When we experience trauma, it is not just the mind that is affected. The body is too, it can often feel unfamiliar or even unsafe, and so our minds can easily disconnect. That can make experiencing life challenging. One way to move towards recovery is to reconnect and reclaim the body as our own through trauma sensitive and trauma informed yoga and movement.

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Trauma informed yoga method is an approach to creating a safe, supportive space in which students can learn emotional regulation skills through connection with the breath and increased body awareness including grounding, self-awareness, managing the stress-system and reducing the fear response.​ The approach aims to empower individuals, and to engage in an activity that supports the development of safe and supportive relationships.

 

What is the aim of Trauma informed yoga

• Gain a greater awareness of their body

• Notice any sensations in their own body (Interoception)

• Developing skills of self regulation to build our resilience

• Exploring ways of finding safety in our mind and body

• Help to release tension (trauma) stored in their body

• Learn to recognise and tolerate physical sensations

• Develop a positive relationship between mind and body

• Help improve anxiety, stress, low mood and worry

• Cultivate a sense of empowerment

 

​​I started my journey with somatic healing 4 years ago. Finding somatic healing and trauma informed yoga, movement and bodywork practices were like finding a missing piece to a puzzle in supporting people on their healing journey. I specialise within this field to help others regain a sense of safety within and to begin the healing journey in their mind and body. I am dedicated to guiding others towards finding their own healing journey.

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Trauma Informed Yoga group sessions

​​- Our TIY courses further support mind-body healing and emotional regulation to aid with trauma recovery.

- Educational handouts provided for all skills and yoga sequences, for the individuals to practice outside of class.

- Classes offer individuals to learn and experience emotional regulation skills through breathwork, somatic techniques such as       EFT tapping, Havening, Brainspotting and EMDR.

- Classes offer the space for individuals  to learn and experience mudras and sound healing

- Individuals can make up missed classes within the term by attending another class.

​- Online classes offer the space for individuals to attend anonymously. 

- Suitable for individuals from all fitness level, age, gender identities, health issues, no experience needed.

- Adolescents 14+ are welcome to attend all classes in person and online

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Trauma Informed Yoga classes

Myself, Karen and Emma are running nine-week Trauma Informed Yoga, Supportive Movement Yoga and Trauma Informed Yoga Nidra classes - with both in person and online classes.

Level 1 is designed for all abilities, and clients do not need any prior yoga experience to participate. Trauma informed yoga is a gentle, mindful approach that emphasises slow, conscious movements and body awareness. This group provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can begin to reconnect with their bodies, improve their mind body connection, and build a greater sense of safety and self awareness. Through gentle movement, breath practices and guided relaxation, participants can learn practical skills to help reduce stress, release physical and emotional tension, improve body awareness, and support emotional regulation. 

Level 2  sessions are designed for clients who have completed Level 1 or have prior yoga experience. Level 2 offers clients space to deepen their somatic awareness and enhancing their ability to regulate their nervous system through safe, trauma informed movement and breath practices. Clients are supported to explore a broader range of trauma informed movement,emotional regulation skills, mindfulness, and grounding practices that enhance their understanding of the connection between the body, mind, and nervous system. Level 2 encourages participants to develop greater confidence in recognising and responding to their body's cues, helping them build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and expand their capacity to move between states of activation and calm. These sessions continue to emphasise choice, safety, and self-awareness and empowering clients to conintue to develop self regulation tools.

Supportive movement yoga- This trauma informed group incorporates chair based movement, breathwork, grounding practices, and gentle yoga to help clients engage at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

While chairs are used throughout the class, they are offered as a tool for stability, choice, and containment, particularly beneficial for clients who may find floor based classes overwhelming. The group offers clients the space for to help their body and minds feel regulated and calm, rebuild safety within the body, develop grounding tools and improve confidence with movement.

Yoga Nidra -  Yoga Nidra, often referred to as "yogic sleep," is a guided meditation practice that invites participants into a state of deep relaxation while remaining awake and aware. Yoga Nidra is widely recognised for its ability to support people experiencing PTSD, chronic pain, sleep difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation. By activating the body's natural relaxation response, Yoga Nidra can help reduce hypervigilance, ease physical and emotional tension, and create a greater sense of safety and calm within the body. Participants simply rest comfortably while being guided through a structured relaxation process. Many people report feeling deeply rested, refreshed, and more grounded after a session.

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The Trauma informed yoga groups are open for individuals to attend self-funded at an investment of $450 for 9 sessions.  

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You may be eligible for ACC fully funded Trauma Informed Yoga Group Therapy Classes if you have an accepted ‘Sensitive Claim’ from past sexual trauma and are currently undertaking therapy with an approved ACC therapist. Talk with your ACC therapist who can assist in enrolling you for one of our group classes. I am happy to provide individuals with information on how to access ACC funding. 

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Feel free to get in contact through the website or email directly at sonya@vibrantmindtherapy.com

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Term dates for ACC and private clients:

Term 3: 21st July - 17th September 2026

Term 4: 13th October - 10th December 2026

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​Timetable for 2026​

​​​​​​​​​​Tuesday                                                                   Wednesday                                                                  Thursday

10:00am - Level 1 Yoga - Christchurch                               10:00am - Supportive Movement Yoga - Christchurch 

11:30am - Level 2 Yoga - Christchurch                               11:30am - Yoga Nidra - Christchurch

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1:30pm  - Supportive Movement Yoga   - Online                                                                                                                 1:30pm  - Level 1 Yoga    - Online

6:00pm  - Level 2 Yoga - Online                                                                                                                                           6:00pm  - Level 1 Yoga   - Online

7:30pm  - Yoga Nidra    - Online

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​​​For the ACC lead provider 

Clients are allocated 32 group hours per year. The group hours are IN ADDITION to Package A or B hours. 

Clients that have an accepted PTSD diagnosis under the Mental Injury Caused by Physical Injury claim can speak to their ACC case manager about attending the trauma informed yoga groups. You are welcome to apply for 2 terms of yoga for your client which allows time for some fundamental patterns to shift. 

You are welcome to apply for 2 terms of yoga for your client which allows time for some fundamental patterns to shift. 

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Purchase Order Request: 

To arrange approval for a client to attend the group, please contact the client's case manager. 

Please request PO for :

NCP Services (G0E543)

SCSGTT x 1 and SCSGT x 15 hours

PO Date Range – 13th October - 10th December 2026

Service provider: Sonya McCullough Vibrant Mind ( 25BSZK)

Can you please ask the PO to be copied to  Sonya@vibrantmindtherapy.com

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Please forward PO approval for the group attendance to confirm course acceptance for your client to sonya@vibrantmindtherapy.com

 

Once referred, Sonya  will contact your client to undertake the triage process prior to commencing the group.  After Triage the client and lead provider will be send a welcome email and Wellness survey. 

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​Christchurch address: Risingholme Park Hall, Best Entrance and parking are at 99 Hawford Road carpark, there are 15 carparks at this entrance. On Street Parking and Pedestrian entrances on Hawford Road, Reeves Road or Cholmondeley Avenue, it is a short walk through the park

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What to expect

An hour long session in which intentional body scans, pauses and slow movement will be presented to the indivduals. The sequence will offer variations in movement. The choice to stop at any point during the practice, to keep the camera on/off, to take more time in a certain posture or movement is up to the individual.  Participants do not have to talk to each other, acknowledging that some people may find it difficult to be in group situations. We hold a space for people to explore their inner and outer experiences safely through the medium of yoga, breath and sound healing.

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​This practice is different from Traditional Yoga classes in the following ways

Emphasis on safe cueing, for safe practice

Simple Postures

Slower Pace

Trauma sensitive language: Invitational, Investigative, Reinforcing choice, Inclusive etc.

Exploratory

Can be practiced on a chair

Less about the form of the posture and more about the feeling of it.

The focus is more on the internal experience of the participant (interoception)

The practice is accessible and open to everyone, regardless of flexibility, experience, age, gender.

There are no physical assists in Trauma informed yoga, you are invited, never coerced in your practice.

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Facilitators

Sonya McCullough - Registered therapist, I have worked within the mental health field for over 20 years and facilitated therapeutic groups within hospitals and community settings. I have Master degree in Health studies and have trained in various somatic therapy methods including Brainspotting (developed from EMDR), Havening Technique and Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT Tapping). Sonya has completed Foundational Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), Sensory Enhanced Yoga for Self-Regulation and Trauma Healing with additional certifications in Trauma Informed Yoga, Yoga Nidra and sound healing. Sonya has completed 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, she is currently completing 300 hours Yoga teacher training. Sonya has completed Trauma informed yoga for children and adolescents and yoga anatomy and physiology for children and adolescents. 

Karen Smith - Registered counselor,  Karen is an experienced practitioner working with people with various forms of trauma and addictions. She has a lifetime interest in yoga, tai chi, and dance as methods of moving and transforming. She is currently undertaking Trauma Informed Yoga training. She is a client centered therapist trained in various therapy methods including Dream Work, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and Brainspotting. Karen has a passion for empowering people to find and grow their strengths. To develop strategies to cope with life, trauma, and addictions. Karen’s compassionate and accepting nature encourages clients to explore their life and its challenges.

During the term Karen teaches emotional regulation strategies, breath exercises and mudras as well as holding a safe, warm and therapeutic space for clients.

Emma Bickley - Registered Social Worker, Emma is an experienced practitioner working with people with various forms of trauma and addictions. She has a lifetime interest in yoga, meditation, poetry, music, spiritual identity, Te Ao Māori and other cultural/holistic arts to support healing and transformation. Emma has completed Somatic breathing course and Trauma Informed Yoga training. She is a kiritaki centred therapist trained in various therapy methods including DBT, Motivational Interviewing and CBT. Emma has a passion for empowering people to find and grow their strengths and own unique inner wisdom. Emma often has feedback from others that she has a calming presence that supports others to connect with their own sense of calm and inner peace.

During the term Emma teaches emotional regulation strategies, breath exercises and mudras as well as holding a safe, warm and therapeutic space for clients.

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