The Lived Experience of Teaching Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

209 Pages·2017·0.76 MB·English

THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING TRAUMA-SENSITIVE YOGA

A DISSERTATION
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

BY
EVAN ALYSE BODINE, M.A.

DENTON, TEXAS
AUGUST 2017
ProQuest Number:10271090

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TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
DENTON, TEXAS

September 30, 2016
To the Dean of the Graduate School:
I am submitting herewith a dissertation written by Evan Alyse Bodine entitled “The
Lived Experience of Teaching Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.” I have examined this
dissertation for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy with a major in Counseling
Psychology.

______________________________
Jeff E. Harris, Ph.D., Major Professor
We have read this dissertation and recommend its acceptance:
______________________________
Sally D. Stabb, Ph.D.

______________________________
Linda Rubin, Ph.D.

______________________________
Nicole Holmes, Ph.D.

______________________________
Department Chair

Accepted:

_______________________________
Dean of the Graduate School
Copyright © Evan Alyse Bodine, 2017 all rights reserved.
iii
DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to my family—
Carl, Mom, and Dad.
For teaching me love, balance, and curiosity.

iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to acknowledge those who have helped me throughout graduate
school. Thank you to my dissertation chair, Dr. Jeff Harris, for providing me with
support, feedback, and reassurance throughout this project. Most importantly, thank you
for encouraging me to be true to my passions for therapy and yoga. I would also like to
thank the members of my dissertation committee, Dr. Stabb, Dr. Rubin, and Dr. Holmes,
for providing me with perspectives that strengthened this study and my writing. I would
also like to express my gratitude to David Emerson, not only for his encouragement of
this endeavor, but for his inspiring commitment to trauma-sensitive yoga.
Thank you to my parents, for encouraging me to look inward and reflect from a
young age. You both have always supported me, and I am grateful beyond words to have
you in my life. Rachel, thank you for sharing in endless laughter and heartfelt words.
Thank you to Carl, my partner. You have been by my side throughout graduate school
and I am so thankful for your love, patience, and generosity. Thank you for supporting
me, making me laugh, providing international tech support, and encouraging this dream
of mine. Sharing this journey with you has made it so much more full and meaningful.
Finally, I would like to thank my friends. Thank you to Caitlyn and Kerry, for
your cross-country calls that reminded me of my roots while I grew so much throughout
school. Kathryn, thank you for your deep connection and compassion as we began this
professional endeavor. Thank you to my friends that I have met in my graduate program.
v
You all have shared your time, laughter, hugs, and tears. I feel honored to be part of your
journeys.

vi
ABSTRACT

EVAN ALYSE BODINE

THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING TRAUMA-SENSITIVE YOGA

AUGUST 2017

Some survivors of trauma may develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD;
Briere & Scott, 2013). However, experiencing repeated trauma within a relationship or
during childhood can result in complex posttraumatic symptoms. These survivors tend to
develop symptoms that contribute to challenges with relationships, emotional regulation,
consciousness, identity, and self-perception, as well as somatic complaints. Complex
PTSD is a suggested diagnostic category that conceptualizes this unique expression of
symptoms of survivors with complex traumatic histories (Herman, 1992; van der Kolk,
2006). Trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY; Emerson & Hopper, 2011) is an evidence-based
complementary treatment that provides survivors with a way to engage with their bodies
and the present moment. To date, no research has been conducted with TSY facilitators.
Thus, the current study explored the lived experiences of 11 TSY facilitators. This
inquiry used a phenomenological approach, using semi-structured interviews to
understand how facilitating TSY impacts facilitators’ lives. Results yielded 9 themes:
Attitudes and Experiences of Yoga, Professionalism and Professional Identity,
Experience of Teaching, Impact of Mental Health Training, Impact of Personal Trauma
History, Professional Impact, Personal Growth, Personal Challenges, and Future
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Professional Directions. Each theme was composed of several codes, which are explained
in detail. The results were consistent with existing literature and added unique findings to
the literature on yoga, yoga teachers, and trauma treatment. The implications of this study
offer best practice recommendations for practice, training, and supervision of TSY
facilitators as this trauma treatment modality grows in popularity and on an international
scale. Implications for additional research endeavors are offered.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

COPYRIGHT .............................................................................................................. iii
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................ iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........................................................................................... v
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................... vii

Chapter

I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1

Purpose of Project ............................................................................................. 8
Key Terms ......................................................................................................... 8

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE .......................................................................... 11

Yoga ................................................................................................................ 11
Benefits ............................................................................................... 13
Yoga Therapy ...................................................................................... 15
Yoga Teachers ................................................................................................ 15
Trauma ............................................................................................................ 17
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ............................................................ 19
Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ............................................ 20
Traditional Conceptualizations of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ..... 22
Behavioral .............................................................................. 23
Cognitive ................................................................................ 24
Holistic Conceptualizations ............................................................... 25
Traditional Treatments ....................................................................... 28
Exposure ................................................................................ 28
Cognitive Processing ............................................................. 28
Limitations of Traditional Treatments ................................... 29
Complementary Treatments ............................................................... 31
Yoga and Trauma ............................................................................... 32
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