Healing

Traumatic experiences, like sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking can impact survivors in many different ways. Some survivors may notice that they feel more anxious, distracted, agitated, or even angry after experiencing violence. Other survivors may feel more depressed, sad, lethargic, or tired. It’s also common for survivors to notice a mix of feelings, which may come and go throughout their healing process. Below are just some examples of how the impact of trauma may show up for survivors.

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Difficulty focusing on routine tasks

  • Intrusive thoughts or memories of the assault

  • Difficulty eating or sleeping

  • Drug or alcohol misuse or abuse

  • Disordered eating

  • Self-harm

  • Isolation from friends or family

  • Feelings of shame, embarrassment, or guilt

It’s important to know that these symptoms are common, and that there is help available to assist survivors in healing over time. Survivors are all unique, with unique experiences and needs for their healing process. UC Davis offers a variety of holistic healing services, including CARE’s Yoga as Healing and Art as Healing programs, designed to provide survivors with the support they need and deserve.

CARE's Healing Programs

  • Yoga as Healing 

  • Yoga as Healing is a free 7-week long program aimed at empowering survivors of sexual assault and helping them reconnect their mind and body through the practice of yoga. Yoga as Healing is open to UC Davis students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Survivors of all genders are welcomed and no prior yoga experience is necessary. CARE provides all the materials, including yoga mats, yoga blocks, and blankets. 

    The program includes:

    • Weekly themes
    • Art
    • Restorative postures
    • Trauma-informed yoga instruction by a licensed yoga teacher
    • Guided activities
    • Journaling
    • Positive affirmations

    Yoga as Healing will be offered as a 7-week series during Fall quarter 2025 on Mondays from 4:10 - 5:45 PM.

    UC Davis students who are interested in participating in the Spring quarter series should contact CARE to schedule an intake appointment by Thursday, September 25th with a confidential advocate

    If you have questions about Yoga as Healing or would like to be considered for the program, please contact us at ucdcare@ucdavis.edu. 

  • Art as Healing

  • Join CARE for an hour of self-care through the creation of art. Supplies, snacks, and optional art prompts will be provided. Art as Healing is open to all students, faculty, and staff at UC Davis. Please note that this space is designed to be low stress and welcoming to all- we will not be asking questions about your experience(s) or survivor status and will instead focus on fostering a space for connection, healing, and relaxation.

    Why is CARE offering an art space? Studies have shown that survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking can benefit from art groups. Creating art in a group setting allows for connection to others with similar experiences and the reduction of stress and other symptoms of mental health challenges. Art groups can provide an encouraging, safe space for processing thoughts, feelings, and emotions without having to use words. Have questions about the research? Ask your facilitator!

    Art as Healing is offered “pop up” style with new sessions being added throughout the academic year. Please check out CARE’s Event Calendar to learn when the next Art as Healing is scheduled!

Resources for Healing

UC Davis offers a variety of holistic healing services and spaces for survivors of violence and abuse. CARE is just one of the campus units dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our community. Confidential CARE advocates can assist survivors with referrals to additional support and services. Contact us at (530) 752-3299 or email ucdcare@ucdavis.edu to connect with an advocate.

Additional Self-Care and Healing Resources