Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)
Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) was developed by The Center for Trauma and Embodiment at The Justice Resource Institute. TCTSY is the first yoga program designated as an evidence-based practice for treating trauma or PTSD.
Trauma is often an experience of the body. This includes sexual or physical assault, traumatic injury, witnessing violence or death, medical illness, or neglect. The effects of trauma can show up immediately, or take years to show, and are often long-lasting. Trauma survivors tend to experience irritability, hyper-vigilance, self-destructive behavior, social isolation, flashbacks, anxiety, guilt, insomnia, nightmares, and emotional detachment.
Research shows that mind-body interventions can help with symptom relief. It is difficult to try and think or talk your way out of trauma, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga is one way to begin to understand and process trauma’s effects on your body.
TCTSY aims to give you a real-time experience of being present in your body. You practice noticing sensations and emotions that arise from taking different yoga forms. TCTSY does not usually look like “typical” yoga. It can be done sitting in a chair, standing, or on a mat. Anyone can do TCTSY.
You are in complete control as to which yoga forms you do or don’t take, how fast or slow you move, and there are no hands-on assists or corrections. TCTSY is an opportunity for you to exercise control and agency over your own body.
Even people who do not identify as having experienced trauma may find TCTSY useful. It can help you tune into your sensations and emotions, as well as your internal judgements and self-talk. The practice can be a unique and enlightening experience.
I am a Certified TCTSY Facilitator and completed The Center for Trauma and Embodiment’s 300-hour Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Certification program. Upon your request, Trauma Sensitive Yoga can be incorporated into your regular therapy sessions or used as a separate add-on treatment.