Trauma – the Greek word for ‘wound’.
What is trauma? It can be described as anything that overwhelms the system - not surprisingly this can be very different for everyone depending on their experiences, past and present.
These experiences create a disturbance in our rhythmic strength and a distance in our conscious relationship to ourselves. Trauma (including events, stress and tension) is held in the body, the impact can be far reaching . Yet through the specific application of Kundalini Yoga for Trauma, recovery and healing can also be far reaching.
The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect. ~Peter Levine
Yoga Therapy for the Recovery of Trauma
We are innately designed to endure life’s challenges — encoded with the ability to move through trauma, recover, and emerge more integrated, resilient, and aware. What if our greatest struggles could be reframed as catalysts — expanding our nervous system capacity and deepening our consciousness?
While our experiences shape us, we also hold the power to shape ourselves through our inner resources.
A Therapeutic & Evidence-Based Approach
This specialised Yoga Therapy course supports recovery from trauma and chronic stress using an integrated blend of:
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Trauma-informed Yoga Therapy
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Somatic therapy, applied poly vagal theory, and nervous system regulation tools
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Applied Polyvagal Theory
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Neuroscience and Yogic Philosophy
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Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry Approach
Research has shown yoga to be effective in reducing key symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. This program is specifically designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and embodied self-awareness.
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.” – Bessel van der Kolk
Course Structure & Therapeutic Process
This course gently guides participants from states of hyperarousal or dissociation back into a sense of embodied safety. We begin by establishing a foundation of relative safety, allowing students to gradually become more present in their bodies and lives.
Each class follows a therapeutic rhythm of contraction and expansion — inviting participants into an experience (breath, movement, or meditation), followed by a pause for rest or integration. This pulsing rhythm helps regulate the nervous system and supports the body’s natural capacity to heal.
Through consistent co-regulation with the teacher and the safety of the group, participants learn to:
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Recognise and tolerate inner sensations
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Build confidence in self-regulation
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Make conscious choices rather than react from survival responses
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Experience a growing sense of agency in their healing process
As the course progresses, specific yoga sequences and somatic sequences and gentle movement practices are introduced to support the safe release of stress and trauma — particularly focusing on vagal nerve, which is deeply connected to the body’s fear and freeze responses.
A Collaborative Path to Recovery
Recovery from trauma and chronic stress is a gradual and layered journey. This course complements other forms of support, such as counselling, psychotherapy, or psychology. Many participants choose to repeat the course more than once to deepen their integration and sustain long-term transformation.
“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change how we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.” – Bessel van der Kolk
Who Is This For?
This course is ideal for:
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Anyone recovering from trauma or long-term stress
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Those experiencing anxiety, depression, or insomnia
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People with chronic physical conditions seeking greater resilience
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Individuals seeking safe, empowering tools for self-regulation and embodiment
Course Format & Options
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Duration: Usually offered as a 7–10 week series
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Delivery: Small group programs or 1:1 sessions
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Customisation: Can be tailored to specific communities, workplaces, or health conditions
"I feel so grateful to have been part of this PTSD yoga course! My increased personal power, sense of hope and renewal has been supported and inspired by Lucinda throughout this unique 8 week journey.
I always felt valued, honoured and most importantly safe in the space that Lucinda provides for all participants…. with light, love, strength and stability. I have had the opportunity to unlock and heal some childhood trauma from within. A sense of liberation and relief has followed.
Thank you so much Lucinda!"