What Is Trauma-Informed Yoga?

Have you heard this phrase "Trauma-Informed Yoga" before and been unclear about what it means?

Me too.

There are also "Trauma-Sensitive," and "Trauma-Aware" teaching styles.

So what's the difference? And how to you know if this is something you should be looking for?

Here's the scoop.

What To Expect from a Trauma-Informed Yoga Class

You may encounter a trauma-informed yoga class in a public yoga studio or gym setting, or as a one-on-one session. They will not necessarily be labelled as 'trauma informed' but will include the following elements:

• facilitator introduces themself and shares what to expect (style of yoga, length of class, what movement is coming next)
• controlled atmosphere and disclosure of exits, washrooms, etc.
• invitational language is used
• multiple options given for most postures/movements
• participants are reminded to practice at their own pace and depth
• direct affirmative consent before any corrections/adjustments from the facilitator
• focus on awareness of personal experience throughout the practice

One does not need to identify as being a trauma-survivor or have any diagnosis to benefit from this style of yoga. In fact, many people may be attending Trauma-Informed yoga classes and not even know it!

Note: Trauma-Informed does not mean gentle!!

These elements can be used in any style of practice, including power, vinyasa flow, and other strength-building, fast-paced practices.

I've included a link below to an Instagram Reel about this:

Trauma-Informed vs. Trauma-Sensitive vs. Trauma-Aware

So if that's Trauma-Informed, what's Trauma-Sensitive?

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga is a particular protocol used in conjunction with the supervised treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, or other diagnosed conditions. One may be referred to a Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Class by their psychologist. This may be a group class or a one-on-one session.

Trauma-Sensitive yoga includes the elements of trauma-aware yoga listed above, and is catered especially to the individual(s) attending, with the yoga facilitator being in contact with the participant's health care team. Special care is taken to control the environment and notify the participant(s) of what is coming next. No corrections/adjustments are given by the facilitator, as they will be taking part in the practice along with the participant(s).

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitators have an excellent understanding of how psychological trauma effects a person's experience and ability to move, breathe, and communicate.

Okay, so what's Trauma-Aware?

Trauma-Aware is a loose term that means the facilitator has some awareness of participants having each been through hardships in life, and a general understanding that trauma can have a variety of profound effects on people.

Note: All of these styles of teaching include an intentional plan and focus for the practice. This is not necessarily open-ended, freestyle, 'move however you feel like moving' yoga. Students are guided toward a particular end point, but are invited there and given a couple structured options, rather than being told there is only one correct way to go.

Who is Trauma-Informed Yoga For?

Trauma-Informed Yoga is for anyone!

Whether you identify as having been through trauma or not, we all have different anatomy, experiences, and preferences. A trauma-informed teacher can provide options to achieve a goal.

Trauma-Informed Yoga is also for people who do not want to be physically adjusted without warning.

COMPARISON EXAMPLE - The beginning of a group class at a yoga studio.

Trauma-Informed Yoga Class: "Good morning, my name is Bren and this is a 60-minute hot flow class. This practice will begin with some seated postures, followed by some fluid standing sequences, and will end in a reclined position. If at any point you would like to change what you're doing or exit the room, please feel welcome to do so. You can exit through this door and find washrooms down the hall to the right. Do listen and respect the feedback you receive from your body throughout class; you are in charge of making conscious choices appropriate for you on this day. You may choose to soften your gaze or close your eyes as we begin to settle into our practice."

Other yoga classes: "Hi everyone. We're starting in child's pose. Close your eyes. Breathe in and out slowly. Stay here and find your focus. If you do this right, all your stress will melt away."

My Two Cents

After having an exclusively self-taught yoga and meditation practice for 10 years, I was shocked by what I encountered at the first few studio classes I attended. Honestly, it was a nightmare!

I experienced hands-on adjustments without any communication whatsoever, was told to push my body to an uncomfortable depth or else I "wasn't doing it right," and felt socially obligated to participate in partner yoga poses with strangers.

This sent me back to my isolated self-taught practice, until I found Trauma-Informed facilitation years later. Before I encountered it by chance, I had never heard of it before - and I was spending a considerable amount of my time reading and researching yoga and meditation practices.

The world of western yoga is a largely unregulated space; there's no yoga police that check teacher's credentials. Yoga Alliance is an organization that requires certain minimum standards of training, and membership is voluntary.

Anyone can call themselves a yoga teacher and tell you what to do with your body if you let them.

How to Find a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher

There are many programs, trainings, and workshops that educate teachers about receiving proper consent, using invitational language, and how different people may respond to often commonplace actions. I learned a lot from a 100hr Trauma-Informed Facilitator training last year.

If you are looking for a yoga teacher you can trust, check their credentials. A knowledgeable teacher should have AT LEAST an RYT200 designation, which means they took a 200hr course on yoga instruction that is recognized by Yoga Alliance. RYT500 means they have taken 500hrs of training. Also look for their additional certifications - if they have taken a substantial Trauma Informed or Trauma Sensitive training, they will probably list it with their credentials.

If someone took an afternoon or weekend workshop about Trauma, I would call that Trauma-Aware.

A 50hr or 100hr course is a good base for Trauma-Informed facilitation.

Trauma-Sensitive professionals are often required to take 300hrs of training or more.

Ask your healthcare team for recommendations, or search out a teacher that specifies that they follow Trauma-Informed protocols.

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All the practices shared at Practice With Bren are created with Trauma-Informed facilitation, and I always have room to improve. If you have any feedback, questions, or concerns, please reach out to info@practicewithbren.com