Hearing it for the first time felt strange, yet deeply familiar, as though it had always been waiting for me to discover it. It marked the beginning of a profound friendship—one that would change the way I understood and practised yoga.

You may have come across the terms trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed in descriptions of services and professionals, particularly in the healthcare sector. In recent years, fitness and wellness professionals have also begun designating themselves as trauma-informed facilitators or teachers.

In the realm of birth work, a crucial dialogue is unfolding regarding the relationship between evidence-based birth practice and practice-based birth evidence. Although these terms may appear similar, they represent distinct approaches to understanding and applying knowledge in perinatal care.

I asked my client, J, who I’ve seen about two times now. She laughs and says, “I hope you do!” then shares about the aches and pains she’s been dealing with after giving birth. I tell her that’s the way I practice—even though I’ve already sought her consent via a client intake form, it’s still important for me to check in and ensure it’s a yes before I lay my hands on her.