Embodied Healing

Embodied Healing utilizes gentle yoga shapes to practice being at home in your body and in the presence of God's grace after trauma. Embodied Healing sessions are informed by my certification in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) which is an evidence-based, adjunctive treatment for complex trauma and PTSD. It is the only kind of trauma sensitive yoga listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) for trauma treatment in the United States by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). TCTSY program has foundations in Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory, and Neuroscience, as well as the central components of the Hatha style of yoga: breath, movement, meditation.

All who wish to reestablish a mind-body-soul connection are welcome, including those who are living with chronic illness, processing grief, or experiencing symptoms of past trauma. No yoga experience or diagnosis is necessary. All body types, abilities and stages of faith are welcome.

Trauma is the lasting emotional response that often results from experiencing and overwhelming life event. A traumatic event can be: - a recent, single traumatic event (e.g., car crash, violent assault) - a single traumatic event that occurred in the past (e.g., a sexual assault, the death of a spouse or child, an accident, living through a natural disaster or a war) - a long-term, chronic pattern (e.g., ongoing childhood neglect, sexual or physical abuse, chronic illness, etc). Traumatic experiences can have lasting effects on one's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health; overwhelming one's ability to cope with life. Such overwhelm can result in a variety of responses including, but not limited to: - anxiety or panic attacks - insomnia or nightmares - disregulated emotions (either a strong emotional response or a lack of one) - intrusive memories or flashbacks - muscle tension, headaches or chronic pain. - numbness, difficulty making decisions, lost sense of self. In response to trauma, our body often remembers what our mind may be trying to forget. The practice of yoga has been shown to help heal this kind of mind/body disconnection. Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY) provides an opportunity for us to be in the present moment by bringing awareness to our breath and to the physical sensations of being here now. Through the practice of moving and breathing with awareness & agency, we create a pathway for reconnecting with ourselves in the present moment.

Sessions begin with a brief grounding exercise, followed by gentle movement. Within each shape, space will be held for you to practice being present to physical sensations and making choices based on how you feel in your body. Over time, this practice has the ability to reestablish a connection between mind, body and soul which is often fragmented by overwhelming experiences like trauma. Invitations to notice your spirit and connect with God can also be included in your sessions, if you choose. The session will close with an opportunity to journal about your experience and offer feedback. Note that all Embodied Healing sessions are private, confidential and your trauma story will not be discussed. So that you have a safe place to process things that may come up during your practice, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a mental health practitioner while pursuing Embodied Healing.

Over time, this practice has the ability to reestablish a connection between mind, body and soul which is often fragmented by overwhelming experiences like trauma. Everyone is different however, past participants have reported: better sleep improved ability to breathe reduction in PTSD symptoms feeling connected, present, supported, confident, & hopeful better understanding of the connection between the mind and the body. Studies show that many TCTSY participants begin to notice a postitive shift after 5 weekly sessions and 10 weekly sessions are usually enough to create sustainable change.

10 weekly sessions are recommended for those healing from trauma and wishing to see a reduction in symptoms. That said, you are free to begin and end your practice at any time and for any reason. Sessions are offered in the comfort of your home via Zoom. Local, in-person sessions will be considered for established clients livng in the Summerville area.

Embodied Healing is offered on a sliding scale ranging from $35-$75 depending on the legnth of your session (detals at checkout). You're welcome to choose a place on the scale that fits your circumstances. If a financial barrier remains, feel free to contact me. I would be happy to consider a scholarship or connect you with alternative resources.