title: A Yoga Intervention Program for Patients Suffering from Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To understand how individuals with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) perceive a trauma-sensitive Kundalini yoga (KY) program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Digitally recorded telephone interviews 30-60 minutes in duration were conducted with 40 individuals with PTSD participating in an 8-week KY treatment program. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Qualitative analysis identifies three major themes: self-observed changes, new awareness, and the yoga program itself. Findings suggest that participants noted changes in areas of health and well-being, lifestyle, psychosocial integration, and perceptions of self in relation to the world. Presented are practical suggestions for trauma-related programming.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need to consider alternative and potentially empowering approaches to trauma treatment. Yoga-related self-care or self-management strategies are widely accessible, are empowering, and may address the mind-body elements of PTSD.
authors.affiliation: 1 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .
authors.forename: Farah A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Jindani
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Toronto Mult-Faith Centre for Spiritual Study and Practice , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .
authors.forename: G F S
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Khalsa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015013:Yoga / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult