Title: Trauma-Informed Yoga for Sex Trafficking Survivors
Featuring: Miriam Elizabeth E. Bowman, PhD

Survivors of domestic sex trafficking, both adult and minor children, experience complex trauma symptoms as a result of sexual abuse and exploitation, which may manifest in both psychological and somatic symptoms. Utilizing a trauma informed yoga framework for intervention with this population, clinicians can learn to engage and support this vulnerable population in a comprehensive way which addresses physical manifestations of trauma, as well as psychological.

Trauma-informed yoga incorporates elements of hatha yoga postures and movements with an emphasis on autonomy of the participant (i.e. using phrases such as “when you are ready to move” or limiting hands-on-adjustments as requested) as well as the internal experience of the individual through guided focus and attention given to the body during this designated time. During this presentation, participants will learn about the empirical foundations of trauma-informed yoga with trafficking survivors including the implications for individual and group clinical practice. Hands-on practice will be done during this workshop, including a demonstration of a trauma-informed group therapy session in small group breakout sessions. Providers will learn how to apply this intervention in clinical settings to various populations who have diagnosed C-PTSD or PTSD, as well as those with other experiences of trauma.