FAQ
What does “trauma-informed” mean?
Trauma-informed means that I take into consideration the various experiences of those impacted by trauma when facilitating a group of people. I completed a 34 hour foundational training on yoga through the lens of trauma and incarceration and a specialized 200 hour trauma-informed yoga teacher training with Prison Yoga Project, an organization dedicated to the wellbeing of incarcerated people that advocates for rehabilitation and healing as opposed to confinement.
My approach to this work is also informed by my own experience as an abolitionist and gender variant person who has lived with trauma and chronic pain. The impact of trauma on our bodies can be significant and manifest in various ways, including physical pain, respiratory issues, digestive issues, musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, a myriad of other chronic health issues, anxiety, depression, chronic stress and more. Trauma changes the way our brain functions, keeping us in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. Intentional movement can help release some of this emotional and physical tension.
With these things in mind, it’s important to note that a trauma-informed practice doesn’t promise a “safe” space but rather a welcoming and supportive space to feel and process uncomfortable and/or unexpected emotions, and other sensations in the body, as they might arise. You are not alone. I am here to support you with incredible tools that you can use in and outside of class to create safety in your body during moments of unease. Trauma-informed means we can appreciate, understand and respond with compassion to our body’s unique needs.
Some aspects that I consider in a trauma-informed class include: my responsibility as a white yoga facilitator to consistently decolonize my practice, the impact and accessibility of language, the environment/atmosphere of the class, offering posture variations and alternatives, the placement of our mats and how that changes our connection with eachother, injuries and chronic pain, our unique anatomies and range of motion, as well as the strong belief that only you know what is best for your body.
While I may be leading the class, you are ultimately your best teacher and I am here as a guide to serve you.
What style of yoga do you teach?
My classes vary, but all of the movement I facilitate is a blend of traditional Hatha yoga, yin yoga, and somatic movement. I will typically offer gentle asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), meditation, dynamic stretching, and gentle, mindful movement that focuses on feeling and sensation. As a facilitator, I foster an environment full of curiousity. There is no such thing as “bad” movement!
Who should take your classes?
My classes are for everyone, all bodies, genders, shapes, experience levels. If you are interested in movement as a type of medicine, want to strengthen your relationship to your body, get in touch with your emotions, move in a judgement-free setting, learn about nervous system regulation, among many other things, you are welcome here.
What should I expect for my first time?
We always begin with a brief introduction, sharing as much about yourself as you’d like. I understand that each class will be unique in feeling and structure depending on who I am serving, and I want to be able to connect with you to get an idea of how I can best guide the class in front of me. It is helpful to know if you have any areas of concern in your body, but you need only to share what feels comfortable and relevant. If you have any specific goals for class, such as how you’d like to feel afterwards, I welcome you to share those thoughts with me.
After this check-in, we will move into an energetic awareness exercise that will help to ground us all in the space, build awareness of our bodies, and connect with our needs in the present moment. Depending on the type of class and the needs of participants, we will partake in a yoga sequence, somatic exercises, self-massage, dynamic stretching, breathwork and guided meditation, or a combination of all of these. The trauma-informed yoga sequence that I typically offer supports the flow of a regulated nervous system and moves through range of motion -> balance and coordination -> strength and resilience -> centering -> and relaxation and integration. Lastly, this moment is yours. Participate as much or as little as you desire.
Do you make hands-on adjustments?
I do not. In any of my classes, I will never place my hands on participants, with the exception that an individual explicitly asks me to assist them in a posture or stretch where my own hands may be helpful to educate. I do encourage participants to make self-adjustments, providing cues and examples, as I believe this helps to support self-trust and confidence in the body. Having the opportunity to adjust your own posture can help strengthen your relationship to your body and provide a deeper understanding of what is “correct” for you.
Are all of your classes donation-based?
Yes! Beyond my regular online classes which are always free, I offer a sliding scale, donation based service based on the Green Bottle Method. I believe everyone should have access to care and advocate for their financial needs. If you have the means to slide up on the scale, I welcome this as it helps to support my practice. No one will ever be turned away due to financial hardship. Let’s work together in a way that is sustainable for us all.
What is the accessibility of your classes?
For a more detailed understanding of how I prioritize accessibility in my classes, visit the Accessibility page.
To remain accessible I take many things into consideration, including language, physical location, emotional needs, and economic barriers. I am always interested in learning how I can improve my practice to continue fostering an accessible space for all.
Do you have a COVID-19 protocol?
Yes. I limit the amount of people that can register for a class to allow for a comfortable space to move in. I ask that you take a rapid test the day of class anytime before you arrive. If you are feeling ill, please stay home to rest.
Masks are optional, but I will personally always be masked during indoor classes and will have extra masks on hand.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat/props?
Depending on where my class is hosted, mats and props will be available. In the event that they are not, I will always give proper notice and ask that you please bring your own.
For any other questions, please feel free to reach out.