What is Trauma-Informed Somatic Yoga?
Trauma-informed yoga is a specialised approach to yoga that prioritises safety, empowerment, and choice, making it an effective practice for individuals who have experienced trauma. Unlike traditional yoga, trauma-informed yoga acknowledges the impact of trauma on both the body and mind and is designed to be adaptable to each person's needs. This practice offers a gentle, supportive way to reconnect with your body, helping to work with challenging sensations of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic stress. By providing tools that promote self-awareness and emotional regulation, trauma-informed yoga empowers individuals to reclaim a sense of control over their lives.
How Somatic Therapy Complements Talk Therapies
Somatic therapy is a body-centred therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between physical sensations and emotions. It works by helping individuals tune into their "felt sense"—the physical sensations that arise in the body in response to thoughts, feelings, and memories. By becoming more aware of these sensations, you can begin to understand and work through challenging emotions in a safe, embodied way. Somatic therapy is particularly powerful in trauma recovery because it allows for the gentle release of stored tension and unresolved trauma without the need to relive past experiences verbally.
Empowerment Through Awareness
In offering these practices, we are deeply aware of the cultural and socioeconomic factors that impact our lives and well-being. We strive to create decolonized spaces that honour and appreciate the rich cultural heritage from which yoga originates. We acknowledge that yoga has been appropriated by the West and used for its benefit, often without proper recognition or respect for its roots. Our aim is to create inclusive environments that not only offer healing but also acknowledge this and work towards greater cultural sensitivity and respect.
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Please note that trauma-informed yoga and somatic therapy are not substitutes for psychotherapy or psychological treatment. These practices offer tools for a bottom-up approach to healing, focusing on body awareness and emotional regulation. They are designed to complement, not replace, mental health care. If you are not currently working with a qualified psychologist, you may be advised to do so alongside this practice to ensure a comprehensive and supportive approach to your healing journey.
The Practice
Both trauma-informed yoga and somatic therapy offer tools for empowerment by helping you reconnect with your body and emotions. Through these practices, you can develop a deeper understanding of your body's responses, learn to manage difficult emotions, and cultivate a sense of safety and resilience. Whether you’re seeking relief from specific trauma symptoms or looking to enhance your overall well-being, these practices provide a compassionate, holistic path to healing.
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This practice is grounded in the principles of trauma-informed care, which means we prioritise safety, trustworthiness, and collaboration. We understand that every person’s experience is unique, and we work together to ensure that your journey is guided by your comfort and needs.
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Empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to help you regain a sense of control and agency in your life, making choices that feel right for you at every step of the journey.
Background
I’m Ana Maria, a trauma-informed somatic yoga teacher with over a decade of experience in sharing the practice of yoga. Since 2019, I’ve collaborated with the Bodart Practice, a clinical psychology practice, where I’ve worked alongside individuals and groups to navigate their healing journeys. My work is dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where people can reconnect with their bodies and foster resilience.
My qualifications include trauma-informed yoga certification, Integrative Somatic trauma therapy, Applied Polyvagal theory and yoga, and I am currently studying a Maters in Psychology at the University of Liverpool.
I’m passionate about empowering you through body-centred approaches to healing.
Yoga For Mental Wellbeing -5 week course
In collaboration with the Bodart Practice, Clinical psychology practice,
I offer a 5-week group course. Online and In-Person.
Each week we will focus on a different theme, and this will be interwoven into the practice of yoga shapes and movements which allow you to connect with your body. Mindfulness meditation techniques, journaling exercises and breathing practices aid in building inner-strength, resilience and self-regulation. There will be space for guided and open discussion on the theme of the week, participation is optional but you are always welcome.
Feedback:
What was the most important thing you learned along your journey?
“When I react to situations, I hope I will be able to stop, take a breath and consider how I will choose to react. I also intend to be much kinder to myself”.
“Listening to my body over feeling self- conscious about what others think. And building a practice that involves looking after myself everyday.”
“To feel my body and to think about how I feel in my body. Being curious about sensation and trying to tune into my body feelings. I don’t think I’d ever really spent any time thinking about how I felt so this was interesting for me (both physically and emotionally)”