Explore the impact trauma has on the mind, brain and body, and develop your understanding of how yoga and mindfulness practices help heal symptoms of trauma and extreme stress. Begin with the foundational definitions of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and developmental trauma and discuss the evolving understanding of psychological diagnoses related to traumatic experiences. Then, investigate the connections between yoga, somatic psychotherapy and theories of nervous system dysregulation, paying special attention to the therapeutic applications of yoga and pranayama (breath work). Examine the risks and rewards of teaching yoga to traumatized populations, and study the implications of cultural competence when teaching abroad or with special populations. The workshop includes lectures, discussion and some movement. This workshop is ideal for mental health clinicians, yoga teachers and those working in restorative justice settings. All levels of yoga experience are welcome.
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, students will be able to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of trauma
- Understand how leaders in the field are conceptualizing the experience of overwhelming stress
- Gain a clear understanding of the overlapping approaches of trauma treatment theory and yoga philosophy.
- Connect principles of somatic psychotherapy with yoga postures.
- Recognize how the theory and practice of mindfulness and yoga can inform self-care and mitigate the effects of personal and/or vicarious trauma.