In this talk I begin with the reasons why a psychologically minded zen practice needs to be a trauma-informed zen practice: firstly, to ensure that zen practice doesn’t inadvertently retraumatise people; and secondly, zen practice can facilitate the healing process of trauma survivors. I then define trauma and discuss how the symptoms of trauma are the price we pay for surviving trauma. Following this I focus on the treatment of trauma and how Zen practice contributes to the process of healing by facilitating self-acceptance and self-compassion.
