and Trauma Sensitive Yoga
If you are looking for a yoga practitioner who teaches from a trauma-informed lens, let’s find out if I can help! I specialize in Yoga for Nervous System Regulation and full-body stress release. Fill out the form below to get in touch- I would love to help you discover a safe and empowering practice just for you!
Wishing you well,
Jess
