What is trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)

What is Trauma Centre Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)

Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a yoga intervention designed specifically for survivors of complex trauma or complex PTSD. It’s been found to be particularly useful for survivors of domestic, childhood and sexual abuse, vulnerable young people, and military veterans.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidence-based intervention, meaning the effectiveness of TCTSY as an intervention for complex trauma has been measured in two randomised control studies. Both these studies have shown very positive results with participants no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after a ten-week program of TCTSY. You can find out more about these studies and their corresponding research papers here.

Trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) was designed in consultation with trauma survivors. It’s based on the principles of hatha yoga, attachment theory, trauma theory and neuroscience.

There's an absolute no-touch policy in trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) classes, and the facilitator will stay on their mat throughout the practice. The focus during the practice of TCTSY is on exploring movements and the possibility of noticing sensations.  

There is no right or wrong way to practice trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) and during the practice, you will be encouraged to explore what works for you.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is based on 5 principles:

Invitational language

In trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY), each cue is preceded by an invitation so you can focus on experiencing your body in a way that feels safe for you.

Choice making

Choices will be offered during the practice. It’s always your choice to decide if you would like to do a particular movement or not. 

Trauma-sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is about empowering you to make choices about when or how to move your body.

Interoception

Interoception is the ability to monitor and respond to the body’s internal states and it forms the basis of our conscious awareness. 

For survivors it can often be challenging to identify or respond to bodily sensations, however, interoceptive awareness can be improved with practice. Trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) is designed specifically for this.  

During trauma-sensitive yoga classes (TCTSY) you will be offered the opportunity to notice sensations in your body and to take action in relation to these sensations, always staying within the window of what is tolerable for you.  

Shared Authentic Experience

In trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) we aim to create a safe space to explore movement. Facilitators practice alongside participants and there is no right or wrong way to practice. 

Before either a group or individual session there's an enrollment process during which we’ll discuss previous yoga or movement experience and identify anything you need to make the space accessible for you. There's also an opportunity to provide feedback about the sessions and what you’d like to incorporate or avoid in future sessions.

Non-Coercion

Trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) is about creating an environment to support the discovery and empowerment of the participants.

What is the difference between trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) and regular yoga or trauma-informed yoga classes?

In trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) classes there's a no-touch policy and the facilitator will remain on their mat for the duration of the session, practising alongside participants.  

The focus is on having an embodied movement experience rather than on “doing it right” so very little direction is offered and no one will ever be singled out in class or corrected.

No yoga experience or equipment is necessary and Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) can be practised in a chair or on a mat.

TCTSY facilitators have undergone a 300-hour training program over six months learning about the structure of TCTSY, trauma theory, attachment theory and neurobiology. As facilitators, we’re regulated by the Centre for Trauma and Embodiment in Massachusetts USA and are required to undertake continuing professional development to maintain our qualifications.  

There is no mandatory training or regulatory body for “trauma-informed yoga classes” so these classes may feel different from trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) and may involve hands-on assistance. It’s recommended to check with the facilitator before attending one of these classes.

How do I attend Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) classes or sessions?

I offer Trauma Sensitive Yoga sessions for those based in London in person or online.

You can attend either a 6-week group trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) Cohort or one-to-one sessions. 

Find out when the next group intake is here.

What’s involved for me when I sign up for a trauma-sensitive yoga class?

there’s an enrollment process for both group and individual sessions. You have the option to schedule either a 15-minute phone call or a Zoom meeting to talk more about the program and answer any questions you may have and i will ask you to complete a short enrollment form. I'll also give you some more information about what to expect when attending your first trauma-sensitive yoga class.

You can find out more about the Enrollment process here.

Why do I need a support network or therapist to participate in Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)

TCTSY is not talking therapy. However, challenging trauma-related thoughts or emotions can arise as a result of the practice. For this reason, we ask that everyone participating in trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) have a support network or a therapeutic relationship in which to verbally and cognitively process their experiences. This relationship doesn’t have to be in psychotherapy or counselling. It could be with a spiritual or religious guide, through a 12-step fellowship or with a community leader or other person who supports you.

I don’t have any yoga experience and my mobility is limited can I still practice trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY)

no previous yoga experience is required. This is a clinical intervention designed for all levels. Trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) can be practised in a chair or on a yoga mat.

If you're attending a trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) group class the session will be set up so with yoga mats and chairs. The yoga shapes will be offered from the mat and the chair so you can choose how you wish to practice.

I'm interested in attending trauma-sensitive yoga (TCTSY) sessions or classes, what do I do next?

Have a look at the Trauma Sensitive Yoga pages on my site and Feel free to get in touch with me to discuss exploring Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)