From 1998 to 2018, I developed a series of yoga postures and healing practices that became my unique version of “Yoga for Trauma Relief.” During Fall 2017, Sonoma County lost more than 5,000 homes to wildfires. By early 2018, members of my professional organization, Redwood Empire CAMFT (CA Marriage & Family Therapists) encouraged me to offer these healing practices to our local “fire survivors,” people who had lost their homes and possessions in the 2017 wildfires.
Thanks to a grant from Healthcare Foundation of Northern Sonoma County, and the efforts of Redwood Empire CAMFT to create and support this program, a series of Trauma-Informed Yoga and iRest Meditation classes was offered throughout 2018 and 2019 to help fire survivors recover, both physically and emotionally, from the 2017 wildfires. In addition, they requested that I teach these healing practices to Sonoma County yoga teachers. During the summer of 2018, I offered trainings to 60 Sonoma County yoga teachers at a beautiful yoga studio in downtown Healdsburg.
Trauma-Informed Yoga focuses on reregulating the sympathetic nervous system (which can become dysregulated after extended traumatic events), strengthening the body and soothing the soul. In addition to the normal yogic practices of breathing, relaxation, stretching and strengthening, these classes can include acupressure, Vagus nerve toning (to help move from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic response) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping).
Emotional Freedom Technique/Tapping comes from an ancient Chinese practice. It involves stimulating the body’s meridian points, similar to acupressure. Research has shown it to be effective in treating chronic conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Bilateral stimulation is a well-known trauma treatment, and the cornerstone of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Using my background as a psychotherapist, I developed a version of Trauma Informed Yoga which includes whole body movements of bilateral stimulation.
Integrative Restoration (iRest) Meditation, is a research-based effective method for trauma release, as developed by psychologist Richard Miller, Ph.D. His renowned book about iRest is entitled The iRest Program for Healing PTSD: A Proven Effective Approach to Using Yoga Nidra Meditation & Deep Relaxation Techniques to Overcome Trauma. It is a guided meditation protocol during which participants lie down and rest during the session. Research has shown iRest to improve sleep, and decrease chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress and posttraumatic symptoms.
No previous experience is needed, but ability to stand, sit on the floor, and lie down on a yoga blanket are required. Those with major health issues or brain injury history should contact me to discuss their situation before attending. Please wear comfortable clothing for stretching.
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Hannah Caratti, LMFT, integrates psychology, trauma-informed yoga, and iRest® Yoga Nidra to help individuals cultivate resilience, healing, and lasting well-being.
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 50289) and an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT).
