The memories of traumatic events are often stored in our bodies and may lay dormant. Talk therapy with a trauma therapist can help move wordless, unspeakable events into words. Yet sometimes, these memories are still held in our bodies. There is a growing body of evidence to support that yoga is helpful in managing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
As an adjunct treatment for trauma, Womencare will be launching a trauma-sensitive yoga program. Beginning in January 2014, Womencare will offer a trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY) group on Monday nights from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. No previous yoga experience is necessary to join this group. You do need to have an individual talk therapist in order to participate.
Trauma-sensitive yoga is different from traditional yoga. TSY is yoga that focuses on creating safety so that students can practice: interoception, choice, and action. Interoception is sensitivity to stimuli originating inside of the body; it is a specific type of mindfulness that focuses on body-based internal experiences. Traditional yoga classes are often directive and command-based whereas TSY classes incorporate invitational language. Also, traditional yoga classes often involve the yoga teacher adjusting students by physically placing his/her hands on your body. In TSY, there are no physical adjustments or assists. Students can safely practice yoga without worrying whether the yoga teacher will touch them.
Interested folks may also participate in individual trauma-sensitive yoga sessions, if they prefer. If you are interested in the trauma-sensitive yoga group or in individual sessions, please contact yoga teacher and staff therapist, Alissa Catiis at 847-475-7003 x37.
For more information about yoga and trauma, click here.
If you are interested in trying a chair-based trauma-sensitive yoga class, click here.
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