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Trauma-Informed Yoga: A Toolbox for Therapists: 47 Practices to Calm Balance, and Restore the Nervous System


Although many forms of trauma treatment rely solely on talk therapy as a means of healing, we cannot “talk out” every issue related to trauma. Indeed, trauma is stored in the body and the brain and must be treated as such.

Designed with both mental health clinicians and clients in mind, Trauma-Informed Yoga offers 47 short, simple practices that regulate the autonomic nervous system, calm the racing mind, and center those of us living chaotic 21st century lives.

Drawing from over 20 years of teaching and clinical practice, Spence masterfully weaves together the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern neuroscience and clinical practice in an accessible and compassionate manner.

This how-to toolbox will arm you with knowledge and with powerful, yet simple, mind-body activities that reduce suffering and increase well-being.

36 reviews for Trauma-Informed Yoga: A Toolbox for Therapists: 47 Practices to Calm Balance, and Restore the Nervous System

  1. LJBW
    October 7, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yoga exercises
    Helps me learn mindfulness.
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    cheryl Simmons
    March 26, 2023
    1.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    I love it
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    Ashutosh Dixit
    August 30, 2022
    Your book healed my heart!
    While I was reading your book last night, my heart became very warm and cosy, invigorated by the love filled language in the book. So much so that I s...More
    While I was reading your book last night, my heart became very warm and cosy, invigorated by the love filled language in the book. So much so that I started to feel the sensations very palpably as if it was pumping love to my entire body and outside of it. I could feel my organs utterly smiling and a very strong shield of love developing around me, raising my frequency higher to pure love. I felt like all the energetic scars I had been holding on to had started to dissolve in that moment. The sensation persisted for quite a long time and in that moment I knew that all the love and compassion with which you have written the book has been poured into my cellular memory and healing has been brought to me in a way worth experiencing in this lifetime.
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    L.K. Najera Gargano author of Honoring Essential Home Care Workers, Modern Teens Talk Puberty and Growing Up, and Spotlight on Diversity word search game books
    June 14, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real treasure ! Opening this treasure chest and using its jewels has changed my life.
    I bought this because of the help I thought it would provide for me as someone who is a survivor of childhood abuse, neglect and abandonment as well a...More
    I bought this because of the help I thought it would provide for me as someone who is a survivor of childhood abuse, neglect and abandonment as well as having trauma of having escaped both a kidnapping and 9/11 in Manhattan .It delivers in a big way! Well-written, well-referenced, easy to follow, and comprehensive, it is a handbook for help and recovery. I use many of the activities every day and I am not a therapist or professional using it in a professional practice, but an everyday person looking to feel better.
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    cori
    June 4, 2022
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not what I thought it would be
    I wish the book went more in depth. All of the “practices” listed in the back were things I already knew how to cue
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    Natasha Ratajczak
    May 5, 2022
    Helpful teaching tool
    Good book .
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    James P. Aulwes
    March 9, 2022
    5.0 out of 5 stars Get this book!
    I am not a clinician but I am on healing journey and I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have learned so much!
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    Brandi
    September 25, 2021
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good for therapist who have no yoga background
    This book is basic knowledge of yoga. It’s great for therapists with no background in yoga. Otherwise, it’s a waste of money on giving breathing techn...More
    This book is basic knowledge of yoga. It’s great for therapists with no background in yoga. Otherwise, it’s a waste of money on giving breathing techniques and how to do PMR.
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    Shannon Defelice
    September 16, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must have!
    This is a wonderful tool, even if you know nothing about yoga. Very usable, concise and enjoyable to read.
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    zephyr
    August 25, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read
    Instructional for beginners or more advanced practitioners
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    luann Richardson
    July 8, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful resource for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
    A practical and invaluable "tool box" for Psychiatric NPs. As a faculty member, I have used the book to give students an additional non-pharmacologica...More
    A practical and invaluable "tool box" for Psychiatric NPs. As a faculty member, I have used the book to give students an additional non-pharmacological therapeutic option for patient/client care--and we actually do some of the exercises in class to "practice." Personally, I have used several of the examples in the book in my own clinical practice to better integrate physiological and psychological aspects of healing and holistic care. A great book to have at your side in daily practice.
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    Sally G
    June 17, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Book!!!
    Trauma-Informed Yoga is a very special gift that keeps on giving. It has helped calm and relax my entire body, mind and spirit as well as those around...More
    Trauma-Informed Yoga is a very special gift that keeps on giving. It has helped calm and relax my entire body, mind and spirit as well as those around me. I sent a copy to a family member and the results were phenomenal! Joanne’s instructions are clear, easy to follow and it feels as if she is in the room guiding every step of the way with her friendly, loving, lighthearted approach. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND gifting this book to your friends and family.
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    Elizabeth A Campbell
    June 4, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for yoga teachers
    This book integrates practices with theory. Great for yoga teachers and/or students.
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    Gretchen C.
    June 3, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Teacher's Dream!
    LOVE! This book has oodles of easy to use practices that take but a few moments to read about and implement. I have used them with my student and our...More
    LOVE! This book has oodles of easy to use practices that take but a few moments to read about and implement. I have used them with my student and our staff this year and saw a difference within just a few "practices". I love it and highly recommend this book!
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    Leslie Wright
    May 26, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible
    Joanne Spence does an excellent job of explaining the Polyvagal Theory to her readers, especially to readers who are unfamiliar with the concept. The...More
    Joanne Spence does an excellent job of explaining the Polyvagal Theory to her readers, especially to readers who are unfamiliar with the concept. The book is full of useful and accessible ideas to manage and shift energy—even if you are neither a yoga practitioner nor a therapist.
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    ko
    April 25, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read and practical
    This is an easy-to-read guide through some great practices for a therapist to bring into the therapy room, or for a person who wants to bolster their ...More
    This is an easy-to-read guide through some great practices for a therapist to bring into the therapy room, or for a person who wants to bolster their own therapy or add appropriate yoga and breathing exercises to their process of healing from trauma. The purpose is explained well, the practicality is there, and the book is organized in a helpful way.
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    Kristie lindblom
    April 24, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for practitioners and therapists alike
    I have practiced yoga for over 25 years and have taught yoga for over a decade. I also work in trauma (social worker) and have taught yoga in trauma ...More
    I have practiced yoga for over 25 years and have taught yoga for over a decade. I also work in trauma (social worker) and have taught yoga in trauma informed settings. This book hits the nail on the head for fundamental understandings of what trauma is and how yoga can support healing. It also provides meaningful insight as to what trauma informed practices look like. I also enjoyed how accessible it was for folks who may not be in either fields of trauma or yoga. Recommend for sure!
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    Sandra
    April 2, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful resource for yoga therapists working in trauma treatment
    The book is a wonderful resource and toolbox as stated in the title. Joanne clearly has a lot of experience working with trauma clients and successfu...More
    The book is a wonderful resource and toolbox as stated in the title. Joanne clearly has a lot of experience working with trauma clients and successfully helped them on their healing journey. Her approach to teaching different theories is accessible and understandable. I have a second copy to share with a fellow yoga therapist and look for to sharing the techniques with my own clients.
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    Esther Carole Brandon
    March 25, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful resource for Teachers, Coaches, and all Humans
    Joanne Spence is a wonderful writer. The book is a comprehensive workbook with a balance of : 1. Joanne’s own story of how she developed the practic...More
    Joanne Spence is a wonderful writer. The book is a comprehensive workbook with a balance of : 1. Joanne’s own story of how she developed the practices from her need and experiences, 2.clearly written theory written in plain uncluttered language that weaves the theory and the practices together. I thought her description of the PolyVagal was the best description I have ever read, including great descriptive graphics. I highly recommend this book to pre-k-12 teachers, administrators, social workers, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, and all other staff.

    Esther Sadie Brandon M.S.Ed.
    Esther Brandon Well-Being Coaching
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    beriosequenza
    March 22, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for yoga teachers!
    Love all the practices in this book! So many to choose from depending on what you need.
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    JenKH
    March 19, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars more than for therapists
    Joanne Spence is the ideal person to write this book. She has healed her own body using the yoga practices she provides in this book for therapists. S...More
    Joanne Spence is the ideal person to write this book. She has healed her own body using the yoga practices she provides in this book for therapists. She tells her own story of healing and helping others, along with her discovery of the scientific basis for why this therapy works. The second half of the book, devoted to the practices for therapists to use with their clients, is easy enough to follow even if you are not a therapist or a professional yogi. I am an amateur at yoga and not a therapist, and I am able to follow Joanne's instructions for the 47 practices. The workbook size allows you to open to a specific practice and set it down without the pages flipping shut. I actually think the information and the practices in this book are useful to anyone who wants to calm anxiety, quiet the mind, and listen to their body.
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    Sharon Burkett
    March 18, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful interweaving of science and yoga tradition.
    Joanne Spence provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the neuroscience behind the efficacy of yoga that also honors it’s innate wisdom. I ap...More
    Joanne Spence provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the neuroscience behind the efficacy of yoga that also honors it’s innate wisdom. I appreciate the functional layout which allows for quick access to specific practices as well as the sample charts and resources. This is definitely the best place to start when desiring to implement simple and effective yoga practices with students and clients!
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    Dr. Sherri
    March 17, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, Powerful, and Progressive
    Hats off to Joanne Spence for Trauma Informed Yoga: A toolbox for therapists. As a NEW yoga practitioner and a clinical social worker, this text is a ...More
    Hats off to Joanne Spence for Trauma Informed Yoga: A toolbox for therapists. As a NEW yoga practitioner and a clinical social worker, this text is a great resource. It provides practical, powerful, and progressive exercises to journey with clients on their path toward hope, healing, and health. It is also a good self-care tool. My favorite chapter, well one of my favorite chapters is the Polyvagal Theory Essentials. It makes complicated information understandable to the common reader. I also appreciate that the practices are organized into calming, balancing, and energizing practices. Thank you Joanne. This will be a go-to for years to come! I can't wait for the sequel!
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    alaa
    March 16, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great tool and timely content.
    Will be using this information n myself and for clients. Very well written.
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    Kelly M.
    March 15, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible resource for clinicians, therapists, teachers, and yoga practitioners!
    Trauma- Informed Yoga is a well-rounded presentation of both theory and practice. For those that are not clinically trained, the text gives solid back...More
    Trauma- Informed Yoga is a well-rounded presentation of both theory and practice. For those that are not clinically trained, the text gives solid background about trauma, helping the reader to understand the definition of trauma as well as explaining the basic science behind how trauma affects the human nervous system. As a yoga instructor, I personally LOVE the "toolbox" of easily accessible practices that Joanne provides for her readers. I will definitely be utilizing these practices when teaching my classes, and also in my own life as I navigate life's daily stressors!
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    Kevin Flynn
    March 15, 2021
    Practical, clear, wise
    I’ve been looking forward to this book for a long time. It turns out to be even better than I’d hoped. Joanne Spence brings years of training and expe...More
    I’ve been looking forward to this book for a long time. It turns out to be even better than I’d hoped. Joanne Spence brings years of training and experience together in a book notable for clarity and comprehension. The practices are solidly grounded in in fundamentals of yoga and polyvagal theory. Diagrams, illustrations, and sample log sheets are useful and clear. No doubt, the scripts for leading people through each practice have been refined through the author’s use over time as they are models of clarity.
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    Sharon
    March 14, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible and practical - Perfect tool for incorporating yoga
    This is a beautiful book! The practices are accessible and described with enough detail so they can be easily incorporated into a personal practice o...More
    This is a beautiful book! The practices are accessible and described with enough detail so they can be easily incorporated into a personal practice or a group setting. As the world faces hope in a return to somewhat normalcy, this book is perfectly timed to help us restore and calm our battered nervous systems. Thank you for this gift Joanne.
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    Doreen Corwith Eckert
    March 13, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars well-written, useful and clear
    Joanne's book is clear and insightful. It has inspired me to take even better care of myself so I can be present for my clients. Some of the tools I...More
    Joanne's book is clear and insightful. It has inspired me to take even better care of myself so I can be present for my clients. Some of the tools I have learned in other contexts but understand now in terms of trauma, and so many new tools will support my students and clients. Her scripts for each practice is a nice addition not often found in books. I look forward to playing with this tool box for years to come.
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    Molly
    March 13, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Important book for yoga teachers as well as therapists
    Trauma-informed Yoga makes the complex Polyvagal theory both accessible and actionable to a non-therapist. Its description of the how the nervous syst...More
    Trauma-informed Yoga makes the complex Polyvagal theory both accessible and actionable to a non-therapist. Its description of the how the nervous system works (bi-directionally, with 80% of the information traveling from the body to the brain) is further evidence of something we've already intuited as yoga practitioners and humans on this planet -- the body does indeed change the mind. Leading by example and antidotes from the author's own life, the book invites us to playfully explore our own relationship with our nervous system. As both a teacher and practitioner of yoga, I know that certain practices make me (and students) feel calmer, or more energized. But I didn't understand why or how, and my tools are limited. This book offers short, concrete ideas and practices to call upon depending upon the need of your nervous system, whether calming, balancing and energizing practices.

    My 200 hour YTT did not provide specialized guidance related to trauma. Most of the classes I attend, as well, seem far removed from an understanding that statistically speaking, it's likely that a few students have been touched by trauma. Her simple advice in chapter 3 is a valuable introduction to creating an environment and class appropriate for all.
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    Pittsburghmom
    March 12, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Practical guidelines for using yoga to help trauma-affected patients
    Those who know yoga and treat trauma-affected patients can see that yoga can bring healing at the times when words cannot reach the pain. This book is...More
    Those who know yoga and treat trauma-affected patients can see that yoga can bring healing at the times when words cannot reach the pain. This book is an invaluable resource for those who seek to incorporate yoga in the treatment of trauma affected patients.
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    Cindy
    March 12, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read it and Use it!
    The book is an easy read and very practical. I have had great success using the strategies Joanne explains myself and teaching the strategies to stud...More
    The book is an easy read and very practical. I have had great success using the strategies Joanne explains myself and teaching the strategies to students and teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels. For example, Spinal Twist is one of the balancing practices I encourage everyone to use on a daily basis. Spinal Twists is a great way to start your day. Just completed mine this morning! The body was meant to move. The book is a great resource all in one place to help yourself and others. Bought one for a gift to give to a friend too. What better gift than a resource to help someone calm, balance and restore the nervous system.
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    Sandy Eimers
    March 12, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Science meets yoga in a well written resource
    Required reading for all health professionals. Rooted equally in science and ancient yogic philosophies, Joanne has created a comprehensive resource f...More
    Required reading for all health professionals. Rooted equally in science and ancient yogic philosophies, Joanne has created a comprehensive resource filled with information and experience. Easy to read and offers simple tools for accessing a more peaceful body and mind. Whether you’re seeking greater balance for yourself, or working with others- this book is a goldmine!
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    Karen
    March 12, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable Tools - Just at the right time!
    While Joanne calls this a "toolbox for therapists" it is more than that. Her book provides a yoga instructor with techniques, questionnaires and prac...More
    While Joanne calls this a "toolbox for therapists" it is more than that. Her book provides a yoga instructor with techniques, questionnaires and practices to use during any yoga class. She offers 47 practices that can even be used or adapted by anyone - the directions are clear and easy to understand. Joanne's focus is toward the therapist role yet anyone can adjust the word from "client" to "self" as a way to start calming the nervous system. Her book, however, is NOT a substitute for those who do need a skilled therapist to help them deal with complex issues of trauma, nor should it be used as a treatment/therapy if one is not trained to provide such. These practices will supplement and be of help to all of us, since we are all dealing with stress and overwhelming situations during this COVID-19 pandemic state. She provides information that will reduce and calm the nervous system for all, especially for today's pandemic conditions. Joanne helps the reader understand the science of the vagus nerve used in conjunction with yoga. Her context of trauma aids the reader to see how to begin to help others by providing the scripts, and how to demonstrate. The book is a nice large size, and makes it a handy reference. I may also get the digital version to take with me! Well done.
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    Brianna Martin
    March 11, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars A win for providers looking to support their clients in trauma treatment
    A thoughtful, relatable, comprehensive read on the reasons why incorporation of the body into trauma treatment is so important. The hands on experient...More
    A thoughtful, relatable, comprehensive read on the reasons why incorporation of the body into trauma treatment is so important. The hands on experientials in the second half provide clinicians without a body-based lens a brilliant window in to support their clients responsibly. Grateful to have access to an incredible resource. Namaste!
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    A.S.
    March 10, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm not a therapist, but I am a yoga teacher, educator, and parent, and I love this book!
    Joanne Spence's book is so readable and practical. It's a beautiful and accessible wealth of wisdom. I read it in one sitting and will return to it ...More
    Joanne Spence's book is so readable and practical. It's a beautiful and accessible wealth of wisdom. I read it in one sitting and will return to it as a reference and support in my work as a yoga teacher, educator, and even as a parent. So glad to be able to recommend this resource to my colleagues and students.
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    R.P.
    March 9, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marketed to therapists, but a must read for writing teachers too!!!
    As both a writing instructor and yoga instructor, I find Trauma-Informed Yoga to be an invaluable resource for bringing mindfulness activities into th...More
    As both a writing instructor and yoga instructor, I find Trauma-Informed Yoga to be an invaluable resource for bringing mindfulness activities into the writing classroom (where students often process trauma through their writing). Spence’s approach is easy-to-read, engaging, and practical.
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