129: Essential Skills For Trauma-Informed Yoga with Liz Albanis

<p>Liz Albanis is a Senior Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist trained by the BioMedical Institute of Yoga and Meditation (BIYOME) in Australia. </p><p>We discuss the powerful shifts yoga teachers can make to support students navigating recovery and healing. </p><p>We often use the term &quot;trauma-informed,&quot; but what does it actually look like in a real-world classroom? Liz shares her insights on moving away from authoritative teaching toward an invitational style that honors the unique anatomy and lived experience of every student. </p><p>Whether you are a new teacher or have been practicing for decades, this conversation offers a compassionate roadmap for creating sacred spaces where every body feels respected and empowered. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA</strong></p><p>Liz Albanis joins the show to share how teachers can move from dogmatic, authoritative styles to an invitational, somatic approach that prioritizes student safety and mental health.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>QUOTES</strong></p><p>“Just because they feel right doesn’t mean they are right.”</p><p>“Realize that just because a pose is easy for you, doesn&#39;t mean it&#39;s going to be easy or beneficial for someone else.” </p><p>“Yoga&#39;s about happiness... It&#39;s my anchor. It keeps me together and keeps me going.” </p><p>“The worst thing you can do is single out that student and say, you need to move... give them empowerment.” </p><p>“How human of you to feel that way... we’re always learning something new.” </p><p><br></p><p><strong>TIMESTAMPS</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Trauma-Informed Yoga with Liz Albanis </p><p> </p><p>00:39 Defining Trauma and PTSD in the Context of Yoga </p><p><br></p><p>02:12 How to Create a Sacred Container vs. a &quot;Safe Space&quot; </p><p><br></p><p>03:52 Using Invitational Language and Giving Real Options </p><p><br></p><p>07:16 Why Authoritative Teaching Styles Can Be Harmful </p><p><br></p><p>09:38 The Myth of Universal Alignment and Skeletal Variation </p><p><br></p><p>14:10 Understanding Bone-on-Bone Compression vs. Tension </p><p><br></p><p>18:53 The Risks of &quot;Pushing&quot; and Repetitive Strain in Yoga </p><p><br></p><p>21:38 Moving Beyond Magical Thinking and Making Realistic Promises </p><p><br></p><p>24:00 Why We Practice: Yoga as an Anchor for Mental Health </p><p><br></p><p>28:04 Yoga Snacks: Regulating Your Nervous System as a Teacher </p><p><br></p><p>29:02 Understanding Vagal Tone and the &quot;Sports Car&quot