TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA (TCTSY)

“No intervention that takes power away from the survivor can possibly foster her recovery, no matter how much it appears to be in her own best interests” — Judith Herman

Trauma Sensitive Yoga is a unique adjunct therapy that works alongside clinical treatment to support survivors of complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in reconnecting mind and body. With the guidance of a registered facilitator, the practice involves creating yoga shapes and movements in an invitational, choice-based way, in relationship. Known officially as Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), the therapy was originally developed by David Emerson and Jenn Turner at the Centre for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute and has been clinically proven to be beneficial for survivors.

TCTSY can help us to:

  • reconnect to our body in a protective environment

  • develop a positive relationship between mind and body

  • increase awareness of our internal, felt experience

  • cultivate a sense of agency and empowerment

  • live in the present moment

  • rebuild and strengthen relationship to self and others that is authentic and safe

Who is Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) for?

TCTSY is designed specifically for survivors of complex, relational trauma that has occurred over a sustained period of time, and/or complex PTSD. So it may be a suitable practice if this is your lived experience. As it is an adjunctive treatment (sits next to or alongside other therapies) it is therefore important that TCTSY participants are engaged in talking support while they explore TCTSY.

Examples of complex, relational trauma include:

  • survivors of childhood abuse and/or neglect

  • survivors of family violence

  • war survivors and/or veterans

  • survivors of domestic violence

  • survivors of intergenerational or cultural violence

  • survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking

  • survivors of community violence

  • survivors of genocide

About Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) sessions

Invitational

You will always be invited to participate in every step of the practice. It is your choice whether you’d like to accept any invitation or not. As a facilitator, I only use language that is simple, specific, objective, and non-metaphorical. This helps us to develop a safe, authentic relationship.

Accessible

TCTSY is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or experience. All bodies, genders, colours —all people—are welcome into this practice.

Choice-based

You have complete control over what you do and do not do. I am here to offer safe, professional guidance that helps you focus on the experiences of moving, breathing, and resting. This helps develop agency and empowerment, and to learn to make choices that feel comfortable in your body.

Hands-off

As trauma often involves physical violation and lack of safe boundaries, there are no physical assists offered in TCTSY.

Non-intrusive

You‘ll never be asked to share your story, and you aren’t required to go into the history of your experience of trauma. However, you will need to be engaged in a talking relationship/therapy outside of the TCTSY sessions with a professional (, therapist, counsellor, GP, pastor/priest or social worker).

Consistent

There will always be continuity and consistency in each session. The environment, space, props, and format are the same every time.

Next Steps

1. Book an Initial Call
2. Complete the Initial Form
3. Book an Initial Session
4. Together we can decide on subsequent Sessions and/or Session Blocks

Referrals: If you are a clinician with a client and/or patient who would benefit from Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), feel free to contact me to discuss a referral.

 

TCTSY Video

 
The beginning of a TCTSY practice - yoga and movement for complex trauma. This practice demonstrates choice-making, invitational language, interoceptive cueing and developing a shared authentic experience within practice.

What People Are Saying

 

“Ashley provided a safe place for me to begin to notice how I was feeling.  Before working with Ashley I felt I was just talking about my feelings; moving with Ashley has allowed me time to safely notice how I was actually feeling in my body.”

— L

“After a serious life-threatening accident, I was physically and mentally removed from the experiences of my body.  Working with Ashley has been wonderful.  Moving safely, and mindfully building awareness of my body again, has supported me not only in healing physically but mentally.”

— R

“I was really nervous about whether this sort of practice was right for me . . . during my initial conversation with Ashley I had a clear understanding of what to expect.  She was always very clear and comprehensive, which is deeply reassuring”

— N