TCTSY is an empirically validated
clinical intervention for complex
& treatment-resistant PTSD.
'After a traumatic experience, the human system of self-preservation seems to go onto permanent alert, as if the danger might return at any moment.' - Judith Herman
Complex trauma occurs after extraordinarily stressful events that repeatedly push us to, or past, the point of overwhelm. Unfortunately, these events aren't as uncommon as we'd like to think. It's difficult to quantify how often domestic violence occurs because only 18% of cases are reported, but it's estimated at least 1.6 million women experience it each year in England and Wales (CSEW, ONS, 2019).
With 1 in 5 adults having experienced child abuse, 1 in 5 women experiencing sexual violence since the age of 16 (ONS, 2015) and 1 in 3 teenage girls experiencing some form of sexual violence from a partner (University of Bristol for NSPCC, 2009), it's easy to see how complex trauma might escalate. Factors like systemic oppression, and gender, race and sexuality biases can also compound the effects of trauma.
Trauma can leave us with a complex web of physical
TCTSY is particularly useful for survivors of domestic, sexual and
Developed specifically for survivors of chronic, relational trauma,
childhood abuse, vulnerable youth and military veterans.
and psychological symptoms; feeling disconnected from
our bodies and the present reality of our lives.
Although traditional therapy can be important in recovery, we might not find the degree of physical and mental relief we are seeking through talking alone.
Maybe you'd like to explore a different approach to trauma therapy.
TCTSY participants report:
Personal empowerment
C/PTSD symptom reduction
A better relationship with their body and 'Self'
Improved relatedness to others
After surviving such extreme events people often find themselves with limited, if any, trauma-informed therapeutic options for recovery. They might be left feeling as if their life is dominated by a story and mental and physical symptoms they find difficult to define or explain.
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) was developed in 2003 at the Center for Trauma and Embodiment (previously known as the Trauma Center) in Brookline, Massachusetts. In the United States, TCTSY has demonstrated such promising outcomes that it has qualified for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) database published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). You can find out more about the research behind TCTSY here.
TCTSY is a movement practice based on Hatha yoga. Contemporary neuroscience, attachment theory and trauma theory are applied to amplify a sense of agency for participants, and opportunities to 'befriend' our bodies. You can find out more specific information about what happens in a session below.
TCTSY facilitators (TCTSY-Fs) undergo specific training and assessment, and attend regular supervision through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment. They subscribe to a Code of Ethics, commit to continuing education and are regularly assessed on the quality of their practice.
We provide sessions in-person and online, to individuals and small groups. TCTSY is accessible to all, regardless of age, experience or physical ability.
Trauma Sensitive Yoga allows us to practice focussing on how our body feels. When this informs our choices, we can restore the connection between our mind and body, and rebuild the confidence in ourselves that is often taken away by trauma.
Kelly et al. ,2021; West , 2011
Joining us for TCTSY
You're welcome to schedule a 15-minute phone or Zoom call. We can talk about what TCTSY is, and you can see if the trauma sensitive yoga and True North are good fits for you. You can ask any questions you might have. We have an 'intake form' (available here) which you can fill in beforehand, or we could go through during the call if you'd like.
01
What Happens Next
After our call, you'll get an e-mail outlining any details we've discussed. You might decide to go ahead and book some sessions or join a group or you might prefer to take some time to think. It's also okay if you decide you don't want to go ahead. Once we've agreed on a start date, you'll get a copy of our therapeutic contract to sign. This is a summary of how we've agreed to work together.
02
What You Need to Practice
Not much!
Trauma sensitive yoga can be practiced by anyone, whatever their prior experience of yoga or physical limitations. This might mean sitting in a chair, or an energetic mat practice. All you need is comfortable clothing and perhaps a drink, like water or herbal tea. If we're practicing online, you'll need a quiet, private space and access to Zoom.
03
During a Session
We usually start by orienting ourselves to the space we're practicing in. There's usually an opportunity to say what kind of practice you'd like (energetic, quieter or a mix). We might warm up with some gentler movements, then try some shapes. You can choose if you'd like to sit, lie down or stand. We might try bringing our attention to physical sensations, or our breath.
04
During a Session
In trauma sensitive yoga there is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to make a form or shape. We try to take our focus from the external world to our internal experience. There's no obligation to try any shape of movement.
Toward the end of a session, there might be an invitation to spend some time in stillness or quiet.
05
After a Session
It might be helpful to have some quiet time, a hot drink or snack before returning to 'everyday life'. We might even offer 'yoga tea' and cookies if you're coming to a group. You're welcome to e-mail your facilitator between sessions with any questions you have, or with any thoughts about the yoga. It's helpful to have a therapist, trusted friend or support network (e.g. a faith group) you can go to if your practice brings anything up.
06
What to Expect from Sessions
In trauma sensitive yoga, the focus isn't on the shapes or forms. There is no right or wrong way to make a shape; no expectation is placed on participants and the emphasis isn't on receiving approval from an external authority, like a yoga teacher or others in the group. Instead, the focus is internal - on a participant’s own experience, whatever that might be.
Our 'goal' isn't necessarily to feel 'calm' or 'relaxed' during or after trauma sensitive yoga (although this might happen), but to explore opportunities to feel and be with physical sensations. We don't use the words 'calm' or 'relax', because it can be very difficult to feel relaxed after trauma - this doesn't mean you're doing the yoga wrong.
There are no hands on adjustments in trauma sensitive yoga. We also don't give verbal adjustments or corrections. We recognise that as a part of trauma, participants may have repeatedly experienced someone else’s physical control, manipulation or coercion. In trauma sensitive yoga, participants are in charge of their own body, based on felt sensation and facilitators invite participants to try different shapes or movements in whatever way is useful.
Facilitators practice alongside participants, rather than directing, instructing or demonstrating. This includes focussing on their own present moment experience. In this way we avoid reinforcing the imbalanced power dynamics of trauma and can build a therapeutic relationship based on true, shared experience.
We don't use mirrors, yoga straps, Sanskrit or metaphorical language (e.g. root down like a tree), incense or music. Facilitators don’t move around the room during practice.
Sessions are highly personalised; our intake process helps us to begin somewhere useful for you.
How is Trauma Sensitive Yoga different
to other yoga classes?
Being in your body after trauma can be incredibly difficult, so it’s important that TCTSY participants are in a safe and stable space (this might include temporary accommodation) and have a support network where they can talk through anything that arises in practice. Access to a therapist or counsellor with whom you have an established relationship is recommended. We can provide information on services that can help with this. Trauma sensitive yoga is not suitable for anyone who has been hospitalised for trauma-related issues in the last 6 months, although those who have are welcome to get in touch for more information. or to join our wait list.
Please know that we do not need to know any details of what has happened to you, and you will not be asked at any point.
Our intake form gives you the opportunity to let us know what kind of trauma you have been affected by (e.g. military, domestic abuse) and space for any other information you wish to share. It can be found here.
All our programme profits are re-invested
into supporting more survivors.
In this practice, the power resides within the individual, not the TCTSY facilitator.
Our funding options are designed to make sessions available as often and for as long as they are helpful.
“A trauma-sensitive yoga practice can provide a structured approach that helps foster our internal sense of safety, personal agency, and choice and that cultivates our capacity for self-awareness and self-regulation.”
Trauma Sensitive Yoga offers us an opportunity to bring our body into the recovery process.
This practice creates opportunities to try re-connecting with our body, and perhaps to start feeling safe within it. The movements and shapes we try give us chance to develop a felt sense of our body, and to use our feelings to help us make choices.
register your interest here
- David Emerson
