The Children’s Law Center offers Trauma-Informed Yoga as a way to help facilitate healing and health for children, youth and families.
Studies are revealing that yoga can be a complementary and successful intervention to the healing of trauma, and can also aid in a more lasting recovery. Children and youth who experience trauma can experience developmental harms that affect their relationships, education and overall functioning. The elements of yoga practice (breathing, postures, and meditation) equip youth with immediate and ongoing skills to handle stress and trauma-responses. Yoga teaches youth how to reconnect and reintegrate mentally, emotionally, and physically, which is essential to healing and resilience. A trauma-informed yoga practice strengthens the mind and body connection, reduces overstimulation and reactivity, and encourages relaxation. Through yoga, youth have the freedom and authority to reclaim control of their bodies, as well as their experiences.
“For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present.”
Bloom Yoga focuses on the mental and physical benefits of yoga for children and youth, with a focus on relating yoga to address trauma symptoms or other difficult behaviors. Bloom Yoga applies evidence-based, trauma informed approaches to teaching yoga.
Research shows that these practices are effective with:
Yoga and mindfulness practices are on the rise in schools, hospitals and mental health centers due to their positive benefits.
For more information about the Trauma-Informed Yoga Program, contact Sarah Crisafi, MEd., RYT200, RMCLC Clinical Consultant and Registered Yoga Teacher by filling out this form:
Class includes games, art, music, pranayama (breath), to build body awareness and self-control. We will ride on the Magic School Bus and explore animals, nature, and the world! Kids will get to play with Meddy Teddy and other yoga toys to explore their yoga practice. Parents are welcome to watch or run an errand!
All Levels Hatha Yoga. Hatha is a general category that includes most yoga styles. It is an old system that includes the practice of Asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breath), which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper practices such as meditation or mindfulness practices. Music and themes are incorporated for this age group. This is a one hour class.
*All classes will be facilitated in a trauma informed way incorporating: present moment awareness, individualizing and offering choices, creating a shared authentic experience, facilitation or drawing awareness to emotions or feelings in the body, non-coercion (no touching), and education on skills to take outside of the yoga room.
We are currently offering yoga at local mental health centers, community spaces and county offices. Times and location are to be arranged with the instructor.
Classes can be arranged curriculum style (in 4-12 weeks sections), or can be offered ongoing and weekly.