When Practicing Mindfulness, We May Also Meet Trauma
How We Respond Makes ALL the difference
TRAUMA-SENSITIVE MINDFULNESS (TSM)
Mindfulness is more powerful when combined with an understanding of trauma.
I’m David Treleaven — a writer, educator, and trauma professional who helps people teach and practice mindfulness in a trauma-sensitive way.
While mindfulness is a powerful practice, it can unintentionally activate symptoms of traumatic stress. When asked to focus sustained attention inward, people with trauma may experience flashbacks, dysregulation, or dissociation.
This site offers resources designed to help practitioners avoid common pitfalls while harnessing the full potential of mindfulness for healing and growth.
FREE WEBINAR
Discover the Truth About Mindfulness and Trauma
While mindfulness can be deeply healing, it can also be challenging for those navigating trauma. In this free webinar, I’ll explain why—and share tools to make your mindfulness practice and teaching more trauma-sensitive and supportive.
What Experts are Saying About
Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness (TSM)
An essential ‘upgrade’ for anyone who thinks of themselves as a mindfulness teacher, or is in training to become one.”
— JON KABAT-ZINN, PhD
Founder, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
“Indispensable training for yoga and meditation teachers, as well as mental health professionals who are passionate about integrating mindfulness into their clinical practice.”
— ZABIE YAMASAKI
Program Director of Trauma-Informed Yoga, UCLA
“Essential reading for meditation teachers, mental health professionals, and all those who have suffered from trauma and want to engage on a meditative path in a wise and healing way.”
— TARA BRACH, PhD
Author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
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Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness
Become part of a vibrant community and access the latest resources to deepen your TSM practice.
How Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness is Making a Difference
“Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness gave me the freedom and permission to approach my work with more fluidity, intuition, and deeper knowledge.”
Licensed Professional Counselor
"As a physician and mindfulness teacher going through the first wave of the pandemic, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness work was a lifeline that helped me stay centered and afloat during an incredible time of uncertainty and fear."
Physician and Mindfulness Teacher
"Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness significantly bolstered my understanding of the relationship between trauma and mindfulness and increased my confidence in providing meditation and healing work to incarcerated populations."
Prison/Jail Educator and Mindfulness Teacher
"Through Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, I’ve been able to serve First Responders even more effectively in my work."
Mindfulness Trainer for First Responders