Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness & Meditation (TSM)

In this course, you will learn about trauma-sensitive mindfulness & meditation, an approach designed to make mindfulness & meditation practices safer and more accessible for individuals who have experienced trauma. You will understand how traditional mindfulness & meditation practices can sometimes inadvertently trigger traumatic responses and how to adapt techniques to ensure they are supportive and non-triggering. Key principles include creating a safe environment, helping individuals stay within their optimal arousal zone, using grounding techniques, and building trust. You will explore the susceptibility to adverse effects, recognizing that people with a history of trauma may be especially vulnerable. The course will compare the potential harms in various well-being approaches, such as psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and physical exercise. You will learn the framework of trauma-sensitive mindfulness & meditation, including principles and modifications to make mindfulness & meditation safe for trauma survivors. Understanding trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTS) will be a crucial part of the course, along with the high prevalence of trauma exposure and the development of PTSD. Becoming more trauma-informed involves realizing the impact of trauma, recognizing signs and symptoms, responding by integrating knowledge, and resisting re-traumatization. The key principle of choice and agency will empower participants to make adjustments and choose different anchors to stay grounded. Closing messages will emphasize gratitude, encouragement, reflection, connection, and hope, recognizing the journey of healing and the importance of self-care and personal pace. By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of trauma-sensitive mindfulness & meditation and be equipped with practical techniques to create a safe and supportive mindfulness/meditation practice for trauma survivors.