From Dysregulation to Integration: Trauma-Informed Yoga and Other Supports

Trauma results from intensely stressful experiences that overwhelm our capacity to respond effectively. Peter Levine defines trauma as what happens when too much happens too fast too soon: when overwhelming experiences cannot be processed and integrated, particularly in the absence of an empathic witness or support. The body's natural response can become frozen or incomplete.

Whether we understand it as the ‘body keeping the score’, the ‘issues being in our tissues’, or the study of how our bodies and fascia hold stress and tension - these big life experiences can have impact on us beyond the initial events.

The Potential Impact of Trauma

The Brain:

At a neurobiological level, trauma can alter the functioning of key brain regions.

1. The amygdala, our brain's alarm system, can become hypervigilant.

2. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, can experience decreases in activity.

3. Memory processing can also be disrupted, potentially leading to fragmented or intrusive recollections of traumatic events.

The Body:

Consequently, the nervous system can become dysregulated, manifesting as either hyperarousal (feeling constantly on edge, irritable, anxious) or hypoarousal (experiencing numbness, disconnection, fatigue). What's cool though, is that our understanding of how fascia, the nervous system, and body memory function is developing fast. This growing knowledge highlights how and why people experience physical symptoms and illnesses alongside mental health challenges at higher rates following traumatic experiences.

This dysregulation makes it difficult to find and maintain an internal sense of safety, with moments of ease sometimes becoming rare and fleeting. The body remains prepared for danger even when no threat is present.

These neurobiological changes can persist long after the traumatic events have passed, impacting our daily functioning and wellbeing.

Trauma-Informed Practice: A Supportive Framework

Trauma-informed practice acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and aims to create safe and supportive environments that promote healing. It shifts the perspective from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?".

Core principles include:

• Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional security.

• Trust: Being transparent and honest.

• Choice: Providing options and control.

• Collaboration: Recognising the expertise of both service providers and individuals.

• Empowerment: Building strengths and promoting agency.

• Inclusion and Diversity: Valuing unique experiences and backgrounds.

These principles guide all interactions and services to prevent re-traumatisation and support recovery.

Why Trauma-Informed Support Matters

A trauma-informed approach helps individuals feel more comfortable engaging with support services by prioritising safety and trust. Providing choices and fostering collaboration helps regain a sense of control. This leads to improved engagement in care, better treatment adherence, and more positive health outcomes.

Trauma-informed practice reduces the risk of re-traumatisation and fosters self-compassion by understanding behaviours as responses to trauma. It emphasises a strengths-based approach, recognising resilience and coping mechanisms developed over time.

Trauma-informed practice might include things like:

• Person-centred, non-pushy approaches to talk therapy.

• Opportunities to practice choice-making (an essential brain exercise) and interoception (noticing sensation in the body, whether physical or emotional).

• Deliberate engagement with people to increase the likelihood of them accessing the benefits of your practice (e.g., minimising triggers or using invitational language).

Exploring Trauma-Informed Support Options

Several trauma-informed support options are available, some examples are:

Trauma-informed talk therapy:

A trauma-informed approach to psychology/mental health extends beyond simply addressing trauma content. Even therapies specifically designed for trauma must be delivered within a trauma-informed framework to be truly effective.

This means clinicians should:

• Create an environment of safety and trust.

• Offer clear choices throughout treatment.

• Collaborate rather than dictate.

• Empower clients in their healing journey.

When seeking mental health support, look for practitioners who explicitly describe their practice as trauma-informed, not just those who list trauma treatments. Referrals can be obtained from a GP, online directories, or organisations like Phoenix Australia or the Blue Knot Foundation can help point people in the right direction too.

The quality of the therapeutic relationship – one that feels safe, respectful, and collaborative – is crucial for effective trauma work. (Many studies reinforce it's actually the most important part of the equation - the relationship of trust between the therpist and the person.)

Trauma-informed yoga:

Also known as trauma-sensitive yoga or TCTSY, this adapted yoga creates a safe space emphasising choice, empowerment, body awareness, grounding, and gentle movement.

It can:

• Reduce anxiety and depression.

• Improve emotional regulation.

• Enhance mind-body connection.

• Foster a sense of empowerment.

• No prior experience is needed. The practice is accessible and choice-based, meaning no movements are compulsory.

I became a trauma-informed / trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator after finding so much benefit personally. I continue to be amazed at how much providing the possibility of interoception and choice in a gentle, trauma-informed yoga practice can have such significant impact in people's lives.

Trauma-informed physical activities:

Non-contact boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts in a trauma-informed setting can help reclaim the body, build confidence and strength, release tension, and connect with community.

Tai Chi, trauma-informed somatic activities, Somatic Experiencing are some other commonly recommended options - there are many more. I always recommend searching "trauma-informed" + (activity name - eg. salsa dancing, massage, breathwork etc) to see if there are options you've not heard of.

These activities can improve mood, self-esteem, concentration, and reduce stress. The focus is on empowerment and safety.

Local wellbeing groups:

Community choirs (singing is wonderful for the vagus nerve), men’s sheds, and dancing groups – connection and community are also incredibly beneficial for trauma integration and healing work.

Final Thoughts

Understanding trauma and its impact is vital for promoting well-being. Recognising trauma-informed practice principles and available support options allows us to take proactive steps for our mental and emotional health.

Whether it's simply ‘finding space’, ‘integrating’, or ‘healing’ – being more compassionate with ourselves as we find the right mix of trauma-informed supports can potentially lessen those ongoing trauma/stress responses we may experience.

Our brains and nervous systems can learn to feel safe again with appropriate support. Considering how seeking out the right trauma-informed supports – whether that's martial arts, yoga, meditation, or something else entirely – can be transformative for individuals and their families impacted by trauma.