Tackling trauma

How a US non-profit is helping to tackle the trauma tsunami with yoga

According to the US’ National Council for Behavioural Health, at least 70% of adults in the country have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.

SHE RECOVERS Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in the States helping women in or seeking recovery from trauma they have experienced. It is running various events throughout 2023, and last November hosted an online Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Designation Programme.

The aim of the programme was to help fill the gaps for qualified instructors of this important complementary therapy that makes traditional yoga practice safer and more accessible through practices that encourage body autonomy and personal agency — two integral human experiences that are often stolen from those who have experienced trauma.

The November training was led by SHE RECOVERS Trauma Informed Yoga founder Taryn Strong, who co-founded the non-profit alongside her mother, Dawn Nickel. The programme also qualified as continuing education development hours from Yoga Alliance.

The yoga is also suitable for ‘non yoga’ people: Strong’s classes are designed to meet all individuals where they are at; it doesn’t matter if you can touch your toes or stand on one leg, all levels are welcome. The aim is to let go of perfectionism, expectations, and doing.

Later this year, SHE RECOVERS will host a large three-day event in Chicago to highlight and celebrate strength, diversity, inclusion, and innovation and carry forward its important mission.

Originating from the belief that everyone is recovering from something, SHE RECOVERS helps individuals in or seeking recovery from life challenges including trauma, substance use, grief and loss, eating disorders, burnout and moral injury, chronic pain, love addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It wants to redefine recovery, inspire hope, end stigma and shame, and empower women in or seeking recovery to increase their recovery capital, heal themselves and help others to do the same.

For further information visit: sherecovers.org