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 (7-week series)

  • Yoga as Healing is a free 7-week program aimed at empowering survivors of sexual abuse 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

    Participants can expect a gentle yoga practice, which may include standing, balancing, bending at the hips, bending and straightening the knees, twisting, sitting and lying on the floor, and other common physical shapes used in yoga postures. Participants are invited to explore variations of the shapes that support their sense of safety and comfort.

    Yoga as Healing will be offered as a 7-week series during Spring quarter 2026 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 Wednesday, March 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. 

  • Yoga with CARE
  • Yoga with CARE is a one-hour, trauma-informed, gentle yoga practice designed to support a mind-body connection. No yoga experience is necessary; yoga mats, blocks, and blankets will be available for use. 
     
    Participants can expect a gentle yoga practice, which may include standing, balancing, bending at the hips, bending and straightening the knees, twisting, sitting and lying on the floor, and other common physical shapes used in yoga postures. Participants are invited to explore variations of the shapes that support their sense of safety and comfort.

    Any current UC Davis student or employee is welcome to join and no intake appointment is required; however, space is limited. Please use this form reserve your spot in one or more of the Yoga with CARE dates offered during winter 2026. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver of liability before the class begins.
     
    2026 Winter Quarter Dates & Times
    Wednesday, January 14th; 12 - 1 PM
    Monday, January 26th; 5 - 6 PM
    Tuesday, February 24th; 4:30 - 5:30 PM

    For questions about Yoga with CARE, please contact Sarah Meredith at sameredith@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