Photo by Chris Yang on Unsplash
What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is a hidden gem for trauma survivors who may be curious about taking a yoga class but question the safety behind it for their well-being. Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, like other types of yoga, focuses on bringing awareness to what’s happening inside the body but emphasizes one’s choice, presence, and empowerment. This type of yoga asks that the student explore, rather than expect, certain things from their body.
Still curious? Good, because that’s exactly what TSY is all about – curiosity about how to become present in one’s own body.
What to Expect in a Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Class
Here are some qualities of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga that may differ from a more traditional yoga class.
Predictability
As in any yoga class, TSY emphasizes the breath because it brings awareness to how connected we are with the rest of our body. However, a TSY instructor may count down so the students know how long each breath will last. For example, the instructor might say, “Explore this breath for 4,3,2,1…and release.” Consistency from the instructor is key for students to feel safe.
Safe Language
One of the most important differences between TSY and other types of yoga is how TSY refers to yoga poses as “shapes” or “forms.” By removing the word “pose,” TSY removes judgment of how something should look. Another major difference is that the instructions must not be demanding, but gentle, and allow for freedom to explore. For instance, some yoga instructors may say, “I want you to bring your leg further,” but TSY instructors may say, “If you’d like, you can try bringing your leg deeper…” Some teacher-training schools of yoga do emphasize getting rid of demand-like cues such as “I want you to […]” or, “Now, do this […]”.
Options
In non-TSY classes, it’s common for an instructor to go around and adjust people’s bodies. In TSY classes, however, instructors will only help a student if it seems like their safety is in jeopardy. The instructor will also ask for permission before assisting the student. The student holds the power here. Additionally, it’s common for non-TSY instructors to simply say, “Close your eyes,” before a breathing exercise or pose, but a TSY instructor may give the option of closing the eyes instead.
Tangibility
The language of instruction is less abstract in TSY because “to-the-point” cues allow students to better connect with their bodies. For instance, asking, “How do the bottoms of your feet feel as you breathe?” is an easier way to check in with the body feeling grounded than if the instructor were to ask in an abstract, more spiritual way, “How do your roots feel?”
Final Thoughts
The qualities that a TSY class can offer should really ripple out towards more non-TSY classes. Many people may be unaware of trauma that’s been imposed on them, and it’s essential that all yoga instructors be aware of how they are guiding their students. Next time you take a yoga class, think about the language and tone used by the instructor. Do they use more of an authoritative voice or the more flexible, exploratory voice that parallels what a yoga practice is all about?
