Most people will experience some form of trauma in their life. Common types of trauma are vehicular accidents, physical or sexual violence, military combat, community violence, or natural disasters. Having acute symptoms such as being extra watchful or having nightmares after these types of situations is common. Often these symptoms will fade away within a few weeks and people recover naturally on their own. But sometimes these symptoms persist and affect one’s day-to-day life. Trauma can cause individuals to avoid certain situations and activities they used to enjoy. It can lead to difficulty in relationships, negative thoughts, self-blame, and a depressed mood. Trauma can also affect one’s connection with their own body – especially in the event of an interpersonal trauma such as physical or sexual assault.
Therapy can be an effective way to alleviate these symptoms of trauma. There are several well-researched treatments for resolving trauma with talk therapy. Additionally, research has shown that adding Trauma Sensitive Yoga to talk therapy leads to better outcomes and a greater reduction in symptoms for many people. Trauma Sensitive Yoga is specifically designed to help strengthen the pathways in the brain associated with awareness of internal bodily sensations. This internal awareness can be muted or hindered as a defense to help avoid pain during trauma. This loss of internal awareness can last long after the trauma is over and impact one’s ability to respond to the body’s needs and signals. This may manifest as difficulty feeling and regulating emotions, physical ailments, eating disorders, and issues with intimacy. It can also cause one to feel like they don’t have control over their own body. Trauma Sensitive Yoga is not only designed to increase one’s internal awareness, but also to empower one to take back control of one’s body and regain the ability to feel confident in one’s own skin.
Talk therapy is an effective way to resolve trauma by making sense of what happened and making meaning of one’s experience. Adding yoga to this practice can allow one to resolve the sensations and emotions that can’t always be put into words. Trauma Sensitive Yoga helps individuals reconnect with their bodies in a positive and healing way and empowers individuals to feel ownership and control over their bodies.
Kaitlin is a psychotherapist at Freestone Psychotherapy who integrates Yoga-Informed Psychotherapy and Trauma Sensitive Yoga into her work with patients. If you would like to talk with Kaitlin about meeting, you can email her at kaitlinthompsonlcsw@gmail.com or through the contact link on our website. To learn more about Kaitlin’s Embodiment Group please visit https://freestonepsychotherapy.com/groups/