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TRAUMA-CONSCIOUS YOGA
The purpose of trauma-conscious care through yoga is not to treat disorders but to create the best possible environment and relationships in which to heal.
Gianna is a Certified Practitioner (TCYM) of The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute and has several years' experience as an Inpatient Psychiatric Trauma-Conscious Yoga Therapist. As a Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method Certified Practitioner, Gianna values "The Four 'R's' of Trauma-Informed Practice", as outlined by the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care and which are valued by The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute:
Gianna recognizes and understands the very specialized needs of this vulnerable population, the wide spectrum of types of trauma, symptoms, and severity of symptoms that people can experience, including the impact trauma has on one's body, mind, nervous system, sense of self, and worldview. Accordingly, she compassionately prioritizes providing a space that is safe not only physically, but mentally, and emotionally, as well, to surround those with whom she works.
She is gently straightforward to ensure her clients/patients have a clear understanding about their bodily autonomy, as well as knowledge of their self-given permission to make choices at all times regarding their level of participation. Most importantly, Gianna always invites individuals to feel welcome to communicate with her as needed and to participate in their yoga session in a way that is meaningful to them. And sometimes, what might be the most meaningful to someone is to return to sitting comfortably in stillness for a time, and that is okay. Trauma-Conscious Therapeutic Yoga must always be invitatory in its languaging and provide mindful, compassionate reminders for individuals to always feel welcome to pause during their session, should they begin to experience feeling fearful, anxious, emotionally dysregulated or to, otherwise, recognize it is necessary to pause for a time. Gianna continues to compassionately hold space and provide support as needed, as they take the time they need to feel safe in their body and to rejoin participating, once they feel ready to do so. |
PHILOSOPHY REGARDING TOUCH AND HANDS-ON ASSISTS:
Gianna's philosophy regarding touch and hands-on assists align with those of The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Institute: "...We are less concerned about physical alignment (we are concerned to the degree that we want to make sure people don't injure themselves), and we are more concerned with emotional alignment and integration of mind, body, heart, and spirit." Certainly, should there be an occasion where touch may be supportive, the purpose for touch is always clearly stated, and a student's consent is requested. Ultimately, however, the decision for touch or no touch is always made by the client. 
We invite mindfulness and compassion into our hearts, and from our hearts we offer mindfulness and compassion toward others.
-- Gianna
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