Trauma-Sensitive Yoga on the Mornington Peninsula
Gentle, trauma-sensitive yoga classes designed to support body awareness, choice, and accessible movement . Suitable for beginners, people returning to movement, and anyone seeking a calmer approach to yoga.
Trauma-sensitive yoga classes in Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula: Tuesdays from September 22 (6pm-7pm) at Balnarring Hall. Classes are free to attend. Sponsored by the Balnarring Hub.
What to expect in a trauma-sensitive yoga class
Trauma-sensitive yoga classes at More Joy Wellness are taught by James, whose background in mental health and foundational training in trauma-sensitive yoga inform a calm, respectful and adaptable approach. His teaching style prioritises choice, emotional safety, accessibility and participant autonomy.
Each class uses invitational language, gentle movement options and body-awareness practices. Rather than focusing on specific poses or physical performance, trauma-sensitive yoga invites participants to notice sensation, make choices, pause when needed, and move in a way that feels intuitive. Classes can be practiced on a yoga mat, seated in a chair, standing, or resting.
Who is this for?
These trauma-sensitive yoga classes are designed for people seeking a gentle, accessible and choice-based approach to yoga. They may suit people who feel uncomfortable in traditional yoga spaces, are navigating stress or overwhelm, or want to rebuild a relationship with movement at their own pace.
You do not need prior yoga experience, flexibility, strength or a certain level of fitness to participate. Beginners are welcome.
Classes may particularly suit people who:
* feel intimidated by traditional yoga classes
* prefer slower-paced, gentle or choice-based movement
* are navigating stress, overwhelm or disconnection from the body
* are returning to movement after illness, injury or time away from exercise
* appreciate calm, respectful and adaptable teaching
* want a yoga class where resting and/or modifying is welcome
There is no pressure to participate in every movement. You are welcome to practice seated, standing, lying down, resting, and with any modification that feels intuitive. The intention is to create a supportive yoga space where choice, consent and self-awareness are central.
Why Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
Trauma-sensitive yoga recognises that many people have experienced stress, overwhelm, difficult life experiences, or periods of disconnection from their bodies. These classes use invitational language, adaptable movement and participant choice to create a supportive environment where individuals can reconnect with their bodies.
Rather than focusing on achieving particular poses, trauma-sensitive yoga encourages awareness, curiosity and self-observation. Participants are invited to notice sensations, make choices and rest when needed.
Trauma-sensitive yoga is not therapy
Trauma-sensitive yoga can be a supportive movement practice, but it is not a replacement for therapy, mental health care, or medical support. Participants are encouraged to work within their own capacity and seek professional support where needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Meet your teacher
These classes are led by James, a Balnarring local whose background in mental health and healing practices informs a calm, respectful and kind teaching approach.
James believes movement should be intuitive, adaptable and free from pressure. His classes emphasise choice, curiosity and self-awareness rather than performance or perfection, creating a supportive environment for people across Balnarring and the wider Mornington Peninsula community.
Interested in joining?
Classes are held in the Balnarring Hall (small hall) Tuesdays at 6pm starting 22 September through 27 October. Participants can join for one class or several, there is no expectation for participants to attend weekly. Classes are completely free and sponsored by the Balnarring Hub. If you have any questions, contact James at morejoywellness@gmail.com or 0402 616 570.