Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness

According to modern understandings of post-traumatic stress, memories and emotions from trauma are often stored in the body. Consequently, some people with a history of trauma tend to feel disconnected from their bodies — known as dissociation — as a defence mechanism.  Traditional mindfulness practices often ask individuals to connect with sensations in their bodies. For trauma survivors, this form of connection doesn’t always feel safe.

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A trauma-informed approach to mindfulness works by modifying traditional meditation practices with grounding, anchoring, and self-regulation techniques to maintain balance in the nervous system, which can help traumatized people manage their symptoms and feel safer in their bodies.

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Trauma-informed mindfulness can also involve:

• performing a physical activity with present-moment awareness rather than sitting still in meditation

• observing objects, colours, or the space around you

• listening attentively to music as a mindful practice​​

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Trauma-sensitive modifications to mindfulness such as these could benefit anyone who’s experienced some degree of trauma, especially those with symptoms of post-traumatic stress or nervous system dysregulation.