The Duality of Physical Activity & Trauma

A Guide to an Ethical, Trauma-Informed Approach to Fitness

By: Cristian Eduardo, Survivor and Human Trafficking Consultant & Dr. Shobana Powell, LCSW, DSW, Trauma & Human Trafficking Consultant

With Contributions From: Kanjana Hartshorne, LCSW, C-IAYT, RM, CCFP, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Consultant and Yoga Therapy Expert

Content Warning: Sexual abuse, gender-based violence, trauma, suicide, homicide

Note: When referring to clients, we may use the word survivor or we may not, as we want to acknowledge that not all survivors self-disclose. This approach enhances the fitness instructor-client relationship regardless of self-disclosure or experiences of trauma.

It is also important to note that what is triggering for one survivor may or may not be triggering for another, as trauma responses are individualized. The goal of this article is to share some recommendations and examples of how to co-create safer relationships between survivors and fitness professionals, recognizing that trauma work must be uniquely tailored to each individual.

Part 1: Introduction

Physical activity such as exercise or movement after trauma can be both healing and triggering. There is a longstanding body of research on the connections between trauma, the body, and the brain, and this often manifests in survivors’ relationships to physical activity. As such, training up a workforce of fitness professionals who can provide a trauma-informed approach to fitness can be pivotal in developing more holistic approaches to healing.

Intersectionality

Gender-based violence is rooted in power and control dynamics that are not limited only to physical abuse, but can include emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. It is important to use an intersectional lens, recognizing that marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by gender-based violence as a result of systemic oppression. For those who have multiple historically oppressed identities, in addition to gender-based violence, they may also experience trauma due to racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. Many survivors do not self-disclose their trauma as it would require disclosure of other identities such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical conditions, immigration status, and more. With this in mind, fitness professionals should be mindful of privilege and power dynamics between themselves and the client and should strive to provide accessible, culturally inclusive, and trauma-informed support.

Existing Research

In addition to extensive research on somatic approaches to healing, there have been emerging projects and studies on trauma-informed approaches to fitness, including trauma-informed strength training, trauma-informed yoga, and trauma-informed movement. Based on the principles of this research, the authors of this article outline best practices for fitness professionals to be more trauma-informed by understanding: trauma, its impact on survivors, and its connection to physical activity.

Part 2: Trauma, The Body, & The Brain

Trauma

Trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that makes an individual feel physically or emotionally harmed or threatened and has lasting adverse effects on the individual that impacts their functioning with respect to physical well-being, social well-being, emotional well-being, and/or spiritual well-being. One source of trauma can be gender-based violence, including but not limited to intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking (sex and labor trafficking), female genital mutilation, forced marriage, child marriage, honor killing, and cyber-sexual abuse.

Trauma Responses: Common trauma responses include fight, flight, freeze and fawn. These responses occur due to the complex connections between the body and the brain. It is important to acknowledge that trauma responses are individualized. Each person can react differently in the same scenario or situation. For example, two children can grow up in the same home with abusive dynamics and one child can present with trauma symptoms while the other does not. Individuals experiencing trauma are not in control of how their body and their brain reacts. As such, no response should be compared or judged against another. Fitness professionals should strive for a non-judgmental, strengths-based approach that replaces victim blaming with believing survivors.

The Body & the Brain

Understanding the connection between trauma, the brain, and the body is essential to creating a trauma-informed environment for survivors, regardless of self-disclosure and self-identification. Trauma can manifest not only as mental health needs but also as physical symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Dissociation: Disconnecting from one’s body, self, or reality in order to cope
• Alexithymia: Not having words for the physical sensations they experience
• Triggers: Experiencing a physical, mental, and/or emotional involuntary and unexpected response to stimulus that are conscious or subconscious reminders of a traumatic experience
• Health Issues: Experiencing chronic back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, some forms of asthma, injuries from abuse, STIs, and more
• Substance Use: Using substances as a coping mechanism for physiological and/or emotional regulation

Part 3: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Fitness

Duality: How Physical Activity Can Be a Triggering or a Healing Approach:

When physical activity is not trauma-informed, it can be triggering. Survivors often blame themselves for struggling to engage in physical activities or approach sports, fitness, and exercise-related facilities. However, when physical activity has a trauma-informed approach, we shift the blame from the survivor, we recognize that fitness can be both triggering and healing, and we open the door to fostering the connection between oneself and their body.

Physical activity can be triggering for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Limitations due to health issues or injuries related to their trauma
• Certain positions, moving particular parts of one’s body, or connecting to one’s body can be a reminder of a traumatic experience
• Physical touching and violation of personal space can be a reminder of a traumatic experience
• Forced compliance or being told what to do without respecting survivor autonomy can be a reminder of abuse of power and control
• Physical sensations from physical activity (heart rate, breathing, sweating, etc.) can be a physical reminder of a past trauma response
• Body image and self-esteem issues can be tied to a history of emotional and psychological abuse
• Some survivors experienced physical activity as part of their abuse, further complicating the process of developing a healthy relationship to physical activity (ex: survivors of labor trafficking in the sports industry, physical activity used as punishment, etc.)

It is important to note that for many, these complex connections are subconscious, resulting in survivors not knowing why they find physical activity challenging.

8 Ways That Fitness Professional Can Cause Harm

When fitness professionals do not use a trauma-informed approach, they might:

1. Trigger the survivor by not being mindful of their body language, tone, environment, power, and privilege
2. Re-traumatize the survivor by replicating abusive power dynamics
3. Minimize a survivor’s experience and the impact of trauma on their body
4. De-center the survivor in their healing journey by creating a hierarchy of power where the fitness professional is the decision-maker on what is best for the survivor
5. Perpetuate the feeling that physical activity is unapproachable or intimidating
6. Harm survivors unintentionally or intentionally by touching, focusing on body image, taking measurements, not respecting boundaries, and ignoring consent and permission in physical activity settings
7. Parallel abuse histories by failing to set healthy boundaries in the relationship between the fitness professional and the survivor
8. Silence survivor by creating an experience of being told, not being asked

8 Ways That Fitness Professionals Can Contribute to Healing

When fitness professionals use a trauma-informed approach, they might:

1. Empower survivors by replacing the concept of survivor fragility with that of survivor resilience and recognizing how systems of oppression intersect with trauma
2. Recognize and normalize the impact of trauma on the body and how trauma may manifest in physical activity and exercise-related facilities and spaces
3. Co-create a safe space and recognizing power and privilege dynamics in the relationship between the fitness professional and the survivor
4. Share power where the survivor is the expert on themself and where the survivor has choices and input
5. Recognize that healing is an individualized journey that is not linear and happens at your own pace
6. Foster healthy, structured, safer connections between the survivor and their relationship to their body, recognizing one’s body is more than their trauma
7. Model healthy boundaries in relationships through partnering with the survivor and leaning on appropriate outside resources when necessary
8. Validate that not all survivors need to self-disclose or self-identify in order to receive trauma-informed support

3 Key Considerations for a Trauma-Informed Approach to Fitness Instruction

1. Moving from Permission to Consent: Just asking permission is not the same as getting consent. Saying no is not easy when there is a power dynamic. Many individuals say “I asked the survivor, and they said ‘yes’, so it’s okay”, without realizing that the survivor was not comfortable and they caused harm. It is also important to note that permission can change over time. The fitness instructor should focus on respecting the survivor’s right to self-determination, (the survivor choosing what is best for themselves) instead of replicating power and control dynamics (others choosing for the survivor). The survivor is the expert on themselves and their body. Harm can be caused if a survivor is pushed or forced to do something with which they are not comfortable. This harm can have a ripple effect, impacting the survivor not only in the fitness instructor-survivor relationship but in many ways across their lives.

Permission is asking a “yes” or “no” questions, whereas trauma-informed consent gives options (including not to participate or engage), understands and respects one another’s boundaries and how they may change over time, and recognizes how power dynamics, privilege, coercion, guilt, fear, and a sense of obligation can influence the decision-making process. Consent does not end with a “yes” but includes a deeper analysis of how power and control manifest in the relationship.

In the context of fitness and physical activity, there are many ways consent can be fostered. For example, rather than asking permission by saying, “Do you mind laying down for this exercise”, you can ask for consent by saying, “For the next exercise, we have a few options. We have the option to lay down, sit, stand, skip this exercise, or you can always rest. No one option is better or worse than the other. What sounds best for you today?”

2. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Trauma-informed care is not just about what we say, but how we say it. Nonverbal cues like tone, volume, body language, facial expression, proximity to the survivor, and location in the room can be triggering. It is important to be aware of how you communicate and instruct. Consider writing down trauma-informed cues that fit your style. For example, some may benefit from a reminder to be mindful of personal space. Many survivors are triggered by people standing close to them or hovering above or behind them, especially if someone is in their peripheral vision. It is also important to be aware that body language is a form of communication that can vary based on culture and tradition.

3. Pushing vs. Empowering: Sometimes helpers (including fitness instructor) feel entitled to pushing survivors to do things they are not comfortable with or pushing survivors to their limits without their consent, believing they know better than the survivor, believing that they are doing what is best for the survivor, or believing exposure to your fears is how you heal. However, this approach can be highly dangerous and harmful unless conducted by a trained and licensed expert in exposure therapy. Rather than pushing survivors, helpers should empower them to make their own decisions about what is best for them, focusing on their strengths and expertise on their own needs.

Examples of Pushing:

Abusing Power: Telling the survivor what to do without respecting their boundaries

Replicating Abusive Dynamics: Pushing someone because we think we know better than them or because we think they won’t push themselves is a common psychological coercion tactic utilized by abusers/people who cause harm. Re-experiencing these dynamics is often re-traumatizing.

Perpetuating Survivor Fragility: Pushing comes from the belief that survivors are weak, incompetent, and cannot make the right choices for themselves

Examples of Empowering

Acknowledging Power: Acknowledging the intersection of privilege, identity, and oppression and how this can impact their clients.

Co-Creating Trauma-Informed Dynamics: Co-creating a safe space, shares power, and uses invitational language to encourage the survivor to make decisions that feel right for them.

Fostering Survivor Resilience: Trusting and believing that if survivors are given the tools and information they need, they will make the best decisions for themselves

Part 4: Recommendations for a Trauma-Informed Approach to Fitness Instruction

8 Group Agreements

Group agreements are a collection of guidelines reflecting values and intentions that allow for open communication in a group setting. In order for fitness professionals to create safer relationships with survivors, it begins with co-creating group agreements rooted in the principles of trauma-informed care. As trauma and gender-based violence are often about abuse of power and control, co-creating group agreements can be the beginning of sharing power and establishing a trusting, healthy relationship. Here are some examples of group agreements that fitness professionals may use:

1. Striving for humility- Being willing to learn and to do what’s best for the survivor
2. Respecting survivors as experts- Respect that survivors are experts themselves and respect their ability to make decisions for themselves
3. Recognizing competency- Strive for self-awareness and the desire to implement this body of work based on research.
4. Pursuing learning- It is okay if you hear that things you may have done in the past that were harmful or not trauma-informed, but it is not okay to continue to cause harm. We are all human and we are here to learn.
5. Valuing you- Recognize that you cannot be everything for everyone and that in order for you to help others, you must also prioritize your self-care and your needs.
6. Honoring one another’s presence and time as equally important and valuable
7. Co-creating community resources- Co-create a list of community resources that are accessible, affordable, and culturally inclusive so survivors are not relying on one relationship to be their entire support system
8. Acknowledging power and privilege- Be mindful of power dynamics, not only in your role but with the varying identities you hold within the context of both gender-based violence and systemic oppression

8 Ethical Boundaries

Ethical boundaries are essential to creating safer relationships and environments. Without clear co-created boundaries, past traumatic patterns can be replicated, ultimately causing harm to the survivor. Here are some considerations for ethical boundaries:

1. Self-Disclosure: Many individuals who work with survivors of trauma as clients feel the need or desire to self-disclose their own personal histories of trauma in order to connect with the client; however, this is rarely in the best interest of the client. What often occurs in a fitness environment is that the client takes on the helper role and the relationship becomes focused on the fitness instructor’s needs rather than the client’s needs. Recommendations for addressing self-disclosure include deciding in advance with your own therapist, supervisor, or support network what is a beneficial, safe, and mindful way to self-disclose with your clients, if at all. When in doubt, do not self-disclose when you are in the helping role unless you have been appropriately trained to do so as a lived experience expert.

2. Role: Set clear expectations around what your role is and what it is not. Be aware of your limitations, competency, and expertise. This is essential to prevent harm and to prevent practicing mental health services without an appropriate license. The fitness instructor should be clear not to take on the role of the therapist, counselor, caseworker, or legal advisor. Be mindful not to process trauma with clients nor provide advice on trauma or mental health if you are not trained and equipped to do so. The focus of the fitness instructor should be on fitness, depending on their expertise, and they should refer the client to appropriate, accessible, and culturally inclusive providers for mental health, health, and other services as needed. It is important to make these distinctions in your role clear from the beginning so the survivor is aware of what they can expect from you.

3. Availability: Providing structure with some room for flexibility is trauma-informed. Many individuals struggle to set boundaries with survivors around availability and time, for fear of offending or fear that the survivor will be negatively impacted if you are not available to support them at all times. However, this is not sustainable nor is it healthy. Survivors deserve to have access to a robust support network with a diverse team of experts, rather than relying on one person. Hence, the importance of referring to resources in your community.

With respect to setting boundaries around your availability, be clear about your schedule, cancellation and late arrival policies, and the preferred methods of contact for you and the client (such as via text, phone, email, etc.) Be mindful that certain methods of contact may not be safe for a survivor; thus, such boundaries should be discussed and co-created at the beginning of the relationship, as well as revisited as safety needs can change over time.

4. Giving Gifts/”Charity”: Giving gifts or playing the role of a case manager or helper in ways outside of your expertise can create blurred boundaries and the potential for unhealthy power dynamics. Many individuals working with survivors feel compelled to pay for things or give gifts, oftentimes to meet basic needs, without realizing the survivor can then feel they “owe you” or are indebted to you. Setting these boundaries around your giving can be one of the most challenging aspects of providing ethical support to survivors. If you would like to meet basic needs for survivors or give gifts, it is recommended that you donate through a reputable grassroots, community, and/or gender-based violence organization. If the client you are working with has specific needs, you should refer them to the appropriate service providers whose roles are to meet those needs.

If you are providing free services, be clear in advance how many sessions you are offering and how long each session is. Decide ahead of time what you have capacity to offer pro bono. Many helpers begin to feel resentment towards clients they helped for free if they feel the client is “ungrateful” or not respecting or honoring their time; however, this is a deeper issue with boundary setting on the helper’s part, as clients do not owe helpers. Free services should be freely given with no strings attached.

5. Romantic & Sexual Relationships: Under no circumstances is it appropriate to have a romantic or sexual relationship with a client. As stated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, “under no circumstances [should you] engage in sexual activities, inappropriate sexual communications through the use of technology or in person, or sexual contact with current clients, whether such contact is consensual or forced”. Whether or not you are aware and whether or not it feels like it, there are always power dynamics when you are providing a service to another individual. For those who have experienced trauma, abuse by those in power is often the norm. As such, many survivors who have exited abusive relationships experience revictimization by those in power in new relationships. In order to prevent harm, you should be clear in advance that your role is solely as a fitness instructor, not as a friend or romantic or sexual partner. To learn more, see the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

6. Client Disclosure of Safety Issues: Sometimes in a trusted relationship, a client might feel safe to disclose current or past trauma to a fitness instructor. It is imperative to be clear in advance about boundaries around disclosure. For example, it is best practice for mandated reporters to notify clients in advance what types of safety issues they are required to report to the authorities, depending on State and federal law and licensure requirements. In many states, mandated reporters need to report if there is suspected child abuse or neglect or if someone is in danger of harming themselves (suicide) or someone else (homicide). Decide ahead of time what your boundaries and reporting practices will be with respect to safety issues that may involve your clients. It is recommended to develop your boundaries and policies with a licensed mental health professional in order to protect yourself and your clients. Always refer to appropriate resources as needed, such as:

• For Human Trafficking: National Human Trafficking Hotline (1–888–373–7888)
• For Suicide or Mental Health: National Suicide/Crisis Hotline (988)
• For Domestic Violence: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1–800–799–7233)
• For LGBTQ+ Folks: The Trevor Project (1–866–488–7386)
• For Ongoing Mental Health Support: National Inclusive Wellness Resource List

7. Sharing Power: Sharing power is a key principle of the trauma-informed care approach and the Survivor Equity and Inclusion Framework, a model for preventing the re-exploitation of survivors. Some ways to implement sharing power in fitness, exercise, and sports-related are to:

• Name Power Dynamics: Recognize that the fitness instructor holds power, name it, and openly discuss how to share power.
• Co-Create Plan: Co-create the plan from beginning to end.
• Partner in Decision-Making: In the process of shared decision-making, the fitness instructor intentionally asks for and includes the opinions and input of the client (wherever possible and safe).
• Develop a Feedback Loop: Ask for feedback and input and create a system for revisiting feedback overtime.
• Honor Expertise: Recognize that all parties have knowledge and expertise. Survivors are the experts on their own experiences.

8. Triggers: A trigger is an unintentional response to a stimulus (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, etc.) that reminds someone of a past trauma, either consciously or subconsciously. Over time, survivors may learn some of their triggers; however, it is important to note that triggers are not predictable. Unexpected triggers can arise in new and unfamiliar settings, situations, or relationships. Some considerations for triggers in physical activities or approaching sports, fitness, and exercise-related facilities can include:

• Use of Cameras: Many survivors experience abuse or exploitation through the use of photography and/or video. Cameras can be a safety issue for some clients because of the dangers of past or current abusers recognizing them in photos or videos. Sometimes cameras can be triggering, not due to explicit abuse by camera but due to deeper, psychological harm from emotional abuse that impacts one’s self-esteem and body image.
• Body Image: Many survivors experience body-image related abuse, making the concept of physical activity or fitness triggering. It is recommended that fitness instructors focus on health and connecting to one’s body rather than weight loss or changing one’s physical appearance.
• Mirror: Mirrors can be triggering for some, especially for those who had mirrors involved in their sexual abuse or for those with body image issues. It is better not to have mirrors if possible, but if there will be mirrors in a room, let clients know in advance and include a photo of the space in your advertising if possible.
• Taking Measurements: For example, body image issues can manifest in the experience of taking measurements and attaching goals to physical changes of the body or body size. Additionally, the experience of being touched to be measured can be triggering.
• Touch: Do not touch survivors under any circumstances. Touching can be connected to sexual assault, sex trafficking, torture, and physical abuse. Physical contact can be highly triggering unless conducted by a trained expert in somatic therapy. It is important for fitness instructors to be aware that they are liable if they interact with survivors in unethical ways. As stated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, one “should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is a possibility of psychological harm to the client as a result of the contact (such as cradling or caressing clients). [Those] who engage in appropriate physical contact with clients are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern such physical contact.”
• Lights: Do not shift the lights on or off or dim the lights unexpectedly. If you do need to change the lighting, make that clear at the beginning.
• Scents: Do not use essential oils without asking permission. Be aware the 5 senses can be triggering and overwhelming.
• Nutrition: Some survivors experience food-related abuse, such as lack of access to food, controlling one’s access to food, monitoring food intake, using food as punishment or reward (as a means of control), and involving food in sexual abuse. Many survivors also struggle with eating disorders as a direct or indirect result of their abuse. As such, discussing nutrition with survivors can be triggering. It is important to discuss with clients in advance if they are aware of their triggers and develop a plan for what you can both do if they experience a pre-existing or new trigger when working with you. It is also important to note that if your expertise and credentials do not focus on nutrition, you should not advise survivors in this area. When in doubt, refer to appropriate mental health and medical support.
• Being Told What to Do: The loss of power and control is the foundation of gender-based violence and many forms of trauma. Being told what to do by a fitness instructor can trigger past experiences of emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse. Instead, fitness instructors should provide options and create an environment where feedback is welcome.
• Windows: Be aware of windows and being seen from behind, drawing blinds if possible. It can be triggering to see others, to be seen, or to feel you can be seen.
• Doors: Do not open and shut doors. If a door naturally slams closed, consider using a door stop or another item to minimize the sound. Many survivors feel uncomfortable if they cannot see the door, as they may be used to scanning their environment for exits at all times. Give survivors choices on where they can position themselves in a room.
• Proximity to Others/Personal Space: Stagger or alternate folks positioning if you have a group. Ideally, use a circle of half-circle so no one is directly behind anyone.
• Guests/Confidentiality: Be mindful of confidentiality. It can be triggering to have unexpected guests enter rooms without consent or without notifying the individual or group in advance.
• Closed Eyes: For some individuals, closing one’s eyes can make them feel unsafe for a variety of reasons, such as: uncertainty of what is happening in the room, loss of power and control, and replication of experiences of torture, trafficking, gender-based violence, and other forms of abuse. It is best to provide options such as, “Feel free to close your eyes or keep them open with a soft gaze, looking at the mat, or looking somewhere else- whatever feels comfortable for you.”
• Fitness/ Sports/ Exercise-Related Activities and Facilities: For some survivors, approaching physical activities and fitness-related facilities can be triggering for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: open or closed space, crowds, type of clothing, male-dominated spaces, grunting/sounds that can be reminders of abuse, eye contact and/or being looked at by others, sexual harassment or being approached by strangers, comments about body image (positive or negative), and the fear that the abuser or exploiter will be in the facility or can find them.
• Being Told What to Do- Shaming Language vs. Invitational Language: The loss of power and control is the foundation of gender-based violence and many forms of trauma. Being told what to do by a fitness instructor can trigger past experiences of emotional, psychological, sexual, and physical abuse. Instead, fitness instructors should provide options and create an environment where feedback is welcome. Please see below for examples of shaming language vs. invitational language.

Shaming Language

Do not create a hierarchy of what choice is better or what is harder

Don’t say: If this is too hard or too challenging

Don’t say: Here is option 1, if you need more of a challenge, here’s option 2

Don’t say “if this is triggering”

Invitational Language

Choosing what’s right for you at this moment

Here are some choices

Exploring what this feels like in your body and if it doesn’t feel right today, that’s okay

You are welcome to explore more than one and select what feels the best today

Your voice matters here. We welcome and invite your feedback for how we can create a safer or more comfortable environment together.

Planning for Triggers: Plan together with the survivor in advance for their expected and unexpected triggers. Be mindful that safety and comfortability is individualized and can change over time. It is best practice to have an emergency contact person and to discuss with the client how they would like to debrief and with whom if they do experience a trigger.

8 Ways to Co-Create a Safer Space

A safe space will never be perfect nor totally safe for everyone. However, there are some principles that can be implemented to create a safer space, such as:

1. Trauma-Informed Care: The impact of trauma is acknowledged and not minimized.
2. Healthy Communication: Everyone’s voice matters. It’s okay to disagree and to say how you feel.
3. Right to Self-Determination: Consent is centered and honored. Boundaries are respected.
4. Accountability: If you make a mistake, you apologize and move forward.
5. Power Dynamics: Recognize that privilege, hierarchy, and roles can cause harm.
6. Intersectionality: Identities are respected. We are mindful that we all have different backgrounds, stories, and experiences, and not all of them are visible.
7. Collective Safety: Safety often looks different for each individual; however, groups or collaborators should strive to co-create a group sense of safety as best as possible.
8. Trauma-Informed Boundaries & Structure: Safe spaces should have clear expectations and boundaries. Chaos is not trauma-informed.

Part 6: Closing

A Reminder to Value You

Lastly, it is important to note that working with survivors of trauma can result in vicarious trauma, which is when helpers experience trauma symptoms as a result of witnessing the trauma of their clients. This can intersect with your own personal trauma and/or intergenerational or historical trauma of your community. At the same time, working with survivors of trauma can result in vicarious resilience, which is when helpers experience personal growth in their own lives as a result of witnessing the growth of their clients. As such, it is important to prioritize self-care, mental health, and physical health and to set healthy work-life boundaries. To successfully and sustainably support survivors, remember that you matter, your needs matter, and you are not alone.

Learn More

To learn more about trauma, see The Body Keeps the Score, Trauma & Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence — from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror, and continue your own education on systemic oppression, working with marginalized communities, cultural humility, white supremacy, and trauma-informed care.