private trauma-informed Yoga sessions

Submit an interest form here.

Mission and Goals

Transcending Sexual Trauma through Yoga is excited to announce a new support service for survivors of sexual violence--Private Yoga Sessions for survivors. We strongly believe in all forms of healing and this program will explore reconnection to the self through mind, body, and spirit. In Bennett’s book, Emotional Yoga, she reminds us that our emotions often act as a bridge between our bodies and minds, which are intimately intertwined and connected with our emotions (2002). This program will provide survivors of sexual violence a means of becoming reacquainted with their bodies, help them become grounded in the present moment, and empower them through trauma-informed yoga practice and meditation.

Survivors of trauma, in the broadest definition of the word, share the experience of navigating their lives in the aftermath of a life-changing event. Survivors may have a range of body-based symptoms that pervade their entire lives, long after the trauma occurred. Bodily sensations associated with trauma can overwhelm the nervous system, which can create a lack of safety. Trauma permeates all aspects of one's lived experience: physical, psychological, mental, behavioral, social, and spiritual. Trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices offer modalities to help heal the whole person.

Memories of sexually violent experiences can be intrusive, which can create challenges for survivors. These memories can also make it difficult for survivors who are looking to establish connection in their lives and learn how to trust again. The entire experience of practicing yoga, can help survivors find union between seemingly disconnected and challenging aspects of the self; allowing participants to slowly build the pieces into an integrated whole. In The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Treatment, Rothschild recognizes the need for therapy to consist of helping people to stay in their bodies and to delve deeper into understanding these important bodily sensations (2000). Yoga’s focus on self-acceptance provides survivors with tangible benefits that will become noticeable throughout their practice. This gradual integration can be transformational and healing for a survivor of sexual violence.

Program Structure

Upon completing this Yoga as Healing interest form, survivors will be paired with a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor for a one hour virtual session. The cost is $230 per session. We are happy to provide payment plan options and to learn more about sliding scale, please click here. Classes will be tailored to the needs of each participant. Each class offers survivors a supportive and compassionate space and is designed to empower students to release trapped psychological and physical energies and come back home to their bodies. This gentle, trauma-informed session helps students feel more grounded and balanced, while focusing on natural breathing to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and embodiment.

Students are invited to channel quiet awareness and presence, find stability and safety in the body, and cultivate resilience. The postures and breath work are thoughtfully crafted to help uncover trauma imprints, support the healing process, create optimal balance of the nervous system, and lessen the grip that past experiences of trauma may have on the heart.

Benefits of Trauma-Informed Yoga

- the recognition of choices in one’s life

- feelings of safety and strength

- ability to be more expressive in therapy

- positive coping skills, including strengthening inner resources

- self- care strategies

- understanding of how to ask for help

- improved trust in self and others

- development of a strong sense of community

- the establishment of boundaries and understanding of how to be assertive

- the ability to be intimate again

- decreased feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety

- decreased symptoms of PTSD

-empowerment to seek other resources such as counseling, medical support, etc.

- increased confidence and courage

- increased feelings of self- compassion

- increased awareness of needs, mindfulness skills, and resiliency

- strengthened self- esteem

- strengthened emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and interpersonal

skills

- increased feelings of being seen, valued, and affirmed

We also offer an online, self-paced 8-week yoga as healing course for survivors

This program will provide survivors of sexual violence a means of becoming reacquainted with their bodies, help them become grounded in the present moment, and allow them to explore the benefits of mindfulness as they flow breath to movement in guided practice and meditation.