esther m palmer
trauma-sensitive yoga & yoga for seniors

Hi! I'm Esther

a movement teacher specializing in trauma-sensitive practices and yoga for seniors

about working with me

It's scary when your body doesn't do what you expect or feels different than it used to. I came to love teaching while navigating an injury recovery. What I learned about my body through that healing process sparked my interest in how the human body works. I loved having insight into why I was hurting and how to change it.

I've been doing this work since 2011 (and online since 2018), supporting people who want to feel more at ease in their bodies through movement . Many of my students are thoughtful, curious individuals who appreciate having choices in their movement practice rather than being told exactly what to do.

My approach can be useful for trauma healing. As a certified Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F), I've completed 300+ hours of specialized training in this evidence-based intervention for complex trauma. This approach maintains an awareness of how trauma can live in the body and that movement can be both healing and challenging. The practice invites making choices and cultivating internal awareness rather than achieving external goals.

I've learned how to adapt movement practices for evolving physical needs, through years of working with seniors and my own experience with how bodies change over time. Whether you're dealing with balance concerns, joint stiffness, or want to maintain independence, I focus on what your body can do and what feels safe for you.

how I learned about movement

All my life, I've lived through movement—dancing, swimming, running. I marvel at the feeling of movement—something we can all share through our own experience, that has nothing to do with skill. By moving our bodies and minds, we can learn to move ourselves through what we need—whether healing, growth, or moments of joy.

My years of experience and training draw on varied approaches to embodiment:

  • Master of Fine Arts in Dance & Technology
  • 500-hour certified yoga teacher (E-RYT 500) through ISHTA Yoga
  • Additional yoga specializations in anatomy, restorative, and prenatal
  • Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator - specialized training in trauma-informed relational approaches
  • Body-based healing studies including Alexander Technique, conditioning exercises (exercise science approaches used by physical therapists)

I maintain my credentials and continue updating my knowledge through ongoing education—and everything I learn from working with you.

be curious

To maintain your health, you have to ask yourself: “how can I deal with what’s going on today?” Some days it might be a breathing exercise, and some days it might be a vigorous practice, but having the totality of the practice—the diversity of ways to combat stress—is important. And you really do that—incorporate the whole package into your lessons.”
- Mary, group class student

connecting through movement is my joy

I genuinely enjoy learning through movement. I enjoy working with you to figure out what might help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. It's always a privilege to be witness to moments of discovery when someone realizes something about themselves through their movement work.

No two movement practices are the same. Every person brings a unique combination of experiences, physical patterns, and goals. It's intellectually engaging for me to draw from my varied movement background to help shape an approach that feels right for you.

When my clients tell me they feel "so much better" after our sessions, or that they've gained confidence in making choices for their own bodies, I'm reminded why this work matters. We all deserve to feel at home in our bodies—and have practices that help bring us back if ever that feeling goes away.

be moving

I like your openness and curiosity—the most valuable thing for me in your classes is to see your qualities and be inspired by them. In your yoga classes, I have grown more willing to work from the shapes being offered during class and adapt them to what I feel like I need… I’m taking a little more ownership.
- Linda, group class student

let's work together

A note about my approach: trauma-sensitive principles are embedded in all my work. These approaches can be useful for everyone because they align with our biological instincts for safety and connection. When working with you, I will:

  • Prioritize your choices and agency
  • Respect your body's wisdom and limitations
  • Create space for your internal experience
  • Never assume what's right for your body

Whether you're 70 and starting to feel concerned about falls, or 40 and processing life experiences, these principles create a foundation of respect and agency that allows for genuine healing and growth.

curious to learn more?

yoga with esther

A space to move, create what you need, and be true to yourself.
copyright © 2025 esther m palmer
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