This two-hour workshop serves as continued training for yoga teachers, therapists, healers, and other bodyworkers, as well as individuals seeking emotional healing. Trauma-informed practices are particularly crucial in the current climate, given the challenges posed by past and present traumatic events. The workshop, led by local teachers Bonnie Abbott and Annie Lessard, is divided into two parts. The first half focuses on lecture-based discussions, covering key aspects of trauma-informed yoga, actionable steps to create healing spaces, and addressing current social justice considerations. The second half involves a trauma-informed yoga class, providing a practical application of the knowledge gained and offering survivors a space to reclaim bodily autonomy and personal choice with silent support from others. *Please note that this is NOT an official support group or substitute for medical or mental health treatment.
If you think you may benefit from a class such as this - you are welcome. If you're thinking about it, it was traumatic enough for you to "qualify". Yoga beginners are welcome and all props are provided. There is NOT an expectation of sharing anything out loud. This is a great class to attend with a friend, partner, or trusted family member.
Meet Your Instructors:
Annie Lessard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor (RYT-240) with extensive experience working with clients with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and people from LGBTQ+ populations. She supports clients in making a mind-body connection, utilizing multiple modalities of therapy. Annie recently completed training in EMDR therapy, with hope to offer another modality to support others who have experienced various traumas.
Bonnie Abbott is an educator (BME) and Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor (E-RYT 380) and she has a passion for helping folks through their darkest times using yoga and mindfulness as healing modalities. With over 15 years in education spaces, she regularly presents on trauma-informed regulation to public and private school educators, as well as leading local yoga teacher training at Sol Yoga, Yogamour, and Branches of Yoga. Bonnie is also employed with the Children's Advocacy Center, instructing trauma-informed yoga sessions with children and teenage survivors of domestic and sexual violence.