Trauma Informed Yoga
Trauma-Informed Yoga: A Gentle Path to Healing
Trauma-informed yoga is a compassionate, body-centered practice that honours the deep connection between your body, mind, and nervous system—especially in the wake of trauma. It offers a safe, intentional, and empowering space to gently return to yourself through embodied movement, stillness, and the practice of noticing what arises within.
Instead of focusing on achieving perfect poses, this approach emphasizes how movement feels in your body, inviting you to move at your own pace and make choices that support your well-being. With gentle guidance and a strong emphasis on personal agency, this practice helps you build awareness, develop trust in your body, and cultivate a sense of inner safety
Over time, trauma-informed yoga can support emotional regulation, resilience, and a deeper connection to self. It’s not about fixing or pushing through—it’s about honouring where you are and rediscovering your innate capacity to heal—one breath, one movement, one moment at a time.
Therapeutic Yin Yoga Course
A gentle, restorative series designed to support deep rest, nervous system regulation, and reconnection. This small, supportive group (max. 8 participants) offers a calm and welcoming space to slow down and turn inward.
Location: Plunket Rooms, Ellis Street in Brightwater (next to the petrol station)
Dates: Monday 27 April – Monday 22 June
Time: 6:30–7:45pm
No class: Monday 1 June (King’s Birthday)
Investment: $160 (payment plans available)
This 8-week course is offered through a trauma-informed lens, with an emphasis on choice, compassion, and listening to your body. Each session includes gentle breath awareness, slow floor-based movement, and long-held, supported yin poses to encourage release and relaxation.
Debbie’s approach invites you to explore each shape with care and curiosity, staying connected to what feels safe and right for you.
Ideal for those experiencing stress, burnout, emotional overwhelm, or disconnection, this course offers a supportive path back to balance and self-trust.
Mats, bolsters, and blankets are provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own if preferred.
This programme is fully booked for Term 2. Please get in touch if you’d like to join the waiting list or register your interest for Term 3.
Private One-to-One Sessions
Debbie also offers individual therapeutic yoga sessions tailored to your needs, intentions, and personal healing journey. These sessions are ideal if you prefer a more private setting or are working through specific challenges.
Each one-on-one session may include:
Gentle Yoga & breathing practices
Therapeutic Yin & Restorative postures
Guided relaxation and grounding tools
Support for nervous system regulation
Sessions are held in person and can be in the comfort of your own home—with an emphasis on deep listening, presence, and honouring your pace.
Pricing – One-to-One Therapeutic Yoga
60-minute session – $99
90-minute session – $149
Additional fee may apply for travel
ACC Sensitive Claims
Debbie is approved through ACC’s Sensitive Claims and facilitates trauma sensitive yoga courses in a group setting alongside a registered therapist. These courses run over a number of weeks in a safe and supported environment and are designed to support those recovering from trauma as part of an integrated care plan.
Each session offers movement, breathing practices, and tools to help regulate the nervous system, rebuild a sense of safety, and support reconnection with the body.
A Soft Place to Land
A 10-Week Trauma-Sensitive Yin Program for Women — Richmond
Registrations Now Open
We invite SCS providers to refer clients to A Soft Place to Land — a 10-week trauma-sensitive Yin Yoga program for women, concluding with a nurturing day retreat. Designed for survivors of trauma, this program supports gentle reconnection with the body, emotional regulation, and healing in a safe, compassionate space.
Program Details:
When: Thursdays, 30th April-2nd July | Time: 1:15–2:15 pm
Where: Church on the Hill, Richmond (Dorset St – Main Hall)
Who: Women only
Retreat Day:
Date: Thursday 2nd July
Where: Kimi Ora Eco Resort, Kaiteriteri
Time: 10:00-4:00pm
Each 60-min session includes trauma-sensitive yin yoga, breathwork, and reflection. Slow, floor-based movement supports titration and pendulation, helping participants build capacity for safety, presence, and self-trust. The final retreat includes restorative practices, gentle rituals, and creative activities to reflect and celebrate the journey.
Facilitators:
Debbie Sumner – Trauma-Sensitive Yoga teacher & Health Coach/ Community Support Worker
Jen Holmes-Beamer – Psychotherapist & TCTSY Facilitator
Referral Info for SCS Providers:
To seek approval, please contact the client’s Recovery Partner and request:
SCSGTT x1
SCSCT x16
Vendor ID: VAH127 (The Nelson Clinic)
Suggested Rationale:
“This client would benefit from attending A Soft Place to Land, a body-based group program supporting self-regulation, resilience, and reconnection.”
Contact us with any questions or to request further details.
