trauma centre trauma sensitive yoga

What is Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)?

TCTSY, trauma centre trauma sensitive yoga, was developed by the Trauma Centre in Brookline, Massachusetts in 2003. It is a unique form of yoga that can be used as adjunct therapy to support a variety of complex trauma and PTSD survivors. TCTSY is recognised as an evidence based intervention. With the guidance of a registered facilitator, TCTSY is based on components of the hatha style of yoga, where participants engage with a series of shapes and movements. Elements have been modified to maximize empowerment and a positive reconnection with one’s body. The focus is on the internal experience of the participant. TCTSY is built on the foundations of Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory and Neuroscience and uses key elements of interoception, shared authentic experience and choice making. TCTSY is offered both individually or in small groups.

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Who is TCTSY for?

Survivors of Complex Trauma, relational trauma, and PTSD this may include:

• survivors of childhood abuse and/or neglect 

• survivors sexual assault and/or abuse

• survivors of Mental or physical abuse

• survivors of domestic violence

• war survivors and/or veterans 

• at risk youth

TCTSY is not considered useful if:

• you have needed a hospitalisation within the last 6 months, for trauma related experiences

• you are not currently in an established therapeutic relationship (4-6 months) in which you are able to verbally process your experience

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What to expect

Invitational Language and Choice Making 
During the session you will be invited to explore. It is always your choice about how to be in a shape and if you want to do a shape or not. Because there is no one way to do a shape, the facilitator will not be doing hands on adjustments or trying to change or dictate your shape. It is your body and your choice. You may want to make choices based off what you feel and what you want to feel, this may help to develop agency and empowerment. You are in charge.

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Accessibility

All people are welcome. TCTSY is accessible to everyone regardless of  age, physical ability, or experience level. The shapes will be offered with the option of using a chair. No special clothes are required. Facilitations are personalized, the intake session helps us to begin somewhere useful.

Safety

Being in your body after trauma can be incredibly difficult, with that in mind we make the environment as safe and supportive as possible.We do not know what happened to you and will not ask. You will need to be engaged in a talking relationship/therapy outside of the TCTSY sessions with a professional.

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We will use genuine invitational language and avoid use of metaphors and imagery. We do this as we  have no idea of what the client has been through and do not know what the clients association may be with images. TCTSY does not use music, Sanskrit, incense, candles, or yoga blocks and straps. The facilitation is completely hands off.  Each session will be consistent. The facilitator will practise the yoga shapes with the client, sometimes with their eyes closed, as there is no need to watch or judge what the participant is doing.

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TCTSY Facilatators (TCTSY-F) are trained, supervised and held to account for the ethics and quality of their practice, through the Trauma Centre, Boston.

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Next Steps

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Erin facilitates both 1:1 or small group sessions, both in-person and online.

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• Email to arrange a free initial 15 minute call, or Zoom chat 

• Book an initial 30 minute session

• Decide together on subsequent sessions or booking a block of sessions

• Prices vary dependent on length of session, how many sessions booked, and the affordability for the client