Trauma Recovery Through Yoga: Liz Albanis on the Get Loud Podcast
We all carry stories beneath the surface. Some we share openly, others we keep tucked away.
Recently, I had the opportunity to open up about my personal journey with trauma. On the Get Loud Podcast with Kristin Klipp. In this heartfelt conversation, I spoke about my lived experiences. But also about the tools that have supported my healing, and how they might support others too. We explored the intersection of trauma. Healing modalities like TRE and EMDR, and of course, yoga. I also shared insights for yoga teachers on creating trauma-informed spaces. Something I’m deeply passionate about.
Tools That Supported My Healing
Over the years, I’ve tried many approaches to recovery. From traditional therapy to holistic practices. In this conversation, I focused on three modalities that have been particularly powerful in my life:
TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises)
TRE is a series of gentle exercises designed to trigger the body’s natural tremor response. Shaking after stress or shock isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the body’s built-in way of releasing tension. By encouraging these tremors in a careful way. TRE helps the nervous system discharge stored trauma.
For me, TRE has been a reminder that my body knows how to heal when I give it the chance.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy used worldwide to treat PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. It involves guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation. While recalling distressing memories. Helping the brain reprocess them in a less triggering way.
Unlike some talk therapies, EMDR doesn’t require reliving every detail of trauma. Which can feel overwhelming. Instead, it helps the brain “unstick” from traumatic loops. For me, EMDR has been a profound tool in reducing the emotional intensity of past experiences.
Yoga (of course!)
When I first stepped onto a yoga mat, I had no idea it would become such a central part of my healing. At first, yoga felt like a workout—a way to burn calories and build flexibility. But the longer I practised, the more I realised yoga was transforming me from the inside out.
Yoga gave me tools to calm my nervous system, reconnect with my breath, and feel safe in my body again. It reminded me that healing isn’t about perfection or poses. It’s about presence, awareness, and compassion.
A Gentle Reminder
This episode may be triggering for some. We dive into sensitive topics, including PTSD, trauma, and healing.
If you choose to listen, please do so with care. Take breaks when you need to. Honour your own nervous system. Healing isn’t linear—it’s personal, and it’s deeply individual.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Here are some of the key takeaways you’ll hear in my conversation with Kristin:
• My personal story of navigating trauma and the modalities that supported my recovery
• How TRE and EMDR work, and why they can be powerful for trauma healing
• The role of yoga in calming the nervous system and building resilience over time
• Practical ways yoga teachers can create safer, more inclusive, trauma-informed classes
• Why healing is not about “fixing” yourself. But about finding practices that nurture your body and mind
Why This Conversation Matters
Trauma changes us. It changes the nervous system, the brain, and the way we relate to the world. But trauma doesn’t have to define us forever.
By exploring different tools, I’ve learned that healing is possible. Not in a straight line, but in gentle waves of progress, insight, and release.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that yoga isn’t about shapes—it’s about connection. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a strong vinyasa, resting in child’s pose, or simply breathing at your desk. Every mindful moment is yoga.
A Few Trauma-Informed Teaching Tips
This conversation also matters for yoga teachers. Many students walk into classes carrying invisible stories. They may not announce their trauma, but they bring it into the space. Kristin and I also explored some practical ways yoga teachers can be more trauma-informed. A few highlights:
• Use invitational language;
• Create options rather than demands, they give students the gift of empowerment.
• Language matters: Say “if it feels right, try…” instead of “you must do this.”
• Choice matters: Offer variations so students can choose what feels safe.
• Environment matters: Be mindful of candles, incense, or darkness—these can be triggers for some students. Always let students know in advance.
• Emotions are welcome: Crying, shaking, or resting are all valid parts of practice. Don’t draw attention to it—just hold compassionate space.
• Presence matters most: Teachers who ground themselves before class are better able to hold space for others; and
• avoid unnecessary touch;
These small adjustments can make yoga more accessible and healing for everyone.
A Simple Tool to Try: Bee Breath
One of my favourite nervous system practices is Bhramari (Bumblebee Breath). It’s simple, soothing, and practised anywhere:
1. Inhale gently through the nose.
2. Exhale with a soft humming sound, like a bee.
3. Repeat for a few rounds, noticing how the vibration calms the mind and lengthens the exhale.
This breath activates the vagus nerve and encourages the body’s relaxation response. It’s especially useful during anxiety, overwhelm, or restlessness.
Final Thought
If you take one thing away from this conversation, let it be this. Recovery is possible. With the right tools, whether TRE, EMDR, yoga, or simply mindful breathing. You can begin to release old patterns, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to support your students, a practitioner on your own healing journey, or someone simply curious about holistic practices, I hope this episode offers encouragement and insight.
It doesn’t have to be done alone. If you’d like to explore personalised support, you’re welcome to check out my 3R Yoga Plan: Release, Relax, Restore—or book a private session with me to start building your own home practice.
Warning though, this conversation could be triggering for some.
For anyone interested in making yoga a personalised and supportive practice. Shether you're a teacher, a student. Or someone curious about holistic healing, this conversation is for you.
