What is "Trauma-Informed"?

What is Trauma-Sensitive or Trauma Informed

A Little Backstory...
When I first tried yoga, many moons ago, I did NOT like it.

I went into my little gym in Kitsilano (Vancouver) and decided to try my first yoga class. I went in feeling brave and proud of myself for trying something new and entering an intimidating space where the participants likely already knew eachother. 

I tried my best to follow along and pretend I knew what I was doing. I wanted to slide in and slide out without anyone pointing out my mistakes or entering my zone.  

Unfortunately, my instructor had another idea for me...

She pointed me out in front of the class, more than once, for not having my heels all the way down in downward facing dog (btw, that is physically impossible for most bodies).  At one point, she even came up behind me and adjusted my body into position - without asking and without warning. 

It is easy to understand, when you think about it, why, if someone had been abused, had their agency taken away in some form, or even been in a horrible accident, why it might be dysregulating to be shamed, snuck up behind, and touched by a stranger whose intentions are to "correct" you. 

Now, I was young, self-conscious, and already an over-thinker/perfectionist. I grew up having my agency taken away from me through physical and emotional abuse. I went to the class to find some peace in my body and left with my cheeks burning hot and wanting to get home as soon as possible. 

For others this could have really triggered their nervous system and caused shut down. 

Something inside me told me to keep trying yoga. I ended up taking another class at a yoga studio in my office building - and this class changed everything for me.

​Those instructors, whether they realized it or not, had a trauma informed approach. I left their feeling taller, more calm, and energized. Not once did they physically touch anyone or point them out - they used language that showed their intentions were to hold a safe space for breath, movement, and discovery.

From there, I knew I wanted to be able to create this atmosphere for others. I soon went on to take several trainings to get there.

The Trauma Informed Approach
The trauma-informed approach is leading through a lens that understands trauma and how it impacts people and groups. A lense that can recognize the signs of trauma or dysregulation, and an approach that can hold gentle space for people to sit in their bodies safely without the threat of an instructor triggering a traumatic response through language, touch, or actions.  Using language that encourages participants to move and choose options that serve them and their energy that day.

Trauma-Informed or Trauma-Sensitive Class should have:

• Language that is invitational rather than directive.
• Choices, modifications, options!
• Instructor at the front - demonstrating.
  (instead of walking around people's heads, or standing at the front issuing commands and watching intently for "mistakes").
• A warning before lights go on or off and door is closed or opened.
• A closed and secure space.
• Body safety - no touching or calling out an individual.
• Safety alignment suggestions mentioned to the whole class - instead of calling on one person.
• Sensory awareness / noticing - participants are not told HOW to feel or WHERE they will feel it.  I.E. "this will feel good!" "you should feel this in your left bicep" rather "if this pose doesn't serve you today - you could try this option instead"
• An instructor who holds space for people to feel things within their own body, to have their own experience, and their personal space.
• An instructor who leads the class from a place of learning from other people's bodies in how they move and where they seem to hold tension - and offering new options and modifications accordingly so that everyone feels in power and successful.

Sara Bylo used to be the Director of Communications for Yoga Outreach. She also participated in their Trauma informed training that can be used in many work settings.  

To find out more, visit: https://yogaoutreach.com/