This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, blending both theory and practice to help create safer and more supportive environments for all individuals, not just those experiencing trauma-related symptoms. While primarily aimed at yoga teachers, it also serves as an invaluable resource for therapists, healthcare professionals, and yoga practitioners interested in understanding trauma and cultivating trauma-sensitive healing spaces.
Structured as a practical handbook, this book provides a balance of informative, research-based content and accessible insights that can be immediately applied across various settings. It offers essential information on trauma, the neurobiology of stress, defence mechanisms, and practical guidance on integrating Trauma-Sensitive Yoga principles into any style of yoga or therapeutic environment. Readers will learn to recognise signs of dysregulation, apply nervous system regulation techniques from yoga, mindfulness, and somatic therapy, and adapt tools such as asana, pranayama, and meditation to meet the needs of trauma-sensitive spaces.
Organised into five chapters, the book begins with an introduction to the trauma-sensitive approach, followed by theoretical insights into trauma and stress, grounded in fields such as psychology, biology, and neurobiology. Building on this theoretical foundation, the subsequent chapters explore the principles of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, offering practical tools and strategies for creating safe, mindful environments that minimise the risk of dysregulation or re-traumatisation. Guidance on recognising and responding to dysregulation is also provided.
The final chapters of this book focus on practical tools for healing and well-being, with a strong emphasis on regulating the nervous system. These chapters include detailed exercises and guided practice scripts to help readers not only understand the concepts but also confidently apply them in real-world scenarios. Whether you’re teaching general yoga classes or working with vulnerable populations, this book offers practical, adaptable tools that can be tailored to support healing and maintain professional boundaries in a variety of contexts.
