Safe Meditation Practices for Trauma Survivors: Expert Tips from David Treleaven

Not all meditation experiences are peaceful — and that's something we need to talk about. In this conversation, meditation teacher Meryl Arnett sits down with mindfulness trainer and trauma expert David Treleaven, PhD, author of The Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workbook, to explore how trauma impacts meditation and vice versa.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, dysregulated, or triggered during meditation practice, this episode will help you understand why — and give you practical tools to work with these challenging experiences.What To ExpectWhy meditation can trigger trauma responses and what to do about itThe spectrum of trauma: understanding the difference between stress, traumatic stress, and PTSDThe Window of Tolerance: a powerful framework for knowing when to lean into meditation and when to back offBeing with vs. working with: two essential approaches to meditation practicePractical regulation tools beyond traditional seated meditationPerfect ForMeditation practitioners experiencing difficulty or overwhelm in practiceYoga and meditation teachers wanting to develop trauma-informed teaching skillsMental health professionals integrating mindfulness into their workAnyone with a trauma history exploring meditationParents helping children develop emotional regulation skillsAnyone interested in understanding the intersection of meditation and mental healthFeatured GuestDavid Treleaven, PhD is a writer, educator, and trauma professional specializing in trauma-sensitive mindfulness. His work helps meditation teachers and practitioners understand how to work skillfully with trauma in contemplative practice. He's trained thousands of meditation teachers worldwide and his resources include The Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workbook and various online trainings.Find David at: davidtreleaven.comResources MentionedThe Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Workbook by David TreleavenWidening the Window by Elizabeth StanleyTeachers referenced: Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Rick HansonFree trauma-informed meditation webinar available at davidtreleaven.comJoin the ConversationHave you experienced challenges in your meditation practice? What tools help you regulate when practice becomes overwhelming? Share your experiences on social media using #meditatewithmerylDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're experiencing trauma symptoms or mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified mental health professional.Learn more and sign up for Nature's Reflection: A Meditation and Forest Bathing Retreat happening October 23 - 26 here: https://www.hambidge.org/workshop-schedule/natures-reflection-a-meditation-and-forest-bathing-retreatSign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/. Thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find her at:https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsenThis podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.