somatic trauma recovery

Hi, I’m Crystall Howe (she/her)

A Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) based in Madison, WI.

I specialize in somatic, trauma informed yoga therapy for those navigating addiction recovery, chronic pain, ADHD, and hypermobility conditions such as hEDS. My approach blends compassion, science, and accessible movement to help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom and feel more at home within yourself.

I currently work as the Yoga Therapist for 5 Door Recovery and Tellurian adult residential treatment programs. I also see clients one-on-one for somatic yoga therapy privately at Sukha Somatics in Madison, WI. These sessions integrate yoga philosophy, neuroscience, integrative somatics, and structural movement support for joint stability, all informed by a trauma sensitive lens.

My Approach

I came to this work through a mix of curiosity, science, and necessity. Years ago my own experiences with chronic pain, hypermobility, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation led me to ask some big questions:

- How do we move through discomfort in the present moment without losing connection to ourselves?
- How do we heal the trauma patterns our bodies carry?
- How do we hold love and compassion for who we are now, while still growing in alignment with our values and purpose?
- And how do we create a consistent sense of empowerment and joy while living with chronic health conditions?

Those questions became the heart of my practice and continue to shape how I support others today.

My teaching is rooted in a blended background which draws from lived experience, years of professional training in yoga therapy and somatics, my previous career in molecular biology, and a deep understanding of the body-mind connection. I integrate evidence based practices, ancient wisdom, and a deep respect for each person’s unique needs.

Expect some silliness from time to time, and don’t be surprised if the image of dogs find their way into visualization meditations or yoga philosophy analogies.

Education & Notable Professional Training

Before becoming a Yoga Therapist, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology & Genetics and spent eight years working in biotechnology research and production. That background still informs my work since I love connecting the dots between modern science, anatomy, and traditional yoga philosophy.

Various Trainings - This list is not exhaustive since I’m a lifelong learner with a natural tendency to dive deeply into topics, but it should give you an overview.

  • Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) — Multiyear international credential (1000+ hours) combining clinical practicum, mentorship, and therapeutic application of yoga tools for physical and mental health conditions. It included units on myofascial trigger point release, heart disease, cancer care, mental health, addiction, pain relief, neurological conditions, etc.

  • RYT-500 + RYT-200 — Foundational yoga teaching certifications emphasizing breath-centered movement, safety, and adaptive sequencing.

  • Yoga Sutras & Philosophy Training — The Secret Power of Yoga with Nischala Joy Devi

  • Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery) — Trauma sensitive integration of yoga and recovery principles.

  • Sattva Vinyasa Addiction & Recovery — Somatic approach to nervous system stabilization in recovery.

  • Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy (The Embody Lab) — 60-hour certification in how trauma changes somatic patterns, trauma sensitive embodiment, somatic awareness, and nervous system regulation.

  • Hypermobility & Session Planning through Yoga Medicine — Strategies for joint stability, strength, and proprioceptive awareness.

  • Anatomy Bites Trainings — 60+ hrs of applied biomechanics for strength and stability in non-hypermobile bodies, as well as hypermobile hEDS specific programs (yoga for bendy people, strength training for bendy people).

  • Myofascial Meridians Anatomy — Fascial integration systems for movement fluidity and general easy in the body (Programs = Anatomy Trains in Yoga, Anatomy Trains in Motion, Feeling Through the Lines, & Rolling through the Myofascial Lines with Jill Miller).

  • Yoga Nidra & Sound Healing (70+ hrs) — Through MyVinyasa Practice, aimed at restoring balance in the koshas.

  • Mindfulness & Radical Self-Compassion (Buddhist-informed) — Utilizing meditation and self reflection to transform your relationship with yourself.

  • Emotional & Social Intelligence, Nonviolent Communication, and Productive Conflict - Promega ESI and Employee Training Programs

  • 30+ additional hours of misc Embody Lab somatic trainings on trauma, nervous system healing, and resilience.

When I’m Not Teaching

You’ll often find me with my rescue dogs, snuggled up with a fuzzy blanket and kindle, deep diving into a new interest, or out on the paintball field having a blast.

Explore More

If you’d like to learn more about how somatic yoga therapy can support you, explore the pages below:

Or check out the What to Expect page to see how these approaches come together in a session.