Trauma is in the room.

Leading meditation practices in a trauma-sensitive way is a passion of mine, and today, I'm opening the space to share some reflections and guidance I've gathered over the years.

My journey into this area started when I found myself struggling with guided meditations I joined at various studios and online. Even though the atmosphere was calming and the instructors' voices were soothing, I noticed that while some sessions left me feeling good or at least okay, others made me quite uncomfortable or even anxious.

It wasn’t until a while later, that I realised my reactions were tied to suffering from PTSD. The meditation teachers were unaware of my condition and triggers I should avoid, but, did they need to be? At that time, I wasn’t even aware of it myself. Also, in many cases, there wasn’t the right environment for sharing personal experiences, which is an important aspect of creating a safe space. One group out, another in - the reality of drop-in sessions…

That said if some principles could guide all teachers when leading meditation and relaxation sessions, the space would be inclusive and without unnecessary activation of our nervous system. This is why we should care about trauma-informed guidelines even if we’re not trauma specialists. Therefore, the list I’m providing below is intended for all meditation and yoga teachers and can also be useful to anyone in the wellness field.

6 Reminders for Leading Trauma-Sensitive Sessions + 1 optional

1. Keep informed

Let participants know what to expect during the session and how long it will last. There's no need for excessive detail; simply mentioning that, for example, the practice will take about 15 minutes and will include periods of silence can help alleviate worries and invite openness to the experience.

2. Offer choices

Empowering the participants by providing options for their practice is crucial when working with trauma survivors. Let them decide about their posture — whether they prefer to sit (and how), lie down, or stand. You can also suggest different spots in the room — maybe a cosy corner or something quite opposite like a spot close to the exit. Encourage them to choose what kind of anchor feels right for them, whether that’s something inside themselves or an external focus. Oh, and ask if they'd prefer to keep their eyes open or closed during the practice! Remember not to overwhelm with choices, 3 - 4 options are sufficient.

3. Avoid triggering settings

Be mindful of the environment. It’s best to steer clear of dim lighting, eerie music, or tight spaces since what feels atmospheric to you might make someone else feel anxious.

4. Invite gentle movement

Rather than encouraging complete stillness, suggest gentle movement, such as swaying from side to side while sitting in meditation to avoid the feeling of being stuck in a freeze mode.

5. Respect privacy

Do not take photos or record videos of participants, especially when they are practicing. This is unfortunately increasingly common but at the same time very intrusive. Always prioritise participants' privacy by cultivating trust and respect.

6. Use loving-kindness practices thoughtfully

It's important to take a gentle approach when it comes to loving-kindness and forgiveness practices. Everyone is on their own journey, and some of us might not feel ready to express gratitude or send love to others just yet, and that's totally understandable.

* OPTIONAL: Provide modifications and/or support for triggered participants

Being ready to offer modifications and support to those who may feel triggered during your sessions requires trauma-sensitive training and experience but learning this type of approach can make a massive difference therefore it’s really worth diving into.

I hope you find this list helpful. If you haven’t had a chance to try all these directions yet or are just getting started, remember that recognising the need for awareness is always the first (essential) step! I’ll never forget the words of my insightful trauma-sensitive mindfulness teacher, David Treleaven: “If you are in a room of people, statistically, trauma is also in that room”.

Mindfully,
Jo x

This blog entry is an extended version of my Instagram post from December 2024.
Check: @mindfully_with_jo