What is trauma-informed yoga?

Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) describes an approach to the practice that addresses the specific needs and symptoms of trauma survivors.

• TIY is different from traditional yoga because the instructor is trained to modify poses and language so people healing from trauma can connect with their body and emotions in a safe space.
• The classes are designed to be accessible to all body types, people practicing around injury or medical conditions, and all skill levels, including people who have never done yoga before.
• All participants are asked to consult with a physician before beginning any yoga practice.
• Participants are encouraged to shape their individual yoga practice in whatever pace and methods feel comfortable – for example, participants may choose to sit in a chair, opt out of certain poses, or leave the room at any time for any reason.
• When available, the hybrid format of in-person and virtual attendance options allows participants to experience the many benefits of TIY from the comfort and safety of their own home if attending in-person presents hardship.
• It is essential that all participants feel safe during TIY so virtual participants have the option to keep their mic and camera turned off. As always, only the instructor is visible and audible.
• Participants are encouraged to attend all offered classes in a series because seeing the same people each week creates an additional layer of safety and familiarity.
• The Heart-centered Yoga Studio is a large, light-filled space with a view of the Rocky Mountains built specifically for TIY instruction. The studio is situated on the same floor as Moving Beyond Trauma and Moving to End Sexual Assault, two programs of Mental Health Partners that focus on helping clients heal from trauma. The staff is trained in trauma-informed care and work to ensure everyone experiences a safe and welcoming environment.

What can participants expect?

• All participants will be asked to sign a waiver before participating in TIY for the first time.
• Virtual participants will receive the meeting link the day of the class.
• Participants should arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to settle in and, for virtual participants, ensure the connection, audio, and visual are working correctly.
• Mats and yoga props are available to use for in-person participants.
• Participants will follow the instructor’s lead throughout the class, modifying poses as needed.

Participants were asked to complete a 1-minute questionnaire before and after the class to capture self-reflections on how the body and nervous system feel. These reflection surveys provided the data in this infographic.