We will offer an 8-week trauma-informed yoga series for survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and/or stalking in the fall. Please see below for more information and feel free to share with any students, staff, or faculty who would benefit from participating in this healing modality. Interest forms are due September 28, 2018 (located on our website and attached). Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! As always, thank you so much for your support and referrals.
Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors
Mission and Goals
UCLA CARE believes in all forms of healing and this program will explore reconnection to the self through mind, body, and spirit. In Bennett’s book, Emotional Yoga, she reminds us that our emotions often times act as a bridge between our bodies and minds, which are intimately intertwined and connected with our emotions (2002). This program will provide survivors of sexual violence a means of becoming reacquainted with their bodies, help them become grounded in the present moment, and allow them to explore the benefits of mindfulness as they flow breath to movement in guided practice and meditation.
Memories of sexually violent experiences can be intrusive, which can create challenges for survivors. These memories can also make it difficult for survivors who are looking to establish connection in their lives and learn how to trust again. The entire experience of practicing yoga, can help survivors find union between seemingly disconnected and challenging aspects of the self; allowing participants to slowly build the pieces into an integrated whole. In The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Treatment, Rothschild recognizes the need for therapy to consist of helping people to stay in their bodies and to delve deeper into understanding these important bodily sensations (2000).Yoga’s focus on self-acceptance provides survivors with tangible benefits that will become noticeable throughout their practice. This gradual integration can be transformational and healing for a survivor of sexual violence.
Program Structure
Yoga as Healing will be an 8-week program taking place during fall 2018. The class will meet Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm. Each class offers survivors a safe space to gain greater awareness around strength, stability, assertiveness, and mindfulness. Classes will have different themes, focus on various restorative postures, build strength in the core, explore positive affirmations, and will also be coupled with guided activities including de-briefing exercises, journaling, and art. Classes will allow survivors to re-connect with themselves and build community with their peers.
Classes will establish consistency and will build upon each other each week.
Program Dates
Yoga as healing interest forms due- September 28, 2018
8 week fall yoga as healing series (Tuesdays)
Session 1: October 9, 2018, 11am-1pm (orientation)
Theme: Intention
Session 2: October 16, 2018, 11am-12:30pm
Theme: Safety
Session 3: October 23, 2018, 11am- 1pm (art class)
Theme: Mindfulness and Self-care
Session 4: October 30, 11am-12:30pm
Theme: Boundaries
Session 5: November 6, 2018, 11am-12:30pm
Theme: Assertiveness
Session 6: November 13, 11am-12:30pm
Theme: Strength
Session 7: November 20, 2018, 11am-12:30pm
Theme: Trust
Session 8: November 27, 2018, 11am-1pm (closing and drumming)
Theme: Acceptance and Community
Zabie Yamasaki, M.Ed.
Program Director, Trauma Informed Programs
Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) and UCLA Campus and Student Resilience
(310) 825-5759
zyamasaki@careprogram.ucla.edu
For more information on resources and support, visit:
www.careprogram.ucla.edu and www.sexualviolence.ucla.edu
Confidential Resources
CARE Advocate
Resource navigation, support, and advocacy
To make an appointment with the CARE Advocate, call 310-206-2465 or e-mail advocate@careprogram.ucla.edu
CAPS
Counseling for sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. Counseling is available for all survivors, no matter when an assault occurred. Crisis counseling is also available 24 hours a day on the phone.
To make an appointment at the Counseling Center, call (310) 825-0768 or visit The Counseling Center.
Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica- UCLA Medical Center
Medical and counseling services for sexual assault survivors available 24 hours a day.
Call (424) 259-6000 or visit www.rapetreatmentcenter.org.
Student Legal Services
Assistance exploring your legal options.
Call (310) 825-9894 or visit www.studentlegal.ucla.edu
