Yoga Based Movement Therapy Study

This preliminary study will examine the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial of Yoga Based Movement Therapy (YBMT)and standard care mental health (SCMH) treatment compared to SCMH for children ages 8-12 years who have a history of neglect and maltreatment (trauma). The goal of the study is to inform the method and sample size for a larger randomized trial to study the effect of YMBT with SCMH compared to SCMH in improving child regulation of behavior, emotions, and daily functioning. Children who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, exposure to community or domestic violence, parental substance abuse, mental health disorders, and incarceration are at risk to have dysregulation of mood, emotions and behavior. In addition, children exposed to neglect and trauma may have poor attachment to caregivers and poor peer relations. It is hypothesized the using YBMT as an adjunct to SCMH may improve children's regulation of emotion and behavior.