You might be thinking “What does yoga have to do with therapy?” This is a question that comes up often with clients in session and in yoga classes. I am here to try to answer this question the best I can with relevant research and some anecdotal information too.
Extensive research has been done on this topic, trying to determine how trauma affects our minds and bodies, how trauma gets stored in our bodies, and what we can do to cultivate connection and awareness in ourselves. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, an advocate for yoga in the treatment of trauma, states that yoga practice activates the same parts of the brain that are affected by trauma and that are needed in order to heal. Yoga can even be more beneficial and effective for the treatment of post traumatic stress symptoms and somatic healing than medication.
Trauma triggers activate our flight, fight, and freeze response, effectively disconnecting us from our logical and “thinking” brains and they can also lead to dissociation which further separates us from ourselves. Yoga can uniquely address both of these side effects through pranayama (breathing techniques) and physical practice. Yoga teaches us to befriend, appreciate, and reconnect with the deepest parts of ourselves, which is essential in regaining ownership of our bodies and feeling safe in our own skin.
When in session, it is crucial to hold space for the trauma that arises in clients. Often just remembering painful experiences can become completely dysregulating. Breathing and mindfulness practices can be grounding and allow the connection to the thinking brain to become restored. Transformation occurs when we, as humans, can regain autonomy, come back into our bodies, and re-establish safety. As a trauma therapist and a yoga instructor, my goal is to help connect clients to themselves, to allow healing to take place, and teach practical skills that they can take with them throughout their lives.
Namaste