Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidence-based trauma treatment

It is a gentle, movement-based yoga practice that uses a mat and/or a chair. During the practice, we don’t talk about trauma, as the focus is on the present moment experience of the body.

As you move through the physical forms and movements at your own pace, you are invited to notice the sensations in your body, such as the feeling of your muscles engaging or stretching. Every movement and yoga form offered is always completely optional, and you are always offered choices for how you want to engage with each form.

Although TCTSY employs physical forms and movements, the emphasis is not on the external expression or appearance (i.e. doing it "right"), or receiving the approval of an external authority. Rather, the focus is on the internal experience of the participant.

This shift in orientation, from the external to the internal, is a key attribute of TCTSY as a treatment for complex trauma and PTSD. With our approach, the power resides within the individual, not the facilitator. Further, by focusing on the felt sense of the body to inform choice-making, TCTSY allows participants to restore their connection of mind and body and cultivate a sense of agency that is often compromised as a result of trauma.

Who is TCTSY for?

TCTSY might be for you if you’ve experienced complex or developmental trauma and you also have a support network outside of this yoga class that you can rely on, like a therapist, spiritual community, AA group, etc.

Prior to joining, you’ll be asked to take part in a free 10-15 minute consult with me to share some basic information with one another to help you decide whether this class is a good fit. During the call, you do not have to share anything you are uncomfortable with, and there is absolutely no pressure to join.

You do not need any previous yoga experience, or to consider yourself “athletic” or “flexible” to take part in this practice. Beginners are very welcome!

If you’re a yoga teacher or a therapist who is looking to learn more about trauma-informed yoga for educational purposes, but is not seeking out TCTSY as part of their own healing process, then this class is not for you. However, there are excellent TCTSY educational and training resources available from the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute that I highly recommend.