Teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga, Journal Therapy and Ayurveda with Dorothee Baumfalk
In the latest episode of Yoga for Trauma: The Inner Fire of Yoga podcast. I sat down with Dorothee (aka Doro) Baumfalk a yoga teacher from Germany. Together, we explore how combining trauma-informed yoga. Journaling, and Ayurvedic wisdom can become a powerful toolkit . For navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, and emotional overwhelm. Especially in today’s fast-paced world.
Doro brought up interesting insights for potential triggers in yoga classes. Including the dangers of a certain somatic yogic meditation. The importance of staying within our scope of practice as a yoga teacher.
Whether you're a yoga teacher, a mental health professional, or someone simply looking for tools to feel calmer and more connected, this episode offers plenty of inspiration.
What Is Trauma-Aware Yoga?
Trauma-aware yoga isn’t a special style. It’s a sensitive and compassionate approach to how yoga teachers run classes to account for trauma..
Dorothy and I discuss:
Why poses like Child’s Pose or props like yoga belts can unintentionally trigger students
How small adjustments (like offering choices or avoiding certain scents) create psychological safety
Why clear instructions, countdowns, and consent tokens matter
The importance of meeting people where they are. Not where we think they “should” be
As someone who’s survived trauma, I know firsthand the power of yoga to rebuild resilience. But only when taught with care.
Why Combine Yoga and Journaling?
Dorothy explains it beautifully:
“People carry their day into class. They’re overwhelmed, distracted, and can’t drop in. Journaling gives them a channel for their thoughts so they can clear mental clutter and fully experience the practice.”
Journaling in yoga class can:
- Help students reflect more deeply
- Surface subconscious thoughts that influence wellbeing
- Support nervous system regulation
- Enhance clarity, self-trust, and inner peace
She shares real examples from her classes and workshops, including one with cancer patients and caregivers, where journaling helped people feel calmer and more grounded. Sometimes for the first time in weeks.
Try This at Home: Journal Prompts from Doro
Looking to bring more reflection into your own yoga or morning routine? Try these powerful prompts:
Morning Prompt:
“How am I feeling now, and how would I like to feel today?”
Confidence Boost:
“What am I proud of myself for? What can I give myself more credit for?”
Evening Reflection:
“What do I want to let go of today? What feeling do I want to carry into tomorrow?”
These prompts can be especially supportive when paired with gentle movement or breath-work.
Ayurveda: The Missing Piece for Mental and Emotional Balance
Dorothy also shares how Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of holistic health, helps her stay balanced and support her clients.
With gentle humour and practical wisdom, she talks about:
What the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are and how they impact mental health. How understanding your unique constitution can empower self-compassion and lifestyle choices Ayurveda isn’t about perfection or restriction. It’s about honouring your nature and responding to what your body and mind need.
Final Thoughts: Let Go of Perfection
One of the most beautiful messages from this episode is that you don’t need to be flexible or spiritual to start. You don’t need perfect handwriting to journal. You don’t need to know everything about Ayurveda. Just start. And be kind to yourself.
“Yoga is not about becoming someone else. it’s about returning to who you really are.” Dorothee
Meet Dorothee: The Writing Yogini
Doro as she is often called, is a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic counselor, and journal therapist. Who brings together movement, mindfulness, and writing to support holistic wellbeing. After more than a decade working in the hotel industry, she experienced firsthand how demanding modern life can be and how difficult it is to truly switch off. Today, she integrates journaling into her yoga classes to help students clear the mind and connect more deeply with their practice. Drawing on Ayurveda, she emphasises the individuality of health and teaches practical ways to recognise and balance the Doshas in daily life. Dorothee also offers workshops and trainings for yoga teachers, inspiring them to enrich their own classes with Ayurveda and journaling.
Online Course: self-paced journal therapy course through Asana at Home Platform:
Connect with Doro:
