The journey to healing from trauma is not a linear process; it's more like a winding road with various stages and milestones.

Trauma is an all-encompassing experience that can have a profound impact on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Understanding these stages can be instrumental in providing insight, hope, and guidance to those on the path to recovery. Together, let us explore the stages of trauma healing, shedding light on what to expect and how to navigate each step of the way.

1. Awareness

The first and often most challenging stage of trauma healing is acknowledgment and awareness. Many individuals may avoid or suppress traumatic memories as a coping mechanism. To begin healing, it's essential to acknowledge the trauma and become aware of its impact on your life. This stage can be emotionally intense, as it involves confronting painful memories and emotions. Seek support from a therapist, counselor, or support group to help you through this process.

How yin yoga can help:

The practice of yin yoga develops our sense of introspection. Introspection is the observation of our emotional and mental processing. As we move into a yin practice, begin to notice what the body is sensing (like tightness, openness & softness) and how you’re feeling (like anxious, calm & fear).

2. Acceptance 

Once you've acknowledged your trauma, the next stage involves acceptance and self-compassion. Understand that it's normal to feel a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, and sadness. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Remember that you are not to blame for what happened to you, and healing is a journey that takes time.

How yin yoga can help:

Learning how to support your body with props and modifications is a way to show compassion for yourself. Always approach the poses carefully and use any props to help you ease and stay in the yin yoga poses without any strain. As we learn how to be compassionate to our bodies, we can learn to become compassionate to our souls.

3. Process and Expression

In this stage, you'll begin to process and express your emotions in a healthy way. This may involve journaling, art therapy, or talking with a trusted friend or family member. By giving voice to your feelings, you can release pent-up emotions and gain clarity about your experiences.

How yin yoga can help:

Yin yoga provides a much needed space to gain clarity on our thoughts and feelings. Often we lack the language to describe how we are feeling, and yin yoga allows us to slow down and express ourselves.

4. Rebuild

Trauma can shatter trust in oneself and others. Rebuilding trust is a gradual process. Start by learning to trust yourself and your ability to heal. As you make progress, you may also begin to rebuild trust in your relationships with others. This stage often involves setting healthy boundaries and learning to communicate your needs effectively.

How yin yoga can help:

We learn to trust our intuitions with yin yoga. As we connect with our bodies, we understand whether we can move deeper into the pose or away from it. Overtime, we begin to trust our own judgments again.

5. Integration

As you work through your trauma, you'll begin to integrate your experiences into your life story. This involves finding meaning and purpose in your journey. You may discover newfound strength and resilience, as well as a deeper understanding of yourself. Many people who have healed from trauma find ways to use their experiences to help others or to create positive change in their lives.

How yin yoga can help:

A trauma-informed yin yoga teacher has the ability to provide a safe container and guidance to help you integrate your experiences into your present life. Through integration, we heal the fragmented versions of ourselves and become whole again.

Healing from trauma is a complex and often challenging journey, but it is possible. By understanding the stages of trauma healing and how yin yoga can help, you can take significant steps towards recovery. Remember that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process, and it's okay to progress at your own pace. With patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to your well-being, you can emerge from the shadows of trauma and into a brighter, more hopeful future.

Interested in learning about trauma recovery and yin yoga? I’ll be leading a 50hr Trauma-Informed Yin Yoga Online Teacher Training. Don’t miss out on this training on trauma physiology and sensitivity teaching. Click here for more information.