What is trauma-informed yoga for kids?

Trauma-informed yoga merges scientifically validated research on trauma recovery with ancient wisdom. It is responsive to the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of trauma.

This topic is essential for all yoga teachers working with kids: it is estimated that 34.8 million children (ages 0-17) — nearly half of American children — are exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that can severely harm their future health and well-being. In some cases, trauma-informed yoga may be offered in a therapeutic or clinical setting. However, you do not need to be a therapist or yoga therapist to offer trauma-informed yoga. Anyone can learn trauma-informed practices from a qualified organization — Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and Trauma Recovery Yoga (TRY) are each leaders in the field and offer research-based approaches.

Youth Alliance Yoga’s Children’s Yoga Teacher Training dedicates a full unit to trauma-informed yoga. Our core curriculum, which includes in-depth readings, a 2-hour lecture, and a sample class, features Brenda Hershey, Executive Director of TRY Global. To offer a well-rounded education in trauma-informed practices, we supplement this unit with a live TCTSY training.

We’ll say it again: Trauma-informed yoga is essential for any yoga teacher working with kids. Click here to learn the core tenets of the practice.