Trauma-Informed Yoga for Sex Trafficking Survivors

Survivors of domestic sex trafficking, both adult and minor children, experience complex trauma symptoms as a result of sexual abuse and exploitation, which may manifest in both psychological and somatic symptoms. Utilizing a trauma informed yoga framework for intervention with this population, clinicians can learn to engage and support this vulnerable population in a comprehensive way which addresses physical manifestations of trauma, as well as psychological.

Trauma-informed yoga incorporates elements of hatha yoga postures and movements with an emphasis on autonomy of the participant (i.e. using phrases such as “when you are ready to move” or limiting hands-on-adjustments as requested) as well as the internal experience of the individual through guided focus and attention given to the body during this designated time.

During this presentation, participants will learn about the empirical foundations of trauma-informed yoga with trafficking survivors including the implications for individual and group clinical practice. This session includes a sample of a trauma-informed group therapy session.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe how trauma-informed yoga can be applied to clinical practice.
2. Use trauma-informed yoga techniques in group and individual work with clients who have experienced trauma.
3. Identify individuals and groups who may benefit from trauma-informed yoga as an intervention.