Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone:
A guide for mental health professionals, yoga therapists and teachers

by Joann LUTZ, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT

In this book, Joann Lutz presents her original model of ‘Nervous-System Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga’ (NITYA). The model, which is a synthesis of polyvagal theory, classic yoga, somatic psychotherapy, and neuroscience research, is organized around the eight stages of classic yoga practice.

The book is important for three reasons:  Mainstream psychotherapy has, until recently, ignored the body – a major element in the healing of trauma and other emotional and mental dysregulations. It has also omitted the wisdom to be found in the world’s great spiritual traditions, perpetuating an artificial separation between religion/spirituality and science. The field is also currently being enriched by empirical data from the field of neuropsychology that describes brain function. The mental health field is ready to embrace a holistic model, and this book can play a significant role in that transformation. 

The book includes scripts of the major practices, for ease in introducing them into the therapy session, and an assessment form, to guide the practitioner in treatment planning. Joann offers professional trainings, based on the book, which help practitioners integrate this material into their work.

Here are some reviews: 

Stephen Porges: In Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, Joann Lutz transforms yoga practices into a neurobiological-based therapeutic strategy that facilitates and optimizes health through enhanced autonomic regulation. This model, which she labels as Nervous System-Informed Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (NITYA), is the product of an insightful consilience of ancient traditions with contemporary neuroscience. Embracing the model will lead to deeper understanding of the wisdom embedded in yoga and the powerful neurophysiological impact it may have on rehabilitating mental and physical health.

Stephen W. Porges, PhD
Distinguished University Scientist
Kinsey Institute
Indiana University, Bloomington 
Professor, Department of Psychiatry
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Shirley Telles: In Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, Joann Lutz combines ancient wisdom from yoga with a scientifically informed therapeutic approach for safe and effective trauma resolution. Compulsory reading for anyone interested in healing trauma through neuroscience, blended with compassion! 

Shirley Telles MBBS PhD, Director, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India

Joann has been studying and teaching yoga for more than 40 years, and is Certified in EMDR, psychosynthesis, and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy. She has been training mental health professionals internationally for 10 years, and offers a certification program in this approach. She has presented at the last two USABP conferences, and lists her trainings on the USABP website. Her website is www.yogainpsychotherapy.com.

REVIEW COPIES OF THE BOOK ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT JOANN AT: joannlutz22@gmail.com.