How to Make Your Practice Trauma-Sensitive

For the Full Trauma Sensitive Handout CLICK HERE

We are joined by Simona Lederman founder of Trauma Sensitive Healing & Kelly Corbitt, yoga therapist to speak on Trauma Sensitive Healing. Trauma is a topic that captured people’s interest in the last few years and there are various understandings of what trauma is and what a trauma-sensitive practice is. Based on our combined experience working with trauma survivors and our training as a therapist (LCSW) and trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator (TCTSY-F), we wanted to bring some clarity around trauma theory and elements of a trauma-sensitive practice. 

A Little Bit of Trauma Theory

Trauma can be something that is too much too soon, too much for too long, or not enough for too long. During this webinar, when we mention trauma we refer to complex trauma. Although it is not included in DSM-5 (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) it offers a more holistic view of a traumatic experience and it takes into account a new element: the interpersonal or relational aspect, in addition to the event, the experience, and the effect. This element is very important in trauma recovery for both the survivor as well as the practitioner.

An Understanding of the Recovery Process

The first step in the recovery process is establishing safety. Many times that means removing the source of trauma and creating a support system for the survivor. Safety is an essential step, because without it the recovery process is compromised. Safety is needed in order to establish trust and work on regaining a sense of agency. 

Elements of a Trauma-Sensitive Practice

When we deal with complex trauma, we have to understand that most survivors live in a constant state of hypervigilence. This means that they are aware of the subtlest nuances of language, details of the environment, etc. For that reason, the following elements need to be taken into consideration when we talk about a making our practice trauma-sensitive:

1. Language
2. Choice making 
3. Non-coercion
4. Shared Experience
5. Interoception

For the Full Trauma Sensitive Handout CLICK HERE

Learn More About Trauma Sensitive Healing

To visit Simona’s website click here.

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Questions

What kind of considerations do you make for cultivating a safe environment when teaching virtually?

It is important as the practioner to be in a private space where no one else in my home is hearing along with always wearing headphones. Kelly encourages her clients to be in a space where they feel that they can have the privacy they would like to have to be able to share. It is also suggested to have an intake form in which you discuss levels of privacy with your clients and the specifics of where they are in their home or somewhere else. Simona gives the option for clients to have their camera on or off. It boils down to a conversation of comfort and what the client needs.

What if us as therapists have PTSD?

Answered in the webinar at minute 40:20. We all come to the table with different experiences. Something that is important for yoga teachers and therapists to do before we show up to our own clients is to seek support and work through what is going on inside now and continuing on after you begin to help others as well.

Does your program count for Yoga Alliance CE?

Yes, Kelly Corbitt is a continuing education provider and for Yoga Alliance to recognize it, you must look her Kelly’s name up, and register the course under her name.