The experience of yoga for persons with complex interpersonal trauma: A phenomenological approach

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Complex Interpersonal Trauma is a phenomenon with great impact on the American population. Persons who have survived complex interpersonal traumas can experience symptoms beyond what is captured in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual's (DSM-5) diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Yoga is an ancient practice that has been found to have healing benefit for persons impacted by complex interpersonal trauma. The purpose of this study is to further the body of clinical research in support of yoga as a therapeutic intervention.

Materials and methods: This study uses transcendental phenomenology methodology to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of yoga for those who have survived complex interpersonal trauma. Narrative interviews were used to gather data, yielding insight that aligns with current findings in literature supporting yoga as a healing intervention. The sample size for this study was five participants.

Results: This study's findings shed light on the benefits of yoga for persons with complex interpersonal trauma. Themes discovered include transformation through yoga, comparing holistic benefits through opposing yoga styles, community and relationships, and trauma healing.

Conclusion: This study and its findings offer implications for clinical social work practice to incorporate yoga as a therapeutic intervention for trauma.