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Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga Reclaiming Your Body


Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body audiobook cover

Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body

Trauma-sensitive yoga practices to rebuild safety, agency, and connection.

About the Audiobook

What You’ll Learn

Survivors of trauma - whether abuse, accidents, or war = can end up profoundly wounded, betrayed by their bodies that failed to get them to safety and that are a source of pain. In order to fully heal from trauma, a connection must be made with oneself, including one’s body. The trauma-sensitive yoga described in this book moves beyond traditional talk therapies that focus on the mind, by bringing the body actively into the healing process. This allows trauma survivors to cultivate more positive relationships to their bodies through gentle breath, mindfulness, and movement practices.

Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga is a book for survivors, clinicians, and yoga instructors who are interested in mind/body healing. It introduces trauma-sensitive yoga, a modified approach to yoga developed in collaboration between yoga teachers and clinicians at the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, led by yoga teacher David Emerson, along with medical doctor Bessel van der Kolk. The book begins with an in-depth description of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including a description of how trauma is held in the body and the need for body-based treatment. It offers a brief history of yoga, describes various styles of yoga commonly found in Western practice, and identifies four key themes of trauma-sensitive yoga. Chair-based exercises are described that can be incorporated into individual or group therapy, targeting specific treatment goals, and modifications are offered for mat-based yoga classes. Each exercise includes trauma-sensitive language to introduce the practice. The practices have been offered to a wide range of individuals and groups, including men and women, teens, returning veterans, and others. Rounded out by valuable quotes and case stories, the book presents mindfulness, breathing, and yoga exercises that can be used by home practitioners, yoga teachers, and therapists as a way to cultivate awareness, tolerance, and an increased acceptance of the self.

  • Foundations of trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY) and why body-based work matters.
  • Principles of choice, invitational language, and non-coercive cueing.
  • Interoception skills to notice sensations without overwhelm.
  • Simple movement and breath sequences to support regulation.
  • Safety considerations, pacing, and collaboration with care providers.
Details
  • Author: David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper, Ph.D.
  • Narrator: Kate Marcin
  • Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
  • Release date: 05-22-18
  • Publisher: North Atlantic Books
  • Categories: Health & Wellness, Psychology & Mental Health, Yoga
  • ASIN: B07CGSC7XV
  • Audiobook ISBN: 9781623173081
About the Author

David Emerson developed trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY) at the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. With psychologist Elizabeth Hopper, Ph.D., he translates current trauma science into approachable, choice-based movement and breath practices designed for survivors, clinicians, and yoga teachers.

About the Narrator

Kate Marcin is a professional voice actor and audiobook narrator with credits across health, psychology, and personal development titles. Her clear, steady delivery supports the book’s gentle, invitational tone.

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FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

Is this a replacement for therapy?

No. The practices are educational and supportive, not a substitute for professional care. Consult your healthcare provider and go at a pace that feels safe.

Do I need yoga experience?

Not at all. The guidance uses simple, choice-based movements and breath awareness with options to adapt or pause at any time.

Can I listen if certain topics are triggering?

Yes—skip or pause sections as needed. The book emphasizes invitational language and self-regulation. Consider listening with support if you anticipate strong reactions.

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