Trauma-Informed Yoga in Columbia, MD.
Yoga is about the union of your mind and body. Trauma disrupts this union.
Alongside therapy, yoga can help you reconnect and heal.
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“What is trauma-informed yoga?”
Trauma-informed yoga aims to create a physical space that offers you safety, containment, and an invitation to explore movement or stillness in ways that support autonomy and awareness.
During our time together, I will offer you invitations, choices, shared experiences, and an environment that supports your needs.
Yoga may be a wonderful addition to your therapy if:
You want to feel more present in your everyday life
You experience tension in your body
You would like to explore choice over your body through mindful movement
Yoga studios feel overwhelming, and you'd like to explore movement in an individual or small group setting
You have a desire to deepen your understanding of yoga and its benefits
You would like to learn more about how mindfulness can support your wellbeing
About Sharnise
I was inspired through my own yoga and wellness journey to complete yoga teacher training in 2018. I have since completed continued training and education in teaching yoga specifically for survivors of trauma. I have completed training via The Prison Yoga Project as well as the 300-hour facilitator certification program for Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY).
My teaching style invites you to recognize your moment-to-moment experiences while remembering to meet yourself with curiosity and compassion as you explore movement and stillness. I value the incorporation of yoga philosophy as it has been greatly impactful to my life and yoga practice and I share aspects of yoga philosophy in each of my classes.
Check out my contribution to Zola Counseling's blog on Trauma-Informed Yoga.
About Shannon (Shea)
I am a dedicated yoga instructor who is 8 years into my yoga journey. My passion for holistic well-being pulled me towards yoga, specifically Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin and Kripalu. I enjoy blending traditional practices with modern insights. I completed my certification through Kripalu Center of Yoga and Health. Aligning the mind and body through yoga is a tool that creates healing and self awareness.
My teaching style and philosophy centers on fostering balance, mindfulness, strength and creativity aiming to support students by guiding them towards achieving both physical and mental well-being. I believe in the transformative power of yoga and am committed to creating a safe space and inclusive environment that is accessible for all practitioners.
“I believe that yoga reminds us of our innate goodness and autonomy. Cultivating a yoga practice can support the restoration of connectedness to one's body and alleviate anxiety, fear, and dis-ease in our lives.”
-Sharnise hendrick
“What benefits do people get from yoga?”
Increased awareness of sensations
Increased tolerance of felt experiences
New language to describe what is happening within their bodies
Decreased tension and physical pain
Enhanced connectedness to unrestricted breathing
Increased sense of control and identification of choices
Reduction in anxiety symptoms
“Is yoga a good fit for me?”
Each person’s experience within their bodies and thus, within their yoga practice is different. Yoga can be a wonderful adjunct to therapy as it can support increased tolerance for noticing the body. Yoga is not always the ideal initial intervention, and it may be best to spend some time in therapy before beginning yoga.
Note: Please consult with your doctor before engaging in yoga if you have any preexisting health concerns.
What to Expect
When private lessons are offered, we will work together to decide on the frequency and duration of private lessons. Together we will explore movements that support you being in your body.
When offered, private lessons will be one (1) hour long. Scheduled group yoga classes may be longer depending upon the class type.
You will be provided information on the principles of trauma-informed yoga and we will collaborate with you to create a practice that suits your current needs and goals.
Want to learn more about our current yoga offers?