What is Trauma-Informed Yoga and Why Does It Matter?

Stella Billerey
May 2
3 min read

Updated: Jun 12

In a world where stress, anxiety, and trauma are all too common, yoga has become a sanctuary for many seeking peace and acceptance. But while traditional yoga practices can be beneficial, they may not always meet the needs of trauma survivors. This is where trauma-informed yoga comes in—a practice designed to prioritise safety, autonomy, and inclusivity for everyone, regardless of their background or experiences.

Stella Billerey in a yoga pose against a pink and orange background featuring a tree, symbolising groundedness, safety, and connection to the body through trauma-informed yoga — **Grounded in Safety: Trauma-Informed Yoga in Practice**

WHAT IS TRAUMA AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE BODY?

Trauma is often defined as an emotional or physical response to harmful or life-threatening events. It can leave lasting effects on mental and physical health, manifesting as anxiety, difficulties with concentration, or even physical pain.

As Bessel van der Kolk writes in The Body Keeps the Score, trauma is not just a psychological experience—it is stored in the body. This means trauma survivors may feel disconnected from their physical selves, or even betrayed by their bodies. Practices involving the body, like yoga, can be challenging and transformative.

Trauma can disrupt the connection between the brain and body, leaving individuals feeling unsafe or overwhelmed. Trauma-informed yoga seeks to gently rebuild this connection by creating an environment where participants can explore movement and stillness in a safe and sustainable way.

WHAT MAKES TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA DIFFERENT?

Unlike traditional yoga classes, trauma-informed yoga is specifically designed to be sensitive to the needs of those with trauma. It is a practice that prioritises safety, choice, and accessibility, ensuring participants feel supported and in control of their experience.

Here are some key principles of trauma-informed yoga:

Body Autonomy and Consent: In trauma-informed yoga, participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and make choices that feel right for them. There is no pressure to achieve a “perfect” pose or keep up with the class. Teachers use invitational language, offering options rather than directives, and avoid physical adjustments to manipulate bodies into a particular aesthetic.

Creating a Safe Environment The environment in a trauma-informed yoga class is intentionally designed to feel safe and predictable. This might include:
- Controlled music volume levels.
- Clear communication about what to expect during the session.
- Accessible venues with gender-neutral and disabled toilets.
- A consistent structure to the class, so participants know what’s coming next.

Focus on the Present Moment: Trauma often draws individuals into the past, reliving painful memories, or into the future, anticipating threats. Trauma-informed yoga uses breathwork, grounding techniques, and gentle movement to help participants reconnect with the present moment.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: Trauma-informed yoga is for everyone. It is inclusive of all bodies, abilities, identities and socioeconomics, making it a welcoming space for those who may not feel comfortable in traditional yoga settings.

WHY DOES TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA MATTER?

Trauma-informed yoga matters because it creates a space where individuals can reconnect with their bodies, minds, and emotions in a way that feels safe and supportive. For many trauma survivors, this is a vital step in their healing journey.

This practice is particularly important for those from marginalised communities, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC, and neurodivergent people, who often face additional layers of systemic oppression and societal stigma. Trauma-informed yoga acknowledges these experiences and seeks to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA?

Trauma-informed yoga is for anyone who wants to feel more connected to their body, reduce stress, and explore movement in a safe and supportive environment. It can be especially beneficial for:

Trauma survivors who may feel unsafe or disconnected in traditional yoga classes.
Neurodivergent folks, such as those with ADHD or autism, who may benefit from practices that honour sensory needs and body autonomy.
LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking an inclusive and affirming space.
Anyone looking for a gentle, compassionate approach to yoga.

A PERSONAL NOTE ON MY APPROACH

As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and mental health occupational therapist, I am committed to creating spaces that honour the lived experiences of all people. Working within mental health means I have the privilege of working with humans with complex trauma every day. This exposure to trauma means I have extensive experience with what causes trauma in the first place, how it manifests and what trauma responses can look like.

I approach my work with an awareness of how whiteness and privilege dominate many health and 'wellness' spaces, and I strive to challenge this through collaborative, client-led practices. This includes reflecting on the needs of those in the room as well as the voices and experiences of those who are not present. My goal is to create a practice that is not only inclusive but also actively works to dismantle systemic barriers.