Restorative Yoga
For past or present trauma. Heal yourself through restorative yoga
at Hartland Stud, Wareham, Dorset
Healing through Restorative Yoga
In my Restorative Yoga classes I take into account the mindset of a person with trauma, past or present, and any physical symptoms they might have. It’s an opportunity for weekly introspection, for peace, a space to feel safe for one hour; to completely tune out of the ‘noise’ of life and into the Self through the body and breath. To be open to the possibility of joy and self healing through body work.
Restorative Yoga – A gentle & slow paced yoga class
What is Restorative yoga?
Restorative Yoga or Trauma Informed Yoga, is a methodology for yoga created specifically to work with trauma. Trauma affects both mind and body. A therapy that does not include both mind and body is therefore incomplete. Body based practices aim to look at therapy as a bottom up (body to mind) therapeutic process, while psychological interventions are aimed to target trauma as a top down (mind to body)intervention. An ideal therapy combines both of these and trauma informed yoga is proposed as an evidenced based type of bottom up therapy.
Calm your mind with yoga
Therapeutic Yoga or Trauma Informed Yoga is a very gentle, slow paced yoga class. It is for anyone who has suffered past trauma or is currently going through trauma – both mental or physical. Depression, anxiety and stress often manifest themselves in those who have suffered trauma. By creating a safe space, I am able to help you learn to calm your mind and regulate your physical responses and emotions through specific postures. Therapeutic Yoga is the ideal practice for those wanting to help free their minds from trauma which has affected them.
How does Restorative Yoga help me?
Restorative Yoga or Trauma Informed Yoga, improves concentration, focus, attention, and interoceptive awareness. The practice reduces anxiety, and anger. Therapeutic Yoga classes can help reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses (fight, flight or freeze) as well as provide emotional regulation techniques. Regular practice will assist with relaxation, sleep, and mood. It can improve self-confidence and self-efficacy in those who have experienced trauma. Restorative Yoga also reduces somatic symptoms associated with helplessness, stress, and fear.
What is a session like?
I’ll consider what is going on in your organ systems; the adrenal system, the skeletal system, the endocrine system, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system and then which forms (postures) are most suitable when moving from a state of crisis to calm. In these classes I’m taking into account the mindset of a person with trauma, which could be past or present trauma and any physical symptoms you might have. I’ll also be considerate of triggers related to your own personal trauma.
Restorative Yoga with Mia
Book your Restorative Yoga class with me. We will discuss your specific needs in confidence, before our first class together. During our call, I will ask you:
- Why you think you will benefit from Restorative Yoga.
- What your specific trauma is.
- If you have any physical issues or concerns
- If you have any triggers ie darkened rooms, certain words or phrases
- If you are happy for me to adjust your postures or if you would prefer no physical contact during the sessions.
I will also go through what your Restorative Yoga session will entail, so as you are informed, confident and above all, happy and relaxed when we have our first class.
Restorative Yoga with Mia
My introduction to yoga came whilst I was living a very hectic and stressful life, professionally. Having enjoyed the physical benefits attending local yoga classes offered, I completed by Ashtanga yoga teacher training course with Brian Cooper PHD. To deepen my knowledge and understanding, I’ve also completed a 40hr course on Trauma Informed Yoga with the brilliant team at Fundación Radika, pioneers of informed yoga for mental and emotional well-being. In these classes I take into account the mindset of a person with trauma, which could be past or present trauma, and any physical symptoms they might have.
Common questions
Where are the yoga classes held?
At the yoga studio, Hartland Stud, Soldiers Road, near Wareham, Dorset. This is a stunning, calm and tranquil location nestled in the beautiful countryside between Wareham and Corfe Castle.
Is there parking?
Yes. Please drive slowly in to Hartland Stud and follow the lane to the bottom, where you will see ample free parking for visitors behind the stables.
What should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable in. Stretchy leggings, jogging bottoms, shorts, t shirt, or full yoga gear if you already have it.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring a warm blanket or throw if you would like to. We use them for the body scan and wind down at the end of the class. We have spare blankets and yoga mats at the studio. Bring water as you may get thirsty. We have a kitchen if you need to re-fill.
Do I need previous yoga experience?
No, you don’t need to have yoga experience.