Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness : A Comprehensive Guide for Mindfulness Teachers

The formative, step-by-step guide to trauma-sensitive mindfulness practice.

Unbeknownst to many, mindfulness can exacerbate symptoms of traumatic stress. Instructed to pay close, sustained attention to their inner-world, people struggling with trauma can experience flashbacks, dysregulation, or dissociation.

Here, trauma specialist David Treleaven builds on his pioneering work to offer a practical guide for integrating trauma-sensitivity into mindfulness practices. From the nuances of trauma’s impact on the individual to adapting mindfulness in diverse contexts, Treleaven provides step-by-step guidance, practical exercises, and real-world applications to ensure mindfulness is both safe and transformative. Structured to deepen understanding and skill, this comprehensive resource covers foundational principles and specialized adaptations, empowering mindfulness teachers with cutting-edge tools and insights. This is an essential guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of trauma with mindfulness and to foster environments of healing, resilience, and inclusivity.

5 black-and-white illustrations; 1 color illustration

David Treleaven, PhD, is a writer, educator, and trauma professional specializing in the intersection of mindfulness and trauma. His first book, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, has been translated into 10 languages and continues to shape mindfulness practices and teaching worldwide. He’s been invited to teach at institutions such as the Oxford Mindfulness Center, Brown University, UCLA, and various mindfulness organizations across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. His teaching has also extended to esteemed centers such as Spirit Rock Meditation Center, the Shambhala Mountain Center, the Esalen Institute, and the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York.