Neuroscience and Yoga in the Treatment of Complex, Developmental or Repeated Trauma – Irina Diyankova

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The last two decades of neuroscience research have advanced our understanding of the impact of trauma on our brain and nervous system. It showed us that regular talk therapy is not enough to treat the impact of trauma, because it lives in structures of the brain that do not respond to the words. We also learned that body-based practices like yoga have a very positive impact on the health and well-being of trauma survivors.

This recording will bring you up-to-date on the latest and most relevant neuroscience research as it relates to trauma. It will also help you demystify yoga and understand how it can help. You will learn specific techniques and tools that you can use in individual and group work with your clients, as well as teach them and encourage the use of those tools outside of your office. You don’t have to be a yoga teacher to integrate those techniques – they are simple and accessible to you and your clients regardless of physical or other limitations.

What You Should Have on Hand

• Yoga/exercise mat
• Water bottle
• Wear comfortable clothing

1. Analyze the neuroscience research regarding the impact of trauma on the brain and nervous system as it relates to clinical treatment.
2. Describe the “window of tolerance” and how to use it to inform treatment planning and interventions.
3. Provide psychoeducation to clients regarding the specific characteristics of yoga that help reduce symptoms of trauma.
4. Utilize yoga techniques to help improve clinical outcomes related to specific diagnosis.
5. Demonstrate specific yoga techniques to use with clients in individual and group treatment settings.
6. Educate clients about the clinical benefits, limitations and potential risks of utilizing yoga techniques in a clinical setting.

Neuroscience of Trauma

• How the brain and nervous system are affected during trauma
• Window of tolerance
• Brain structures implicated in PTSD
• Storage of traumatic vs. normal memories in the brain
• Inability to process

What Makes Yoga Suitable for Trauma Survivors?

• Brief introduction to yoga
• Research findings and limitations
• What yoga CAN and CANNOT accomplish in the treatment of trauma
• Importance of focusing on the present moment
• Increase the ability to tolerate pain and discomfort
• Calm down the amygdala and sympathetic nervous system
• Shift brain from negative bias to positive focus

Specific Yoga Techniques and Clinical Applications (with Lab)

• Breath of Joy
• Moving Warrior poses
• Simple vinyasa (with visualization)
• Meditation with mantra
• Legs up the wall
• Using yoga in individual treatment
• Using yoga in group treatment
• Limitations and potential risks

Educating Clients

• Importance of personal yoga practice
• Use neuroscience knowledge to explain the impact of trauma and usefulness of yoga
• Referrals to appropriate classes
• Teach one skill and encourage practicing it