On the path to wellness and trauma recovery, finding supportive modalities that connect can be nothing short of transformative. One remarkable method comes from Stephenie Farrell, an Integrative Trauma Support Specialist who combines the power of yoga and mindfulness with the practice of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) to offer Yoga for PTSD & Trauma Recovery sessions in Hamilton, Ontario.

A Holistic Approach to PTSD Healing in the GTHA

Currently offered in four-week cycles at Mountain Wellness Centre, each series provides an accessible, safe, and grounding environment for individuals of all ability levels who struggle with the effects of trauma and emotional distress.

Stephenie’s classes are not just about the physical aspects of gentle yoga — but also include a mindfully designed blend of EFT tapping, integrative energy work, and yoga nidra specifically tailored and facilitated for supportive release and recovery.

Some of the benefits Yoga for PTSD & Trauma Recovery classes can provide include:

• • Gaining valuable tools to help regulate emotional responses to triggers
  
• • Fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and resilience
  
• • A sense of control over the body and mind — plus reducing anxiety while increasing a sense of relaxation

Yoga Nidra & EFT for PTSD

One of the many unique aspects of Stephenie Farrell’s Yoga for PTSD & Trauma Recovery series is the incorporation of yoga nidra — a form of guided meditation that promotes deep relaxation and healing. “This practice is particularly beneficial for individuals with PTSD, as it helps reconnect with the body safely and gently,” Stephenie explains. “It’s like creating a personal haven and fosters a sense of feeling grounded and at ease that can be carried into daily life.”

Another aspect is Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT Tapping. “This scientifically-validated stress-reduction technique combines cognitive therapy with the gentle stimulation of acupuncture points, helping to soothe the brain’s stress centres and memory pathways, and support reducing cortisol levels,” she details. “I use EFT to set an intention for the series or at each class’ opening, and also, if emotions arise during practice, we can use EFT to help release and calm the system.”

A Safe Space for Healing

As a highly-trained practitioner with a profoundly personal understanding of PTSD, safety is a cornerstone of not only Stephenie’s classes — but her entire practice, stepheniefarrell.com — where she offers private 1:1 Sessions both in Integrative Trauma Support and EFT Tapping, as well as a Trauma Recovery Program for Women.

“I experienced childhood trauma, which led to a serious eating disorder, and then more traumatic experiences, accidents, and narcissistic abuse throughout the years,” she shares. “I studied homeopathy, reflexology, and Bowen Therapy and explored other modalities before I discovered EFT — which made a massive difference for me.

“Yoga has been in my life forever, but I started practicing almost every day after a particularly traumatic breakup; it was just a regular practice then, but something about it helped me release the emotional stress.

“I decided to become certified in trauma-specific yoga and found it profoundly healing,” she continues. “I wanted to add the emotional freedom techniques because Tapping is a great self-resourcing tool; I always wanted to marry these two methods together.”

With EFT working to help calm a dysregulated nervous system, the yoga practice helps release tensions and trauma throughout the body while allowing the individual to reconnect with and experience the physical body after trauma. The class environment is designed to be inclusive and supportive, allowing participants to explore their movements and breathe in a way that is right for them. “This is a space where participants can explore their bodies and emotions without the need for verbalizing them,” Stephenie explains — adding that no disclosing of the trauma is required. “People are not sharing out loud, but they are sharing the space and energy.

“Often, trauma can leave us disembodied or dissociated,” she continues. “I understand the importance of feeling secure, especially for those who may have never experienced a true sense of safety.

“This series is to help participants reconnect with their bodies and learn that not only is safety inside of us — but we can access it.”

Accessible PTSD Recovery Support 

Recognizing that one-on-one sessions may not be an option for everyone, Stephenie’s Yoga for Trauma Recovery & PTSD classes offer a more accessible alternative. The class is limited to ten participants in each series; the focus is on creating a collective healing environment to realize profound personal benefits. 

“It’s also about accessibility to understand what yoga can do for trauma or to learn about what EFT is,” Stephenie adds. “For many, attending these classes is an introduction to the healing process and can be a stepping stone to further personal exploration.”  

For those seeking support with navigating the complexities of trauma, Stephenie offers workshops within Hamilton, Ontario, and the surrounding area, on EFT Tapping and Yoga for Trauma Recovery & PTSD, as well as private 1:1 Sessions both in Integrative Trauma Support and EFT Tapping, and a Trauma Recovery Program for Women.

Yoga for PTSD & Trauma Recovery with Stephenie Farrell

The next series cycles for Yoga for PTSD & Trauma Recovery are: 

Mondays, April 29th, May 6th, May 13th, and May 27th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm 

Mondays, April 29th, May 6th, May 13th, and May 27th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Classes are held at Hamilton Wellness Centre — 437 Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario. Each four-week series is $100 plus HST and limited to 10 participants each. 

To register: JoyTherapy.ca/classes

For more information, and to learn about future series cycles, visit StephenieFarrell.com 

The content shared here is for informational or educational purposes only, and not intended as medical advice. Please always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your care plan.