Background. Women with substance use disorders (SUD) often experience unique treatment challenges linked to trauma histories that impact both mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the high prevalence of PTSD among women with SUD, trauma-sensitive approaches that address body awareness and safety are essential in addiction care. Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an adjunctive therapy that fosters body-mind reconnection, specifically designed to address the detachment that many women with SUD feel from their bodies. This study explores TCTSY’s role in supporting women within both outpatient and residential addiction services.

Methods. Six women participating in TCTSY sessions as part of their addiction treatment were interviewed in depth. Data from these interviews were complemented by participant observation, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their experiences with TCTSY.

Results. Participants highlighted several benefits of TCTSY, including an enhanced sense of calmness, increased self-esteem, and heightened sense of body awareness (interoception). Five out of six participants reported both mental and physical relaxation during the sessions, and all participants noted improvements in self-regulation and self-awareness. Participants also described experiencing a greater sense of autonomy, safety, and connection to others. The structured yet flexible nature of TCTSY provided a stabilizing influence within their recovery journey.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that TCTSY can be a valuable adjunctive therapy in women’s addiction recovery, enhancing both mental and physical health in a holistic, trauma-informed care model. While TCTSY is not a replacement for primary addiction treatments, its integration shows promise for meeting the specific needs of women with trauma histories. Successful implementation of TCTSY requires attention to key logistical factors, including safe, accessible spaces and supportive program structure, to ensure participants feel secure and engaged in their recovery.