trauma sensitive yoga faqs
Do I need to book in advance for group trauma sensitive yoga classes?
Yes please! It would be great if you could register your attendance for class here. It’s important to me to keep the space trauma informed by not exceeding 12 people, so everyone can have a nice amount of personal space. Classes tend to book up, so to avoid disappointment, please book in advance. If you prefer to check class numbers before you attend, you are welcome to reach out to me here.
What should I bring and what should I wear?
Yoga mats will be provided, but feel free to bring along your own if you have one. The studio also has blankets, bolsters and blocks. You may also like to bring along a bottle of water and wear something that is comfortable for you to sit and move in. An example would be leggings or tracksuit pants and a t-shirt or singlet.
When should I arrive?
A few minutes before class starts is fine, but you might like to arrive 10 minutes before class starts so you have an opportunity to set up in a place that you feel comfortable in.
I’ve never done yoga before. Does that matter?
No prior yoga experience is necessary :) The style of yoga in these classes is very accessible and lots of options are offered. The focus of the poses is more on how something feels in our body rather than "perfecting” a yoga pose so there is no right or wrong way to practice. If anything, I ask people to notice how they are feeling energetically and modify the practice based on that (so taking a stronger version if you have the energy for it, or a more restorative version if you need to restore).
I feel nervous to come to yoga as I feel triggered by breath practices. Should I still come?
Yes, I would absolutely encourage you to still try trauma sensitive yoga. The breath is only one anchor that we use in the practice to connect to the present moment and it is always invitational. If it feels more comfortable for you to notice sensation rising and falling in your body, or the ground under you as you practice, that would be where I would invite your focus to land. The breath that we use in a trauma sensitive yoga class is always a very natural and un-laboured rhythm of breath with no extended holds or loud breathing. If it feels comfortable, I invite in a very gentle connection to the breath as it can be very helpful to regulate our nervous system.
Our space: Union Street Yoga in Erskineville, Sydney’s Inner West.
Are there any physical assists in these classes?
As this is a trauma informed class, I don’t offer any “assists” in poses or walk around the room during the class. Everyones private practice space is respected, even in the way the mats are set up so there is enough space for people to move without touching anyone else. Anytime I do walk around to close a light or a blind etc I will always mention in advance so it doesn't catch anyone by surprise.
Can I leave the room if I have to?
Absolutely. If you feel like you need a break from what we are doing, or if you need to leave the room at any point, that would be completely supported.
Where can I read more about trauma sensitive yoga?
You can read more about the trauma sensitive yoga practice here or visit my further reading page if you are interested in reading more about trauma theory.