Title

Interpersonal trauma survivors' experiences of healing through yoga

Department/School

Psychology, Professional

Date of this version

2016

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Trauma is ubiquitous in our society; therefore, it is important to explore how individuals cultivate healing after traumatic experiences. Yoga may be one avenue to cultivate healing. Qualitative methods were employed to study the role yoga practice played in the healing process of those who experienced interpersonal trauma. Eleven interpersonal trauma survivors who practiced yoga regularly were identified through a criterion sampling method. Data analysis revealed that the emphasis of yoga on mind and physical body fostered numerous positive outcomes, such as spiritual growth, self-acceptance, alleviation of trauma-related symptoms, and increased feelings of self-compassion, empowerment, and serenity. Our findings suggest that yoga may be helpful to regain mental and physical health, foster wellbeing, and cultivate personal growth after interpersonal trauma.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17761/1531-2054-26.1.21

Volume

26

Issue

1

Published in

International Journal of Yoga Therapy

Citation/Other Information

Gulden, A. W., & Jennings, L. (2016). How Yoga Helps Heal Interpersonal Trauma: Perspectives and Themes from 11 Interpersonal Trauma Survivors. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 26(1), 21-31. https://doi.org/10.17761/1531-2054-26.1.21

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