The effects of trauma-informed yoga as an enhancement to the practice of EMDR for posttraumatic stress disorder: An exploratory pilot study

This novel pilot study assesses if Trauma-Informed Yoga (TIY) provides a platform for promoting the preparatory and regulatory skills necessary for EMDR when treating PTSD. Nine clients completed two EMDR sessions per week for three weeks. One EMDR session was preceded by TIY. Surveys and exit interviews were administered to therapists and clients following each EMDR session. We found that practicing TIY prior to EMDR encouraged interoception, mind-body connectedness, tolerance, and relaxation, thus suggesting it is beneficial to EMDR.

Deslie Bonano-Broussard
Rhonda Simmons
Richard Agera

Bonano-Broussard, D., Simmons, R., & Agera, R. (2023, April). The effects of trauma-informed yoga as an enhancement to the practice of EMDR for posttraumatic stress disorder: An exploratory pilot study. Social Work in Mental Health. doi:10.1080/15332985.2023.2201366