Transformative Trauma Yoga

[watundah]

Has anyone done this?
Ive been doing yoga for about 6 months by suggestion of my therapist and after reading VanDerKaulk. The studio I go to is offering a 6 week transformative trauma yoga class led by a therapist starting in Jan. My T wants to discuss it with me first, concerned regarding triggers and my freeze response, which I appreciate, however this never happens in my regular yoga class so now I am curious what this therapeutic yoga may entail.

 

[Deleted member 20978]

I don't know much about this either, but am interested in responses. Van der Kolk is in my area and at his trauma center they regularly have yoga classes aimed at trauma, but because its not very convenient for me -- classes are held right during rush hour and it's 30 min drive in better hours through city traffic to get there -- I've never checked it out.

Sorry I'm not providing any answer to your question. I've done yoga in the past and it definitely reduced stress and promoted well-being.

 

[VioletButterfly]

I'm unfamiliar with Van der Kolk, but if your T thinks it might be too heavy duty, I do have a suggestion to maybe also check out. I borrowed a book from the library entitled, Yoga For Emotional Trauma, by Marry and Rick Nurrie Stearns that you might like to take a look at. I'm trying to read it, but it's slow-going with my focusing issues. It's very short though - only 195 pages. It might be worth a peek. Hoping you find something that helps. I have read where others have used body work and it has helped immensely as an adjunct to therapy. I'd like to go back for regular massage when I can afford it and my T has also recommended acupuncture. Not sure about those needles, though. Ouch! Good luck. VB

 

[edward333]

hi watundah. I have attended yoga for people with trauma, at the Trauma Center founded by van der Kolk. And I have been in a few other yoga settings. I am not familiar with the exact phrase "transformational yoga" though. Yoga at the Trauma Center is far and away the gentlest and most encouraging yoga practice I have experienced. And it's my favorite too. Other yoga's, no matter how gentle they are, ask me to strive at least a little for specific postures. Yoga at the Trauma Center in contrast never asks me to strive but instead keeps asking me to observe how my body is responding and feeling as I explore different movements. I wish the Trauma Center were closer (I drive 45 minutes), or that there were similar yoga classes in my neighborhood.

As a bonus, I attach my favorite yoga style -- DOGA

 

[watundah]

I talked to the instructor and we agreed the class was a more introductory class for trauma survivors and I was beyond where she was starting. I do love yoga but recently nixed it due to expense. I should get some DVDs from the library or something.

Love the doga! Thanks for that. :-)

 

[roaringrachel]

I'm trying to start that yoga class at the trauma center. Can anyone tell me exactly what it's like? My anxiety is so high just because I don't know what to expect

 

[edward333]

Hi Rachelluvsdemi -- I have been to the men's yoga class several times at the trauma center. It's very safe. The first time there, it's a little awkward finding your way from the waiting room to the conference room where the yoga happens, but that is just the first time and then you know what you're doing. They have all the mats and blankets etc there. You can just show up. The conference room is not that big. Room for maybe 10 people on their mats. You might want to get there 15 minutes early to make sure you find the room and get a spot. The men's class usually has 2-3 people plus instructor. It's very gentle and there is absolutely no pressure to do anything. I highly recommend it. If you have more questions let me know

 

[roaringrachel]

Wow that sounds fantastic. Would I feel out of place as a college student because of my age? Also, is there any talking? Like do I have to tell anyone about my history or anything like that?

 

[edward333]

I don't think you'd feel out of place, although I admit it seems more senior than I expected. The teacher is talking but the class is silent. People are friendly but no one asks history. In order to get in you have to complete a pre-screen through the trauma center front desk (via email) and they do make sure you're currently seeing a therapist for trauma etc.

 

[strangelings]

I wish i was near Dr.Van der Kolk's Center- I know they do a lot of really good stuff.
There have been what appear to be some Trauma Informed/ etc. yoga classes locally but as someone living on disability- I can't afford any I've encountered.

I am, for some reason, really really terrified of regular yoga (with a teacher- and maybe the class?) unaware of trauma. Doing movement related work really really scares me and brings up body-hatred and also ED (eating disorder) body image stuff- but everyone seems to think so well of yoga I'd like to be able to do it (doesn't work at home at this point). It's also supposed to be good for some of my physical stuff like fibro, sigh.

 

[Crow]

LOL I contacted the local person who does trauma yoga last October. I got an email back telling me about all the bdsm conferences she was going to be at doing naked yoga. Then I got an apology email but still no information about her trauma yoga sessions. I might contact her again. I love yoga but I'm incredibly stressed by the floor poses. My T and I did some SE with me on the floor a few months ago and that's when I realized I was getting so activated by the yoga poses. May stick with tai chi a bit longer. As long as I'm standing up, like with warrior pose, I'm good.

 

[Crow]

but as someone living on disability- I can't afford any I've encountered

You might want to contact the instructor anyway. Most yogis I know do sliding scale and free instruction for people who can't afford it. As long as the student has the eagerness to learn and grow. They build this into their business model. Part of the spiritual giving back thing.