The Efficacy of Trauma Informed Yoga as a Trauma Therapy

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a project conducted by McMaster Research Shop for Sheilah Laffan, the owner of Quite a Stretch Yoga. The studio provides a safe space for clients to work through trauma and its classes are guided by a trauma-informed facilitator. The studio offers a trauma-informed yoga (TIY) program (Yoga for Warriors), a 10-week yoga series designed for those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, stress, or other mental and physical health conditions connected to trauma. Laffan has seen first-hand that TIY has improved the mental health of those who attend her yoga series but wants scientific validation of her experiences. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of TIY as a treatment for trauma.