THRIVE Trauma-Informed Yoga is a yoga system which weaves together neuroscience, psychodynamic theory, and yogic practices. Emotional safety, choice and presence are prioritized over the outer appearance or performance of bodily shapes. “Emotional releases” are not an expectation or a main objective of this class.
Its main objectives are:
Creating a meaningful connection with your physical body by enhancing interoception
Balancing the nervous system
Cultivating agency and bodily autonomy
After practicing yoga for almost a decade, Elizabeth obtained her yoga teaching certification in 2009. She has taught in studios in Houston and Pittsburgh, such as Yoga Ananda, BIG Power Yoga, Equinox Houston, and BYS Pittsburgh. Elizabeth completed training in trauma-sensitive Yoga through the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute in Massachusetts in 2016. She founded THRIVE as a way to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of yoga into people's healing path. Since then, she has presented worldwide in clinical conferences on embodiment and trauma-informed somatic practices and certified over a hundred teachers and practitioners in the THRIVE Trauma-Informed Yoga system nationwide.
FAQ’s
How is Trauma-Informed Yoga different from "regular" Yoga?
THRIVE Trauma-Informed Yoga is different than classes you may experiences in studios in that it does not incorporate physical assists/touch by the facilitator. Another key difference is that the emphasis is on the inner experience of the shape rather than emphasizing alignment or what a pose should look like. Since trauma greatly complicates our relationship with choice, your agency in choosing your experience of the pose is central to this system.
Is the goal to "release" or re-experience my trauma while I'm in the yoga shape?
No, though emotions or releases may come about. The intent of this practice is to help you attune to your body by noticing sensations in the moment, rather than eliciting or interpreting them. If they become overwhelming, you can let the me know and you will be given tools to cope. We can incorporate this practice into your therapy sessions, if we both decide it is indicated.
Do I have to have a diagnosis of PTSD to engage in this practice?
You don’t have to identify with the PTSD or trauma label to benefit from this practice. This practice can be especially useful for people who have lost touch with or not developed a connection with their bodies due to disordered eating, depression, anxiety, or systemic trauma such as sexism, racism, homophobia and/or transphobia.
What if I get triggered or suffer a flashback during or after the practice?
It is highly recommended that you be engaged concurrently in psychotherapy if you choose to participate in one of the groups or in an individual embodiment session. Yoga is sometimes thought to be soothing and calming, but it can also be activating and bring up difficult emotions.
I'm out of shape and not flexible. What if I get this yoga wrong?
There is no way to fail at trauma-informed yo
THRIVE Trauma-Informed Yoga is a yoga system which weaves together neuroscience, psychodynamic theory, and yogic practices. Emotional safety, choice and presence are prioritized over the outer appearance or performance of bodily shapes.