Liz Albanis is a Senior Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist trained by the BioMedical Institute of Yoga and Meditation (BIYOME) in Australia.
We discuss the powerful shifts yoga teachers can make to support students navigating recovery and healing.
We often use the term "trauma-informed," 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.
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.
TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA
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.
QUOTES
“Just because they feel right doesn’t mean they are right.”
“Realize that just because a pose is easy for you, doesn't mean it's going to be easy or beneficial for someone else.”
“Yoga's about happiness... It's my anchor. It keeps me together and keeps me going.”
“The worst thing you can do is single out that student and say, you need to move... give them empowerment.”
“How human of you to feel that way... we’re always learning something new.”
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Trauma-Informed Yoga with Liz Albanis
00:39 Defining Trauma and PTSD in the Context of Yoga
02:12 How to Create a Sacred Container vs. a "Safe Space"
03:52 Using Invitational Language and Giving Real Options
07:16 Why Authoritative Teaching Styles Can Be Harmful
09:38 The Myth of Universal Alignment and Skeletal Variation
14:10 Understanding Bone-on-Bone Compression vs. Tension
18:53 The Risks of "Pushing" and Repetitive Strain in Yoga
21:38 Moving Beyond Magical Thinking and Making Realistic Promises
24:00 Why We Practice: Yoga as an Anchor for Mental Health
28:04 Yoga Snacks: Regulating Your Nervous System as a Teacher
29:02 Understanding Vagal Tone and the "Sports Car" Nervous System
35:36 Breathing Mechanics: The Link Between Mouth Breathing and Stress
39:14 Practical Studio Shifts: Lighting, Props, and Consent Tokens
42:02 Handling Emotional Releases and Tremoring in Class
46:17 Overcoming the Fear of "Doing it Wrong" as a New Teacher
KEYWORDS
Trauma-informed yoga, Liz Albanis, nervous system regulation, vagus nerve, invitational language, yoga for mental health, skeletal variation, somatic yoga, yoga teacher mentoring.
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NEXT STEP
⭐️ Become a more grounded and effective teacher with a trauma-informed approach at https://www.lizalbanniswellness.com.au
