
Resources & Research
Explore a curated collection of articles, books, academic papers and trusted recommendations to support your understanding of trauma, nervous system regulation and how a body-led approach to recovery can support ongoing wellbeing. These resources reflect both the evidence-based foundations of my work and the wider field of ‘somatic’ (body-based) healing — offering insight, inspiration and deeper context for your own exploration.
WHAT IS TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA?
Yoga (body-breath-mind tools) can be so effective at re-connecting us with the experience of safely living in our bodies, without fear of their sensations minute-to-minute, that Dr Bessel van der Kolk, together with Yoga teacher David Emerson, pioneered Trauma Sensitive Yoga as a therapeutic tool at the Trauma Center in Boston, Massachusetts (now called the Center for Trauma and Embodiment).
RESEARCH INTO THE EFFICACY OF TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA
PTSD is a debilitating condition that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who have experienced traumatic events. Yoga is a form of mindful movement that has been shown to be effective in managing the symptoms of PTSD, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga is a therapeutic approach that has been developed to meet the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma.
INTEROCEPTION - THE CAPACITY TO RECEIVE INTERNAL MESSAGES FROM OUR BODY - AND WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO OUR WELLBEING
Interoception, the ability to sense the internal state of our body, is increasingly shown by neurobiological research to play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
YOGA AND BREATHWORK PRACTICES AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatment options for MDD include therapy, medication, and a combination of both, however, alternative therapies, such as Yoga and breathwork, are also gaining attention as potential treatment options.
BREATHING PRACTICES FOR TREATMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC AND STRESS-RELATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Breathing practices have been used for centuries in various cultures and mindfulness-based practices, such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, as a vital means of promoting physical and mental wellbeing. In recent decades, there has been increasing scientific interest in the use of such practices as an adjunct treatment for psychiatric and stress-related medical conditions.
IMPACTS OF YOGA, BREATHWORK & MINDFULNESS PRACTICES ON BRAIN CHEMISTRY AND FEELINGS OF WELLBEING
Yoga has been gaining popularity as a complementary and alternative therapy for a variety of health conditions, and has been studied as a potential adjunctive treatment for epilepsy, depression and PTSD.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF PSYCHEDELICS?
Psychedelics like psilocybin (the psycho-active compound found in magic mushrooms), used respectfully and intelligently, can be a powerful tool for healing.
STUDIES ON PSILOCYBIN AND DEPRESSION
Psilocybin, a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound found in certain ‘magic’ mushrooms, is being studied as a potential treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is a type of depression that does not respond to traditional treatments.
Stress, Trauma & recovery
Trauma Sensitive Yoga & yoga
therapy
Spiritual traditions - history,
philosophy & practice