Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Zahabiyah Khorakiwala <>]

Dear colleagues,

 

I wanted to send along information on a yoga training I am hosting in Orange County, CA for yoga teachers interested in incorporating trauma-sensitivity into their teaching. More information is below and attached. The first training was a huge success- please send to anyone you feel would be interested. Thank you!

 

http://bethechangeyoga.org/51-trauma-sensitive-yoga/

Training overview:

 

Memories of sexually violent experiences can be intrusive, which can create challenges for survivors. These memories can also make it difficult for survivors who are looking to establish connection in their lives and learn how to trust again. The entire experience of practicing yoga, can help survivors find union between seemingly disconnected and challenging aspects of the self; allowing participants to slowly build the pieces into an integrated whole. In The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Treatment, Rothschild recognizes the need for therapy to consist of helping people to stay in their bodies and to delve deeper into understanding these important bodily sensations (2000). Yoga’s focus on self-acceptance provides survivors with tangible benefits that will become noticeable throughout their practice. This gradual integration can be transformational and healing for a survivor of sexual violence.

 

Healing after sexual trauma requires patience and consistency. “Yoga allows survivors to regain a sense of comfort and ease within their own shape, to process nonverbally feelings that transcend language, and to experientially cultivate gratitude towards the body, which serve as a reminder of one’s resilience (Boeder, 2012).” Yoga gives survivors the opportunity to find their voice.

 

This 3 day training will provide yoga teachers who are interested in teaching from a trauma-informed lens with all of the necessary tools to create a safe environment for students. 

 

This training provides:

·  A thorough overview of trauma-informed teaching dynamics and core concepts based on a successful model from the University of California, Irvine and Community Service Programs, Inc.

·  An explanation of the unique experiences of sexual assault survivors and benefits of holistic healing 

·  Introduction to trauma-informed practices and language 

·  Comprehensive considerations for teaching trauma-sensitive yoga, including:

o Empowerment-based Language 

o Integration of Choices

o Supportive Presence

o The Art of Assisting

o Safety and Space

o Invitation of Postures

o Breath and Trauma

o Themes and Philosophy Integration

·  Sample sequencing and curriculum 

·  Practice teaching opportunities and finding your authentic teaching voice 

·  Tips for starting a yoga program for survivors of sexual violence including:

o How to create buy-in from a university/agency

o The power of collaborations

o Working with mental health professionals

o Identifying your audience

o Building a curriculum

o Group structure

o Marketing

o Assessment and liability 

·  The Business of Yoga

·  Introduction to additional holistic healing methodologies to complement the yoga practice including art and drumming

·  Resource guide with all relevant materials to implement a comprehensive, holistic, integrated, and sustainable program

This training will leave you fully equipped to start a comprehensive trauma-informed yoga program for survivors of sexual violence. 

Recommended Reading:

 

Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body, David Emerson, Elizabeth Hopper, and Bessel van der Kolk

 

Emotional Yoga, Bija Bennett

 

Yoga for Emotional Balance, bo Forbes 

 

Warmly,

Zabie

 

 

Zabie Yamasaki, M.Ed
Assistant Director
UCI Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE)

 

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

– Leo Buscaglia

 

 

---

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of this original message. In addition, e-mails are not secure; third parties might view and store your confidential information. Therefore, do not send any information via e-mail that you consider confidential or medical in nature.

Attachment: Trauma Sensitive Yoga teacher workshop.png
Description: Trauma Sensitive Yoga teacher workshop.png