General   Information 

Perhaps the most difficult part of having been traumatised is dealing with the triggers inside....that is the level on which the trauma continues to be played out – in the theatre of the body. That being the case, people who are traumatised need to have physical and sensory experiences to unlock their bodies, activate effective fight/ flight response, tolerate their sensations, befriend their experiences, and cultivate new action patterns. 

- Bessel van der Kolk; The Body Keeps the Score

 

 

We offer warm-hearted and inclusive Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) classes. The classes are gently paced throughout the 8 weeks, so new tools and strategies can be introduced in class and practiced in participants everyday lives.

TSY based interventions can reduce trauma symptoms by helping to regulate the autonomic nervous system. Working with body in TSY paves the way to feeling safe in your own skin. Trauma is a bodily experience which can result in sensations that feel unsafe, with unexpected reactions to unknown triggers and becoming locked in a state of either high alert or numbness.

TSY works directly with the physiological elements of trauma by using yoga forms, breath and movement gently engaging in the feeling sensations in your body. By bringing awareness to shifting sensations in the body, you slowly build the capacity to remain present while feeling sensations. Over time a more positive relationship with your body is possible as you practise making positive choices about what to do with your body based upon what you feel.

All classes are built on safe space principles, the keystone principle being choice; you are encouraged to make choices about moving in a way that feels most comfortable to you. The group setting also offers you the opportunity to experience participating in a safe and facilitated group which brings many benefits in of itself. 

We offer a short coming-together period before the class and leave space for any sharing after the practice. However, you are free not to interact with others as we acknowledge that some people may find it very difficult to be in a group situation. 

The yoga style taught is not religious, nor affiliated with any particular yoga style. It is based upon the work of Bessel van der Kolk and David Emerson from the Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga in Boston, USA. 

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Trauma Sensitive Yoga will focus on the following areas:

 

Anchoring Back To Safety

• Anchoring into a sense of safety within self and the group context. For example: awareness of weight of the body on the ground; noticing where the breath is; social engagement with others; visual anchors in the room. 

• Basic polyvagal theory - the vagus nerve and it’s role in emotional regulation, social connection and the fear response.

• Recognising internal state and noticing when things change. 

• Encouraging positive self-talk.

 

Making Choices

• Healing happens in safety and choice is central to a safe space. 

• Practicing making small, manageable choices about what you want to do with your body. Noticing how your body feels and taking action based on that sensation - pausing, changing position, shifting viewpoint - while practising moving away from discomfort and toward comfort and stability.

 

Building Awareness of the internal and External Experience

• Developing the ability to notice your body state and breath with curiosity. 

• Making any adjustments that may invite more comfort and ease. 

• Somatically experiencing what regulation/connection with self feels like.

• Awareness of muscle intensity, and building capacity to shift the intensity as you explore movement.

• Raising somatic awareness through the use of massage balls, weighted blanket on lap or feet, self-massage of arms, hands and face. 

• Developing dual awareness of both your breath and shifting sensations in your body, you practise feeling present in the space.

 

Breath

• Awareness of the breath is integral to yoga; gentle practices encouraging slow rhythmic breathing are explored, in particular diaphragmatic breathing. 

• Exploring rhythm by co-ordinating breath with movement internally, and with others in the class

 

What our TSY facilitators will offer

• Create a safe, supportive and compassionate group environment.

• Guidance and support to help you focus on particular aspects of yoga including breath awareness, sensing, movement, and resting.

• Cater for all abilities with the option of a chair and/or a yoga mat, blankets and bolsters in all classes.

• Not offer physical adjustments.

• Give support between classes via text or phone call.

• Provide all equipment needed for class.

• Liaise with participants and the lead provider before the group starts to ensure we are aware of any particular needs or safety concerns.

• Liaise with your therapist with your consent for additional support,

• Respect cultural perspectives and needs.