If you've been the victim of an assault, you need to find a treatment that works for you. Individual counseling sessions can help improve the healing process. But, counseling alone isn't always enough. This is especially true with regards to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Many assault survivors try yoga as a way to reduce the effects of trauma. Unfortunately, yoga can actually increase the risk of triggers. This is especially true where traditional yoga is concerned. That's where trauma-sensitive yoga becomes beneficial. Trauma-sensitive yoga provides the support you need when you're dealing with PTSD. This is true with PTSD brought on by sexual assault. Read the list provided below. Here are four important ways that trauma-sensitive yoga can help you heal.
Therapeutic Approach
If you're recovering from an assault, it's important to take a therapeutic approach to the process. Traditional yoga classes are taught by certified teachers. But, when you're recovering from an assault, you need more than a teacher. You need a therapist. That's where trauma-sensitive yoga comes into the picture. Trauma-sensitive yoga classes are facilitated by trained therapists. That means you'll get the emotional guidance you need during your classes.
Modified Yoga Poses
If you're recovering from a sexual assault, some traditional yoga poses can create a trigger effect. This is especially true for poses that open the hips and pelvic region. Trauma-sensitive yoga is different. With this type of yoga, the poses are modified to reduce the triggers. Some yoga poses are eliminated altogether. That means you can participate in yoga without experiencing emotional distress.
Reduced Hold Time
If you're healing from an assault, trauma-sensitive yoga can help with the healing process. Traditional yoga requires you to hold some poses for several minutes. But, holding a yoga pose for that long can cause emotional distress, especially when you're healing from trauma. That's why trauma-sensitive yoga is so beneficial. With trauma-sensitive yoga, the hold time gets reduced for the poses. The reduced hold time allows you to enjoy the benefits of yoga, without the risk of triggers.
Inclusion of Permission
If you've been the victim of a sexual assault, unwanted touching can cause more trauma. Often, traditional yoga teachers use physical assistance methods. That means they might touch their students to help guide their pose. Trauma-sensitive yoga is different. Your trauma-sensitive yoga therapist will ask permission before touching you in any manner. This approach allows you to maintain control of your personal space.