Trauma Sensitive Yoga

Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) helps survivors of complex trauma and post-traumatic stress to gently reconnect with their bodies in a safe and supportive environment

What is Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) & how does it differ from Regular Yoga classes?

TCTSY is an evidence-based somatic practice for people who have a sense of disconnection with themselves and their body which may be the result of complex trauma, chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional conditions including anxiety and depression. This unique yoga therapy supports the body to feel safe and connected, and teaches people how to recognise and modulate arousal that is felt in their body. With foundations in Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory and Neuroscience, TCTSY methodology is based on the central components of hatha yoga where you may engage in a series of physical forms and movements.

Unlike many regular yoga classes, I do not use physical, hands-on adjustments to change the way you hold your physical form. TCTSY does not place emphasis on the external expression or alignment of your yoga form, rather the focus is on your internal experience of your form or movement. You are in charge of how you want to move based on your felt sense of your own body.

Is there any research to back yoga as a clinical intervention?

Yes! TCTSY was developed at the Trauma Centre in Boston, USA, by David Emerson in clinical consultation with Bessel Van Der Kolk. It is an empirically validated, clinical intervention designed for people living with complex trauma or chronic, treatment resistant PTSD. Researchers are illuminating the somatic impact of trauma and clinical trials and follow up qualitative studies. Here are some research findings at a glance

  • 10-weeks of TCTSY reduced PTSD symptoms 33% in women, 18-59 years old, with childhood physical and sexual abuse.

  • Two months post treatment, 52% of the women no longer qualified for PTSD diagnosis.

  • 20-weeks of TCTSY reduced PTSD symptoms 45% in women, 18-59 years old, with childhood physical and sexual abuse.

  • 20-weeks of TCTSY significantly reduced dissociative symptomatology.

    For more information, please visit www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/resources/research

How does TCTSY support people who have a sense of disconnection with themselves or their body, or who live with complex trauma?

TCTSY brings your body into therapy and complements traditional talk therapies by supporting your healing and recovery through

  • Restoring a sense of control and personal safety over your life

  • Connecting with your body in a safe way

  • Improving your emotional regulation and stability

  • Cultivating a more positive relationship to yourself, to your body and to others


What to expect in a TCTSY class?

No yoga experience is necessary. Group programs have no more than 8 participants per session. In each session I will offer you a series of yoga forms and movements to practice. I invite you to choose and explore these forms as an opportunity to notice physical sensations in your body. I will give variations of each yoga form and you can choose as to what you do and how you move your body. You also have the choice not to practice a yoga form. In group classes you do not have to talk to other participants. My invitation to you is to explore your physical sensations and depending on what you feel, make choices as to how you would like to move your body.

Do I need to be seeing a therapist to participate in a tctsy program?

No, however it is important that you have access to support systems or services during the program - this may include, but is not limited to, access to a counsellor, psychologist or social worker or a community or faith-based leader. Please feel free to get in touch if you wish to discuss this further.

What should I wear?

You are welcome to wear anything you feel comfortable in. You have a choice as to how you wish to move - standing, sitting or lying on your mat - which may influence what you want to wear.

Investment

4-week, 6-week & 8-week ONLINE Zoom programs available

Individual sessions available online and in person - $100/45 min session

What People Are Saying

I have a deeper mind-body connection...I used to forget about my body. I remember to notice [my] body sensations more during [my experiences of] anxiety and come out of them sooner.

— TCTSY Participant

My body and mind can feel safe...that the unsafe feelings and sensations from the past I can be aware of and know that’s where they are from which helps self-regulation in the present.

— TCTSY Participant

With yoga, I reclaimed my body. That is a gift because I so hated my body....I think yoga helped define me. It was a long process to consider myself not an outline...Just inhabiting my own skin is a major step forward.

— TCTSY Participant

I don’t need to focus on [whether] I’m doing something correctly just how my body feels when I’m doing it.

— TCTSY Participant