One of our priorities is to provide accessible yoga sessions for people who have survived trauma. As part of a project funded by the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund, we delivered 80 yoga sessions for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Many abuse survivors experience trauma, which leads to a disconnection from physical sensations and emotions. The aim of the programme was to help participants to reconnect with their bodies and, over time, to feel safe in their bodies. Also, to develop trusting relationships with others in the group. This post is a summary of the programme and our evaluation – to read more about the process and potential impact of yoga for trauma survivors more generally please read our blog post.
Initially, over 100 women registered an interest in yoga through our partner organisations (KRASAC, PDAP and WomenCentre – links), but less than half (43) actually attended. The women presented with complex mental and physical health problems, including: claustrophobia, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, self harm, anger, eating problems, relationship problems, sexual problems, sleep problems, flashbacks and triggers. Unsurprisingly, people with complex conditions often experience anxieties about trying something new, which likely accounted for lower-than-expected uptake. There were also practical barriers – for example work, lack of childcare, and difficulties traveling.
However, for those that did join us, the impact of yoga was often profound and remarkable. Following each session we invited participants to leave comments and feedback (anonymously) in a notebook. One commented: ‘Best session yet. Came feeling overwhelmed and deeply sad / disconnected. Now feel grounded, deeply relaxed and energised’. Another participant wrote : “Deep relaxation. What a relief”.
One lady offered to share her experience of taking part in the yoga by responding to our prompt questions, which we have copied exactly and in full below (with her permission). Her words are far more impactful that anything we could report:
- What did you expect or hope to get from the sessions?
I went in with an open mind because I hadn’t experienced anything like it before. I had done yoga in the past and I knew how good it felt to move my body but I was hoping that it would be a more elevated experience that I could really immerse myself in it. I was hoping for a ‘ta-dah!’ moment.
- Were the sessions as you expected or hoped?
Yes, and more! I tried to go to as many sessions as I could and I always felt great after going. - What were the main benefits or the things that you enjoyed the most?
I came away from the sessions feeling energised and relaxed. I would feel like my body had loosened up and I could feel the difference mentally and physically. I loved that the sessions weren’t following a particular set of movements that you go through in quick succession, so it never felt like a workout (even if I did come away a bit sore sometimes!) but I think that was the magic of it. It was taking time for you in a safe space; everything is gentle and you are encouraged to be soft with yourself which I think is what I desperately needed. - Was there anything that you would have liked but didn’t receive in these sessions?
The only thing I can think of (and this is just because I am sensitive to lights) is that the lighting can be a bit stark in some of the locations, but I understand this can’t be helped. Perhaps there could be a brief time at the end where the lights are turned off? - If there were times when you didn’t come, what prevented you?
Initially it was because of my anxiety. I struggle with new experiences, particularly if I have to go alone and the prospect of going somewhere and sharing that vulnerable side of myself was very daunting. However after a few sessions I felt very safe in going and looked forward to it – the only thing that prevented me going in the end was work commitments. - What is the one thing (or couple of things) that stood out for you?
I would say the atmosphere was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was calm, welcoming and I instantly felt safe to share with the others in the group. - Are there any tools that you have been able to take away with you?
Yes, I have learned how to be kinder to myself and tailor my own physical exercise to what I am capable of on that day. I have learned to not push myself past my limits for the sake of meeting an arbitrary goal. I can set clearer boundaries with others and I can trust my instincts more. - How would you describe the sessions to someone else who might be thinking of coming?
These sessions are definitely different from a normal yoga class. I feel like the classes I have been to in the past through mainstream gyms etc have been focussed on doing certain poses for the sake of building muscle and flexibility, however the sessions with Rachel focussed on noticing sensations in your body and helping to attune your mind and emotions. At the beginning of the sessions there is a check in to see how everyone is and what they would like to achieve but it’s okay if you just want to be in the environment and sit on your own; it’s led by the attendees, totally individualised and not led the instructor. It’s a safe space to be present and there are tissues on hand if needed! - Overall, what would you say has changed for you, if anything, from attending the sessions?
I have definitely created a greater sense of autonomy over my body now. I didn’t realise prior just how disconnected I was from my physical self and these sessions have enabled me to build that bridge which has in turn helped my mental and emotional healing come along tenfold.
We hope to continue this work and have plans to collaborate with KRASAC, PDAP and WomenCentre again, this time dovetailing the yoga programme with complimentary specialist therapies that they offer.
Whilst yoga is an incredibly cost-effective tool, there are always costs, and as a not-for-profit we are constantly working to meet the costs. Any donations or sponsorships would be wonderfully welcome.
