Five Things to Know About Trauma-Informed Yoga for Mental Health Recovery: A Q&A with Alicia Ferrero

Alicia Ferrero is an experienced Yoga Teacher and Therapist specialising in yoga for mental health recovery. Over the past decade she has supported individuals in private and residential settings across London, working with addiction, trauma, depression, and complex emotional conditions. Her approach integrates movement, mindfulness, and breathwork to support emotional regulation, resilience, and long-term wellbeing, informed by her ongoing MA in Psychotherapy. We sat down with Alicia to glean her expert insight on the nuances around yoga for mental health recovery and addiction rehabilitation.

1. How does yoga support mental health recovery?

“Yoga is a powerful ally in mental health recovery. It provides practical tools – such as steady breath, gentle movement, and structured rest – that, together, supports nervous system regulation, reduces reactivity, and builds self-compassion. Over time, people notice earlier when they are escalating and have skills to respond rather than react. Many report better sleep, improved mood stability, and a clearer sense of agency. As part of yoga for mental health recovery, the practice is portable … brief sequences between sessions help maintain gains and translate therapeutic insight into everyday steadiness.”

2. Can trauma-informed yoga support trauma recovery? How does it work?

“Yes. trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful support in trauma recovery. Research, including the work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, shows that trauma is often stored in the body and that somatic practices can help release its physical imprint. Choice-based movement, grounding, and an emphasis on safety helps to rebuild trust in bodily signals, and reduce overwhelm.

It’s also a case that language is invitational; people can pause, modify, or rest at any point, preserving agency. As regulation improves, emotions become more manageable and capacity for processing grows. For many, this work complements talking therapy, creating an integrated pathway within yoga for mental health recovery.”

3. How does yoga help people in addiction rehabilitation?

“Yoga can support addiction recovery by offering a calm, structured way to reconnect with the body and practise healthier coping strategies. Many people arrive feeling disconnected from themselves, and yoga provides a gentle way to reconnect, foster present-moment awareness, and interrupt cycles of obsessive thinking. The routine – arrive, breathe, move gently, rest – interrupts cycles of rumination or urges by bringing attention back to breath and sensation. Over time, this supports self-worth, steadier sleep, and a more positive relationship with the body.

Such simple, repeatable steps help build stability and sustain progress alongside clinical care.”

4. What type of yoga is best for emotional regulation?

“Approaches that emphasise gentle movement, slow breathing, and deep rest – such as Hatha, Yin, or Restorative – are well suited to emotional regulation. They help down-shift the stress response and increase tolerance of internal sensations through supporting support vagal tone, helping the body shift from a stress response into a state of balance.

For those with trauma histories, therapeutic (trauma-informed) yoga is often most appropriate: sessions are tailored, language is invitational, and there is permission to pause or adapt. Framed within yoga for mental health recovery, this creates a safe container that steadies mood and supports gradual release of stored tension.”

5. Is yoga enough for mental health recovery, or should it be combined with other therapies?

“Yoga can be a powerful support, but it is most effective alongside psychotherapy, counselling, or medical care. Think of yoga for mental health recovery as a set of self-care tools – breath regulation, grounding, simple movement – that enhance stability and stress management. These skills complement clinical work, helping people consolidate progress between sessions and maintain gains over time.”

If you’re exploring yoga for mental health recovery for yourself or a client, our expert team can help shape a safe, measured approach that aligns with clinical goals.

To discuss one-to-one options with the wider team, contact us today.