What is trauma-informed yoga and how is it different from regular yoga teaching?

Trauma-informed yoga emphasizes nervous system regulation, offers choice in poses, avoids adjustments without consent, and creates psychological safety. It differs from regular yoga by prioritizing emotional processing alongside physical practice, understanding trauma's somatic effects, and using specific language.

Do I need yoga certification before taking trauma-informed yoga training?

Most trauma-informed programs require 200+ hours of yoga teaching experience or RYT-200 certification. Some accept therapists or healthcare providers with adjacent credentials. Verify prerequisites with specific programs, as requirements vary.

How does trauma-informed yoga help the nervous system?

It teaches students to recognize and regulate stress responses through breath work, grounding techniques, and somatic awareness. By creating predictability and safety, offering agency, and teaching interoception, trauma-informed yoga helps retrain the nervous system toward parasympathetic activation and resilience.