WHAT IS TRAUMA CENTER TRAUMA-SENSITIVE YOGA?
Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive yoga (TCTSY) is an empirically validated, clinical intervention for complex trauma and chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
TCTSY is grounded in trauma theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, and hatha yoga. The practice emphasizes body-based yoga forms and breathing exercises and does not include physical hands-on adjustments to influence a participant's physical form. Rather, TCTSY presents opportunities for participants to make choices based on a felt sense of their own body (interoception). This internal focus offers participants a space to begin to connect with their body and breath in relation to trauma, and to cultivate a sense of agency.
I hold a 300-hour facilitator certification (TCTSY-F) in TCTSY through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute.
TRAUMA-SENSITIVE YOGA OFFERINGS
Trauma-sensitive yoga is grounded in the principles of invitation, choice, and empowerment. As you’re ready, we will use movement and breath practices to build experiences of empowerment and provide opportunity for present-moment experience. Participants are invited to adapt the practice as necessary and to pause in stillness, if they choose. Instruction is shared verbally, and no physical assists are offered.
Individual TCTSY: 1:1 TCTSY sessions are tailored to your needs and may serve as preparation for participating in group TCTSY or community yoga classes. Sessions range from 30 to 60 minutes on Zoom and are offered on a sliding scale fee. Adolescents (ages 10+) are welcome. Please email me if you are interested in individual sessions.
TCTSY Series: I periodically offer a six-week or ten-week TCTSY series. The series is run as a closed program with the same participants from week to week and is offered on a sliding scale fee. Upcoming series will be posted here. If your organization is interested in offering a TCTSY series, please email me.
Yoga for Embodiment/TCTSY Drop-In Classes: Drop-in classes are available for anyone looking for an interoceptive and choice-based practice. These slow flow, mat-based group sessions are informed by TCTSY, but the participants may change from week to week. Upcoming series will be posted here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is TCTSY a fit for me?
TCTSY was developed for people with a history of complex trauma and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, you do not need to have a diagnosis to participate; this practice is meant for anyone who self-identifies as having experienced trauma. Whether you have experienced physical, verbal, or sexual abuse or neglect, intergenerational trauma, social and historical trauma, an extreme event, or accumulated stress, TCTSY may provide opportunities to help you feel more connected to your body and the present moment. If you are uncertain whether this protocol might benefit you, please email me to schedule a complimentary consultation.
What should I expect in class?
No physical assists are offered. Instruction is verbal.
You have choices about how you interact with your body and the yoga forms during class. For example, you might choose your own version of a form or pause in stillness.
Dawn will practice with you and remain on her mat during class.
You will not be asked to talk about your trauma history as part of TCTSY. Instead, the focus is on noticing what you feel in your body (interoception) and practicing making choices about what to do with your body based on what you feel.
What are benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga?
Trauma sensitive yoga supports participants to:
connect with body sensations and breath
practice choice-making
remain in the present moment
cultivate self-efficacy and a sense of empowerment, which are both often compromised by trauma
Is TCTSY a form of psychotherapy?
No. TCTSY is a SAMHSA-approved, evidenced-based adjunctive treatment for trauma that has been shown to enhance progress in traditional psychotherapy. There is no talking or verbal processing of trauma in TCTSY.
Do I need to be in therapy to participate?
What if I become triggered during class?
Practicing yoga can bring up feelings and emotions, sometimes called implicit or somatic memories. Dawn will offer grounding or orienting techniques if you become dysregulated, and you will be invited to participate in a way that feels useful to you moment to moment.
What about confidentiality in group classes?
All participants and the facilitator (Dawn) agree to keep participants’ identities and any disclosed information confidential.
How many people will be in group classes?
Series classes are limited to 10 people. Drop-in classes have open registration and are unlimited.
You do not need to be in therapy to participate. However, you should have access to other support systems or services that offer space to verbally process anything that comes up during TCTSY. Possible supports might include a social worker, community leader, coach, somatic practitioner, support group, or faith-based leader.
Do I need to have previously practiced yoga to participate?
Trauma-sensitive yoga is accessible for everyone. No yoga experience is necessary.
How can I provide feedback?
You are welcome to provide Dawn with feedback about your experience following each practice. Series participants will have the opportunity to complete an anonymous survey at the end of the series.
I have other questions.
I welcome questions. Please email me!
What do I need to bring to class?
Nothing is required for class. You might choose to have any of the following available:
A yoga mat – if you don’t have a mat, you might use a towel or carpeted space
A blanket
A non-rolling chair without armrests – you might use a chair to support your balance in standing forms
Two yoga blocks / big books / two filled, sturdy water bottles
What should I wear?
You are welcome to wear anything comfortable, but may wish to select clothing that allows for gentle movement.
“Your body does not give a damn whether a practice is ancient or modern, secular or religious, proven or unproven. It just wants to experience safety and security.”
