Yoga Therapy for Mental Health
WHY YOGA FOR MENTAL HEALTH?
It can be challenging for people who have experienced a stressful event, continued stress, or multiple stressors to keep their mind in the here and now. Once someone goes through a highly stressful or traumatic event, called overwhelm, it can be hard for the nervous system to go back and regulate. Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals the body to calm down instead of being on a loop in the past or trying to control the future — both of which can compound stress.
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Trauma Sensitive Yoga focuses on connection to the present moment. Interoceptive awareness is used to navigate the ability to notice sensations in the body or notice the breath. All of which are happening in real-time.
YOGA FOR HEALING
Yoga Therapy for healing and mental health uses Trauma Informed and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and focuses on those experiencing overwhelming stress, anxiety, PTSD, or even unresolved physical and emotional symptoms still being carried in their bodies from physical abuse, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse. Often the stress or trauma was job-related, as in the case of veterans and first responders. It is also beneficial to those dealing with complex issues related to addiction, eating disorders, and other compulsive behaviors. For many, the body was a piece that was left out of the therapy room.
**Yoga experience not required**
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I BOOK A PRIVATE CLASS?
All sessions are private unless otherwise stated.
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IS THIS ONLY FOR TRAUMA?
No, this method works for all participants, even if you are simply dealing with day-to-day stress!
Trauma can be a scary word, but it varies from person to person. Any experience that we have that overwhelms our ability to cope = trauma. Trauma may have happened in the past. Trauma can show up in physical pain and ailments. If you have experienced stress, or overwhelm, your body could be stuck in "fight or flight."
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HOW DO I KNOW IF TRAUMA-SENSITIVE IS FOR ME?
If you like choice, if you want to reconnect with your body, or if thoughts and stress are keeping you from living the life you desire - let's talk! Give us a call, and you can ask us anything about the sessions.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAUMA-INFORMED AND TRAUMA-SENSITIVE | TRAUMA TRAINED?
Trauma-informed usually refers to organizational culture or practice; a framework or lens.
Trauma Trained (TCTSY) is a specific application of proven clinical interventions. TCTSY has been thoroughly researched and determined to be evidence-based. TCTSY is used to treat the symptoms of trauma and help
facilitate recovery from trauma.
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HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM A REGULAR YOGA CLASS OR SESSION?
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Trauma-sensitive yoga classes or sessions do not have music, candles, or other distractions.
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Invitational language is used. There are no directives, and there is no one way to do a form.
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Participants practice choice-making for their bodies that day at that moment.
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There are no hands-on adjustments; instead, it is about reconnecting with your body while moving through forms.
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The facilitator doesn't leave their mat.
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The structure of a trauma-sensitive yoga session is also inherently predictable. Consistency and predictability are paramount to creating a safe space.
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No Sanskrit language used.
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Your facilitator practices with you, alongside you. There is a shared authentic experience together.
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Sessions may be held in a chair or on the yoga mat.
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A session can be 5 minutes or 50 minutes, depending on the individual.
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Yoga attire is not required. All you need is comfortable clothing.
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​DO I NEED A YOGA MAT? WHAT DO I WEAR?
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Flexibility is not required. Your session is not about flexibility or yoga forms.
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Wear comfortable clothing that allows a full range of body movements.
You do not need specific yoga or workout attire. -
Yoga is traditionally done without shoes and socks. Yoga socks are a good alternative
if you prefer something on your feet. -
Yoga mat provided. You are welcome to bring your own.
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When possible, avoid full meals one+ hours before your session.
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Set your cell phone on mute or turn it off before your session or training begins.
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Try not to wear fragrances or lotions.
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Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!
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WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF YOGA FOR MENTAL HEALTH?
It can improve the mind-body connection. Yoga emphasizes fostering the mind-body connection, which is important for healing. The mind can want something, but the body can still be braced in hyper vigilance. It's essential for full holistic healing to involve both the mind and the body.
It calms the nervous system. Once someone goes through a highly stressful or traumatic event, it can be hard for the nervous system to go back and regulate. Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals the body to calm down.
It emphasizes the present. For people who have experienced a stressful event or trauma (including daily life), it can be hard to keep their mind in the here and now instead of on a loop in the past or trying to control the future — both of which can compound stress. Trauma-Sensitive yoga focuses a lot on connection to the present moment. Interoceptive awareness is used to navigate the ability to notice sensations in the body or notice the breath. All of which are happening in real-time.
It helps reclaim a sense of control. When someone experiences stressful events or trauma, their capacity to cope is overwhelmed, often leaving them feeling powerless. Trauma-Sensitive yoga can support a sense of empowerment as participants build self-trust and self-leadership skills.
Do I need a referral from my psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor?
No referral needed. However, collaboration is encouraged.