Studio T Pilates

Integrating Trauma and Movement with Tami Lysher
Host: Tami Lysher
Guest: June Hall
Episode Overview:
In this enlightening episode, Tami Lysher, a trauma and movement expert, sits down with fellow trauma expert June Hall to discuss Tami’s unique approach to integrating trauma-informed practices with movement. They explore her journey from early childhood education to Pilates instruction and how she’s bridging these fields to create healing opportunities for children and families through movement, breathwork, and nervous system integration.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Tami’s Professional Journey:
• Over 40 years in early childhood education and trauma-informed care.
• Transitioned to working with adults through Pilates, owning a studio, and creating a curriculum for trauma-informed movement.
• Returning to her roots in early childhood, integrating yoga and Pilates with trauma-informed approaches to help children and families.
2. Unique Insights from Tami’s Work:
• Observed developmental delays in children, often linked to trauma, poverty, or crises such as Flint’s water crisis.
• Movement as a way to rebuild core strength, coordination, and body awareness.
• Play-based methods to make movement accessible and engaging for children.
3. The Role of Trauma in Development:
• Trauma impacts motor development, including gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and balance.
• The importance of revisiting early developmental milestones through movement (e.g., crawling, rolling, jumping).
4. Techniques and Tools:
• Activities like obstacle courses, balance exercises, and cross-body movements to support physical and cognitive growth.
• Use of props like hula hoops, Bosu balls, balance beams, and painter’s tape to create interactive and engaging experiences.
5. Family-Centered Approach:
• Integrating breathwork and nervous system regulation for parents to co-regulate with their children.
• Encouraging parents to view their children with curiosity and compassion, fostering better communication and emotional connection.
6. Play as a Path to Healing:
• Play-based interventions to build trust, safety, and resilience in children.
• Empowering children with choice and agency to rebuild confidence and self-expression.
7. Parent and Child Outcomes:
• Improvements in focus, motor skills, and emotional regulation in children.
• Parents reporting a shift in their parenting styles, embracing curiosity and calm in interactions with their children.
8. Future Projects:
• Tami is developing a parent-child movement resource booklet categorized by bodily sensations to guide families in creating connection and healing through movement and play.
Key Takeaways:
• Trauma-informed movement integrates breath, movement, and nervous system work to support healing across all ages.
• Children’s development thrives on play, choice, and consistency, which help rebuild body awareness and emotional regulation.
• Parents are crucial in co-regulating with their children, modeling calm and resilience.
Connect with Tami Lysher:
Find more about Tami’s work, programs, and resources in the show notes. Stay tuned for her upcoming parent-child movement booklet and follow her journey on social media.
Thank you for tuning in to Embracing Change: Talking Through Trauma!