Trauma Sensitive Yoga

What is Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY)?

In Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY), classical components of Hatha Yoga (the origin yoga style that all other yoga styles are derived from) are modified to enchance safety and empowerment. Unlike my Jivamukti Yoga classes and many other yoga classes available, TSY does not use hands-on assists, music, incense or any other sensory input that may distract the practitioner from a felt sense of their body. Although TSY includes some classical Hatha Yoga movements, the emphasis is on safety and choice, predictability and developing trust in self and other.

Classes are taught with  inclusive, invitational lanuage and opposed to any focus on the appearance or ascetic of the movement; you can lay in shavasana for the entire class if that is what you want. This shift in orientation, from the approval and conformity with a group, to an attunement with our own preferences and needs, is a key attribute of TSY as a complementary treatment for trauma.

No prior experience with yoga is needed for participation in this three week course.

What are the benefits of Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY)?

During my post-graduate training in 2018, I completed qualitative research on the acceptability of yoga therapy as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety and depression. Given the stories I heard as a clinical researcher, I appreciate the barriers commonly experienced by people accessing mental health treatments. I also know that there is a thirst for complementary mental health treatment options, like Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY), within our community.

The benefits of TSY are numerous inlcuding, increasing our capacity for exteroceptive awareness (what's happening around me), proprioceptive awareness (where my body is in space) and introspective awareness (what's happening in my body). TSY can be supportive as an addition to psychotherapy as it supports nervous system regulation.

What can I expect in a Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY)?

In the spirit of trauma-sensitive yoga, great diligence is given to ensuring the safest possible environment. This means the room is warm but not too hot or cold, blinds will be open to allow natural light in, classes will start on time (so aim to arrive around 10 minutes early), the door will be locked from the inside (so no one can come into the studio but you can get out if you wish to leave early), no music or incense are used and you will never be touched during your practice.

The sequence of the class is typically more restorative, with a short warm up, some standing and seated movement, pranayama (breathing practices) and an extended shavasana. All parts of the practice are optional and I always welcome your questions and feedback after each class.

What is Meg's experience in teaching iRest?

I am a certified Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher (16 hours, 2019) and a Level 2 iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher (60 hours, 2021-22).

I have experience in teaching Trauma Sensitive Yoga, including iRest courses, at Geelong Yoga Therapy, Yoga Dojo, Barwon Health Pain Management Unit and Breathe Psychology.

I am affiliated with various previous and current yoga research projects through the Deakin University School of Psychology. Currently, I am researching the benefit of iRest Yoga Nidra in pain care through my role as a Clinical Psychologist at the Barwon Health Pain Management Unit, in collaboration with the Deakin University School of Psychology.

When and where are the classes?

This short course will include four Trauma Sensitive Yoga classes on:

Saturday 12th of November, 10:30-11:30AM

Saturday 19th of November, 10:30-11:30AM

Saturday 26th of November, 10:30-11:30AM

All three classes will be offered at the Mindful Movement Hub.

What is the cost?

As with all my offerings, this four week course is available on a sliding scale:

Concession - $65

Standard - $75

Supporter - $85

*No formal concession needed to purchase course at the concession rate

Is it okay if I can’t make it one week?

You don’t have to attend every class but the purchase of this course reserves your place in each of the classes.

What should I bring?

You will need a mat, a bolster and a blanket. You are welcome to bring all of these from home or borrow ours at the studio. You do not need to wear "yoga clothes", just wear whatever you will be most comfortable and warm in. 

Water and herbal tea is available at the studio, but please feel free to bring your own.

From my heart to yours,

Meg x