Firefly Yoga International

Firefly program in trauma-informed Yoga: in 2015 Firefly Yoga International (Firefly) offered trauma-informed Yoga programs in California, Massachusetts and Minnesota. The Firefly program is evidence-based, and aims to improve trauma survivors' ("clients") access to, and use of, Yoga and conscious breathing exercises that are known to improve various trauma-related physical and mental health concerns. In 2015, a total of 171 survivors of trauma received trauma-informed Yoga through Firefly. Clients served included 1) female and male veterans 2) adult survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence and 3) employees of a sexual assault and domestic violence agency who experienced vicarious trauma. The Firefly program is typically 12 weeks in length, with one 1 hour trauma-informed Yoga class offered per week at local agencies where clients already receive various trauma-related services (specifically domestic violence/sexual assault agencies and veterans' service agencies). Several clients were served in larger, one-time classes offered at these agencies, to inform potential clients of the nature of trauma-informed Yoga and increase enrollment in ongoing programs. Firefly collected pre- and post-program data by surveying all participants. Data gathered included 1) occurrence and frequency of clients' trauma-related symptoms (such as those associated with ptsd, anxiety and depression), 2) changes in clients' self care practices, ability to self-regulate emotions and mindfulness and 3) clients' evaluation of the Firefly program in trauma-informed Yoga. Survey results showed clients had an overall positive and healing experience during their participation in the Firefly program.

Firefly training in trauma-informed Yoga: in 2015, Firefly implemented two Yoga teacher trainings in trauma-informed Yoga. One was held in south lake tahoe, ca and one in minneapolis, mn. Firefly additionally offered individualized trainings to Yoga teachers in California, Massachusetts and Minnesota. A total of 22 Yoga teachers completed the Firefly training in 2015. The Firefly training consists of an evidence-based 30-hour curriculum on trauma-informed principles and practice. Over three days