I keep typing out a response and then the forum eats it -- I don't know what's happening! Let's have another go:

Fins, I'm sorry that's been your experience of yoga. It sounds like the instructors you've seen haven't been very good! I've been to a few myself where they REALLY push you and I've wanted to slap them and say, "It's not a bloody competition!" But I restrain myself . . . Pbutton is right, it should be about listening to your own body!

Anyway, I read a book once, Yoga for Depression by Amy Weintraub that had lots of good ideas about doing yoga for people who are sad, hurt, etc. (I know it says "depression" in the title, but it could probably be a good book for anybody who wants healing yoga.) I ordered another book today, Overcoming Trauma through Yoga -- I'll let you know if it's any good, if you're interested.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Overcoming-T...5591228&sr=8-1

Regarding my name -- I was eating a sandwich for dinner and watching Dr. Who (British sci-fi TV series) when I joined up to the forum. The Doctor's favourite food is fish fingers and custard, so . . . yes . . . history was made I actually don't know how to swim, but I'd like to learn. (Bathing suit shopping/wearing terrifies me.) Do you find it helps you with the trauma?