Exhale to Inhale

Being trauma-informed is an intentional and ongoing practice, but a deeply important one. So, where do you start? ✨

We have some ideas.

1. Offer choice whenever possible

Providing options — whether in conversations, programs, or participation — helps restore a sense of agency.

2. Use invitational language

Phrases like “you might consider” or “if it feels comfortable” allow individuals to engage at their own pace.

3. Prioritize safety and predictability

Clear expectations and consistent environments help reduce stress and support trust.

Trauma-informed practices are ultimately about creating environments where people feel respected, supported, and empowered. ✨

💻 To deepen your trauma-informed toolkit, join our upcoming FREE community learning session taking place on June 5th via Zoom: https://www.exhaletoinhale.org/community-learning

In partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, we were honored to host our third annual Leading with Wellness workshop last week, creating space for leaders across the city to pause, connect, and reflect on what it means to sustain ourselves while supporting survivors.

Over 40 leaders joined us for an afternoon of learning, conversation, and community, including:

✨ A powerful discussion on vicarious trauma and post-traumatic growth with Dr. Obianuju “Uju” Berry of NYC Health + Hospitals

✨ “Holding the Work, Holding Ourselves,” a panel featuring Commissioner Saloni Sethi of the NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV); Angela Fernandez, Assistant Director of the Mount Sinai Health System SAVI Program; Alba L., Anti-Violence Program and Contract Administration Director; and Dr. Cathy Roche, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the FJC Mental Health Program at NYC Health + Hospitals

✨ Thoughtful breakout conversations, wellness practices, and shared insights from organizations supporting survivors across New York City

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this gathering so meaningful.

Interested in bringing wellness and trauma-informed self-care practices to your organization? Please reach out to [email protected].

Our Term 2 public classes are underway! 💜

We’re continuing to offer trauma-informed yoga spaces for our community — designed to support grounding, connection, and healing through accessible, body-based practices.

Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, these classes are open to all and rooted in choice and accessibility.

Our weekly schedule:

✨ Tuesdays at 7:30pm ET (30 min) | May 12 – June 16

✨ Wednesdays at 11:30am ET (30 min) | May 6 – July 22

✨ Wednesdays at 12:30pm ET (45 min) | May 6 – June 8

This is a space to return to yourself, in whatever way feels right for you.

💻 Sign ups for all classes are available via our website now: https://www.exhaletoinhale.org/classes -daytime-class

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Exhale to Inhale is proud to share findings from our latest research on the impact of trauma-informed yoga on college student wellbeing.

Developed in partnership with Kate Spade New York’s The Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health and Prospira Global, this study explored our college program across 10 NYC campuses, where students engaged in weekly trauma-informed yoga practices.

What we found reflects what we’ve long known: when students have access to trauma-informed, body-based care, meaningful shifts are possible — in how they manage stress, support their mental health, and reconnect with themselves.

Throughout April, we had the privilege of partnering with our colleges and universities partners to hold space for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Together, we created spaces for students to gather, learn, and reconnect with themselves through trauma-informed, body-based practices. These moments matter. On campuses where stress is high and support can feel out of reach, creating intentional spaces for care, reflection, and education is essential.

​A huge thank you to our campus partners for hosting us , , , Borough of Manhattan Community College, , , , , , and – thank you so much for continuing to prioritize this work alongside us.

Huge congratulations to our May training participants on completing their 16-hour trauma-informed yoga certification. 👏🏽

With each training, we are inspired by how this community carries trauma-informed practices into their fields and communities, expanding access to care for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Thank you to and our incredible trainers and who continue to hold these spaces with such intention, and to everyone who committed to this work. We are grateful to be in community with you. 💜
As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue growing this network of care.

To learn more about upcoming training opportunities, sign up for our newsletter via the link in our bio.

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, we are reflecting on a month rooted in education, community, and care.
Throughout April, we shared educational posts to deepen understanding of trauma-informed practice and survivor support.

We held public classes designed to offer grounding and embodied care. We gathered in community at our SAAM event with MM.LaFleur, creating space for conversation, connection, and reflection. And we released new research with Kate Spade New York's The Global Fund for Women's Mental Health and Prospira Global to help advance the field of trauma-informed wellness and storytelling.

Each of these moments is part of a larger commitment: to make healing-centered, trauma-informed resources more accessible, and to continue showing up for survivors and those who support them.

This work continues beyond April.

If you feel called to stay connected or deepen your support, here are a few ways to be part of it:

✨ Make a donation to sustain and expand our programming: https://exhaletoinhale.networkforgood.com/projects/30654-empower-a-survivor-today

✨ Join our Empowerment Circle: https://exhaletoinhale.networkforgood.com/projects/34416-empowerment-circle

✨ Sign up for our newsletter: https://exhaletoinhale.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/sign-up-for-our-mailing-list

✨ Engage with and share our social posts and resources

✨ Help amplify this work within your community: https://www.exhaletoinhale.org/ways-to-give

Thank you for being in this with us – not just during Sexual Assault Awareness Month but all year long. 💜

Our public classes are back this May 💜

We’re excited to once again offer trauma-informed yoga spaces for our community — designed to support grounding, connection, and healing through accessible, body-based practices.

Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, these classes are open to all and rooted in choice, care, and accessibility.

Upcoming series:

✨ Tuesdays at 7:30pm ET (30 min) | May 12 – June 16

✨ Wednesdays at 11:30am ET (30 min) | May 6 – July 22

✨ Wednesdays at 12:30pm ET (45 min) | May 6 – June 8

Mark your calendars and join us in creating space for rest, reflection, and reconnection.

💻 Visit our website to register: https://www.exhaletoinhale.org/classes -daytime-class

Support healing all year long 💜

The Exhale to Inhale Empowerment Circle is a community of monthly donors committed to making trauma-informed, body-based healing accessible to survivors — not just in moments of awareness, but every day.

Your monthly gift, at any amount, helps sustain our classes, trainings, and partnerships, which ensures survivors and the staff who support them have consistent access to care. It also allows us to spend less time fundraising and more time doing what matters most: Serving our community.

As a member of the Empowerment Circle, you also receive:

✨ Exclusive access to events and special offerings

✨ 10% off our Annual Gala

✨ Direct connection to our Executive Director

✨ Insider updates and community recognition

✨ Opportunities to host your own gathering

This is a simple, powerful way to commit to long-term healing and collective care.

💜 Visit our website to join the Empowerment Circle: https://exhaletoinhale.networkforgood.com/projects/34416-empowerment-circle

We’re opening the door for connection, care, and community as we kick off Term 2 of our Partner Program! 💜

Join us for our upcoming Partner Self-Care Kick Off, a space for current partners and those curious about becoming part of this work.

🗓️ When: May 5, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:30pm ET
💻 Where: Zoom via the link in our bio

During this event, we’ll enjoy a gentle, trauma-informed chair yoga practice, followed by time for questions, conversation, and an overview of what’s ahead from our Program Director Sophia Holly Yoga and Healing.

Whether you are already in this community or exploring what partnership could look like, you are welcome here and we look forward to beginning this next term together!

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rByHpMoZQ-G9kA0N_afKGQ #/registration

Healing after trauma should be available to everyone. 💜

Trauma-informed yoga is a body-based healing practice that supports survivors in reconnecting with their bodies through choice, breath, and movement. It centers safety, accessibility, and agency — allowing each person to engage in ways that feel supportive and empowering.

This approach matters because trauma impacts both the mind and the body. Practices that support nervous system regulation and body awareness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, while creating space to rebuild a sense of safety and trust.

At Exhale to Inhale, this is at the core of our work. Through classes, partnerships, and trainings, we expand access to trauma-informed yoga so more survivors can heal on their own terms.

This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, support this work and help make body-based healing accessible to all.

🧘🏽‍♀️ 🧘🏿 Learn more now: https://www.exhaletoinhale.org/sexual-assault-awareness-month