Unleash the Power of Yoga: Healing the Body’s Trauma

Trauma is a complex phenomenon that can affect individuals in various ways. Traumatic experiences can include events such as abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, natural disasters, and more. Every day clients walk into the doors of New Heights Counseling seeking support in managing their trauma experiences. When trauma occurs in our clients, it can significantly impact their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The body responds to trauma in various ways, and one of the ways to help deal with the trauma is through the practice of yoga. In this article, we will explore how the body deals with trauma and the benefits of practicing yoga in managing trauma.

The Body’s Response to Trauma

Trauma can affect the body in a variety of ways. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, their body’s natural response is to activate the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the “fight or flight” response. This response prepares the body to take action in response to a perceived threat by increasing heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. It also releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which help the body respond to the perceived danger. In the case of trauma, the “fight or flight” response can become prolonged, leading to chronic stress and an inability to regulate the body’s response to stress. This can result in a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and more.

Additionally, the psychological impact of trauma can include anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Our therapists are trained to help clients manage their physical and psychological symptoms of trauma. Yoga is one of the many tools for assisting clients in managing their responses to trauma.

Benefits of Yoga in Managing Trauma

Yoga is a practice that has been used for centuries to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The practice involves a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. Research has shown that practicing yoga can effectively manage trauma and its effects on the body.

Here are some of the benefits of practicing yoga in managing trauma:

1. Stress Reduction: Yoga has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. The practice activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s relaxation response. This can help individuals who have experienced trauma by reducing feelings of hyperarousal and promoting a sense of calm.
2. Mind-Body Connection: Yoga is a practice that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. This can help individuals who have experienced trauma by promoting self-awareness and mindfulness. Practicing yoga can help individuals learn to recognize physical sensations and emotional responses, which can help manage trauma symptoms.
3. Increased Physical Awareness: Yoga can help individuals who have experienced trauma become more aware of their physical bodies. This can be beneficial in managing symptoms such as muscle tension and pain. By learning to tune into the physical body, individuals can learn to identify areas of tension and release them through yoga postures.
4. Improved Sleep: Trauma can often lead to sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares. Research has shown that practicing yoga can enhance sleep quality and quantity. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle with sleep disturbances.
5. Improved Mood: Yoga has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. This can benefit individuals who have experienced trauma, as depression is a common symptom.
6. Community Support: Practicing yoga in a group setting can provide individuals with a sense of community and support. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma and may feel isolated or disconnected from others.

The team at New Heights Counseling, located in Fort Walton Beach, FL, is dedicated to helping individuals who have experienced trauma. Our therapists are trained to work with clients to identify and manage trauma symptoms, including those related to the mind-body connection. With Compassionate care that addresses underlying issues, we provide our clients with the tools they need to heal and move forward. If you or someone you know needs trauma counseling, don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. Call today at (850) 757-1552.

Other Mental Health Services Offered at New Heights Counseling

New Heights Counselor offers therapy for many issues, not just emotional and psychological trauma. We assist those who struggle with anger management, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, abuse, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence, body image, eating disorders, and many more. We want you to feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can better understand your needs and help you find healing and wholeness.

Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults, and we offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL location and online therapy for the state of Florida. The office is on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions here on Google Maps or visit our office location page.

Appointment Schedule (Last appointment – 4 PM)

Sunday Closed

Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Evenings/Weekends by Appointment

Additional Resources:

• How Trauma-Informed Yoga Helps You Heal – Cleveland Clinic
• Trauma-Informed Yoga: How it Heals, Benefits, and Poses to Try – Psychcentral
• Welcome Video, New Heights Counseling Founder & Clinical Director Colleen Wenner

About the Author:

Colleen Wenner is the founder and clinical director of New Heights Counseling. She leads a team of professional counselors, and provides counseling services for individuals struggling with mental health issues. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Colleen is a certified supervisor in Florida and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner and consultant in training. Colleen is committed to providing excellent client care and services the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.

Colleen has consistently advocated for mental health wellness and has dedicated her entire life to promoting awareness among the public. She is featured on various podcasts such as Practice of the Practice (The #1 Podcast for counselors in private practice), Shrink Think Podcast, and The Salty Christan Podcast, to name a few. She has also contributed to several Yahoo Best Life, Unfinished Man, UpJourney, and WebMD articles. Colleen uses compassionate and authentic communication to help clients understand themselves better and feel more confident about their ability to improve their lives.