Trauma sensitive yoga as a complementary treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A qualitative descriptive analysis.

Abstract

Research on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and chronic childhood abuse has revealed that traditional trauma treatments often fail to fully address the complicated symptom presentation, including the somatic complaints, loss of awareness of one's emotional and physical being in the present moment, and overall lack of integration between the self and the body. The mindfulness-based intervention of hatha yoga shows promise as a complementary treatment, and focuses on personal growth in addition to symptom reduction. This qualitative study explored the experiences of thirty-one adult women with PTSD related to chronic childhood trauma who participated in a 10-week Trauma Sensitive Yoga class, specifically examining perceived changes in symptoms and personal growth. Five themes were identified that reflect participants’ feelings of Gratitude and compassion, Relatedness, Acceptance, Centeredness, and Empowerment. Results and implications for research and clinical work are presented.

Trauma-Informed Yoga: An Embodied, Cognitive-Relational Framework

“…As empowerment provides the initiative, self-worth supports the effort [52]. Yoga has been found to increase self-efficacy among those with trauma including abuse and domestic violence survivors [12,[53][54][55]. The YIS-TIY approach provides individuals in need of empowerment practice a forum in which they can develop their inner resources and the ability to approach yoga and life from the cognitive intention of, "I can" and "I am worth the effort."…”

“…The third aspect of the embodied, cognitive-relational framework, relational attunement, refers to the presence and responsiveness of the yoga teacher. Requiring mindful and empathic awareness, relational attunement occurs when the yoga teacher provides assistance and support to the yoga student in a manner that is directly aligned with the needs and experience of the student [2,12[. To be effective, Emerson et al [10] suggest the teacher should be present and positive, encouraging of and open to feedback, and willing to make changes when things are not working.…”

“…Further, they are sourced from the extant body of literature on yoga and trauma as well as from the larger body of research on trauma [6,12,34,42]. Each key point of delivery addresses the relevant components of yoga class: cognitive intention, practice in the teaching of asana (i.e., teaching of yoga poses, breathing, and sequences), meditation and relaxation, and assisting and supporting yoga practices.…”

“…These are developed through yoga practice as yoga students are guided to turn within for strength and support and use yoga tools such as breath, attention to body sensations, and active engagement or relaxation of the muscles [2,12]. Published empowerment programs for trauma have been found to decrease symptoms of powerlessness, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma symptoms, as well as increase self-efficacy [50,51].…”

“…Each year, those who practice yoga represent a progressively larger proportion of the population [7][8][9]. Further, yoga is increasingly used to enhance outcomes for those with mental health challenges including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [5,[9][10][11][12]. As celebrated in both academic and popular press, yoga-for-trauma classes are being offered in urban, high poverty areas; in high risk, risk poverty schools; for veterans; and within substance use and mental health rehabilitations centers [3,6,13].…”