FROM COUCH TO MAT
The research is evident- trauma impacts our bodies - how we nurture our body, how we hold ourselves, how we protect ourselves, how we move through the world.
Dissociation and disidentification from the body is often a trauma response. It can result in faulting the body, misunderstanding what and why the body is, and sadly, not knowing how to befriend the physical body without judgment, fear, frustration, and condemnation.
Our team is committed to dissolving any barriers to the healing practice of connecting the mind and the wisdom of the body through breath and gentle movement. We invite you to join us whether or not you have practiced before, regardless of what shape you are in or what shape you are.
Our Yoga practice is a personal and private journey into oneself - it is not about how far you can flex or balance. It is about how much you can simply feel and be.
If you are curious and want to embark on a journey to return home to your body, you are welcome to join us...
Welcome to Trauma Respectful and Embodiment Yoga!
The Philosophy:
We honor yoga as a practice that supports embodiment from the eight limb model - we are open to all individuals and all levels. You do not need any prior experience to take part in these sessions. All participants will be met with respect and are welcome.
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Intentions of our journey:
- Judgment free observation of how your body is feeling
- Recognize what brings you comfort
- Understanding of how to seek comfort
- Ability to connect to your sense to feel grounded
- Develop a personal supportive “toolbox”
The Guiding Principles:
The core principles we honor include:
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Providing calm space for personal introspection
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"Noticing" where you do and do not feel things
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Non judgement
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Authenticity for practitioners and students
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Non-Coercion
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Invitational language rather than Instructional
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Non-Tension languaging
Part 1 - Intake
The intake and assessment process is an online meeting to understand what your personal barriers and fears may be. How your trauma holds in the body and how yoga can heal trauma.
We explore what your unique needs are in order for your to start feeling comfortable being present within your body to support your trauma counseling process.
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We will honor and gently explore what types of movements would be helpful for you and which to avoid at this time.
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During this meeting we may also explore your personal "dhosha" tendencies and provide resources which may be helpful.
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There is no yoga movement during the intake and assessment meeting.
Part 2 - Practice
After your initial assessment, you will be invited to either individual, group practices, or both.
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Individual practice will be private one-to-one yoga therapy practices scheduled at a time convenient to you and your trained practitioner.
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Group practices will be held weekly and your intake and assessment will influence the series of movements (vinyasa) the teacher will suggest as you move through the practice together. During the class options will always be provided to ensure you are experiencing the "purpose" of the pose rather than the esthetics of the pose.
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*Unless noted, all sessions are provided by trained yoga therapists and mental health therapists with specialized training in trauma-informed yoga.
Insurance Receipts are available for appointments with our mental health therapists.
* no equipment necessary though we suggest:
a journal
comfy clothes
a mat
some pillows and blankets
a water bottle
a small stool if you like
some wall space if you prefer
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