Yoga for Survivors

We do not play music during Yoga for Survivors since it can be a bit of a challenge over Zoom sometimes, but we totally understand background music can be comforting to some. So, here are a few Spotify playlists you are welcome to play during our class offerings. If you do not have a paid account, though, please be prepared for an occasional ad to chime in during the playlist. You can, of course, play your own music or not play music at all – whatever supports your practice best!

Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in! During stillness and meditation, students may want to have a blanket, shawl, sweater, and/or socks nearby to keep the body comfortable and warm throughout the practice. Just rememember – if choosing to wear socks during asana (movement) practice, be careful about slipping!

No prior experience with yoga or meditation is required! Each class will offer different variations and practices to accommodate the needs of each student no matter their ability or experience.

You are in complete control of your practice in our yoga program. We strive to create a safe and trauma-informed environment and recognize that sometimes triggers, emotions, and sensations come up. These classes are designed to hold space for all experiences and empower students to navigate those experiences with care, sensitvity, and support.  Students are encouraged and free to rest whenever needed as well as leave at any time if they wish.

Our 24-hour crisis hotline is always available as well by calling 540-981-9352 to talk with a trained advocate if you need to work through any feelings that come up during class.

Please note that yoga is one of many modalities to support healing and should not take the place of mental health or medical expertise and support.

You just need to complete the intake form once and you’re covered to attend any yoga classes offered by SARA Roanoke. If your needs change, especially regarding health, accessibility, and medication, please let Laura know as soon as you can!

Not necessarily! Our programs typically use a number of props to provide support and care during the practice. Students may use a yoga mat, a chair (without arms if possible), a clean/empty wall, yoga blocks (or full rolls of toilet paper/paper towels), a yoga strap (or scarf, belt, neck tie), 1-2 blankets, bolster/cushion (or couch cushions/throw pillows), yoga sandbag (or Ziploc bag filled with dry beans, sugar, rice, or flour), and an eye pillow (or a wash rag/hand towel). Props are useful in making our practice more creative, fun, supportive, and interesting so use whatever you have on hand!

Laura Guilliams (she/her pronouns), MA, RYT-500 has served SARA Roanoke as the Director of Crisis Services since October 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication at Radford University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at University of Central Florida, and a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Certification from the Breathing Space in Blacksburg, VA. She is registered with Yoga Alliance, certified in CPR & FIrst Aid, and is a Certified Accessible Yoga Teacher and an Ambassador for Accessible Yoga, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to sharing the teachings and benefits of yoga to marginalized communities through education and advocacy. She is currently working toward her 800-hour yoga therapy certification under the mentorship of Sarahjoy Marsh, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT. Laura seeks to provide students with a safe, compassionate, and inclusive space to navigate their own healing through the teachings and practices of yoga.