Trauma-Sensitive Yoga for your Clients

As therapists, counselors, and psychologists dedicated to the healing and well-being of our clients, we are continually exploring and integrating effective therapeutic modalities. One such modality that has gained significant traction and acclaim in recent years is Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). This specialised form of yoga has been shown to offer profound benefits for survivors of sexual abuse, PTSD, and complex PTSD, and is the only form of trauma-sensitive yoga that is evidence-based. Here’s why you should consider incorporating TCTSY into your therapeutic toolkit and recommending it to your clients.

Understanding Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY)

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is a modified form of yoga designed specifically to address the needs of trauma survivors. Unlike traditional yoga practices that might inadvertently trigger trauma responses through intense postures, rigorous routines, hands-on adjustments, and coercion, TSY emphasises safety, choice, and body awareness. Developed by the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute, TCTSY is an evidence-based practice that draws from trauma theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, and yoga philosophy.

The Unique Approach of TCTSY

TCTSY differs from conventional yoga in several key ways:

1. Focus on Internal Experience: TCTSY encourages participants to focus on their internal experiences rather than achieving specific physical forms. This inward focus helps individuals reconnect with their bodies in a safe and non-threatening way.
2. Emphasis on Choice: Trauma survivors often struggle with a sense of powerlessness. TCTSY empowers participants by offering them choices about their movements, reinforcing a sense of agency and control.
3. Safety and Predictability: The practice is designed to be predictable and gentle, avoiding elements that might overwhelm or trigger participants wherever Instructors are trained to use invitational language and provide a consistent, calming environment.

Benefits of TCTSY for Survivors

1. Promotes Safety and Empowerment: safety is a cornerstone of TCTSY. By creating a secure and supportive space, participants can explore movement without fear. The emphasis on choice and agency helps restore a sense of empowerment, counteracting the powerlessness that often accompanies trauma.
2. Reduces Symptoms of PTSD: Research led by renowned trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk and colleagues at the Justice Research Institute has demonstrated that TCTSY can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms. Participants often report decreases in anxiety, flashbacks, and hyperarousal. The practice helps regulate the nervous system, making it easier for survivors to manage their symptoms.
3. Enhances Body Awareness and Connection: Trauma can lead to dissociation and a disconnection from the body. TCTSY facilitates a gentle reconnection, encouraging participants to notice and respond to their bodily sensations. This heightened body awareness is a crucial step in the healing process, helping survivors feel more present and grounded.
4. Improves Emotional Regulation: TCTSY teaches participants to tune into their bodily sensations, which are closely linked to emotions. By fostering this awareness, individuals can better understand and regulate their emotional responses. This skill is particularly beneficial for those with PTSD and complex PTSD, who often struggle with emotional dysregulation.
5. Builds Resilience and Self-Trust: The trauma-sensitive approach of TCTSY encourages participants to trust their instincts and listen to their bodies. This practice of self-listening and affirmation helps build resilience and self-trust, empowering survivors to believe in their capacity for healing.
6. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Yoga, in general, is known for its stress-relieving benefits. TCTSY, with its focus on mindfulness, is particularly effective in reducing stress and anxiety. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the practice promotes relaxation and calms the physiological symptoms of stress.
7. Fosters Social Connection: While TCTSY is highly individualised, it often takes place in a group setting. This communal aspect helps reduce feelings of isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. Sharing a safe space with others who have similar experiences can be incredibly validating and supportive.

Integrating TCTSY into Therapeutic Practice

As mental health professionals, recommending TCTSY to your clients can significantly enhance their therapeutic journey. Here are some steps to integrate TCTSY into your practice:

1. Educate Yourself and Your Clients: Learn more about TCTSY and its benefits. Educating your clients on how this practice can support their healing journey and providing them with resources such as articles, videos, and testimonials from other survivors can empower your clients and spread the benefits of this complimentary body-based approach to therapy. A great place to start is TCTSY’s website 
2. Collaborate with Certified TCTSY Instructors: Establish connections with certified TCTSY instructors in your area. Collaborate with them to ensure that the yoga sessions align with your clients’ therapeutic goals. Having a trusted TCTSY instructor can make the transition smoother and more reassuring for your clients. We are fortunate in New Zealand that TSY is part of ACC’s Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims, and clients can receive funding to attend weekly in-person or online courses alongside day retreats. There are several options throughout the country with The Nelson Clinic being a major ACC supplier of TSY courses and day retreats in the Auckland, Nelson, and Richmond areas.
3. Encourage Participation in Courses and Retreats: Recommend your clients attend TCTSY courses or day retreats. These immersive experiences can provide a concentrated dose of healing, allowing participants to delve deeper into their practice and reap the benefits more quickly. The communal aspect of a TCTSY in-person class encourages safe social connection and can help reduce feelings of isolation and foster belonging. Online TSY courses can be a great first step for clients who cannot access services locally or are not yet comfortable in group settings.
4. Integrate TCTSY Principles into Therapy Sessions: Incorporate elements of TCTSY into your therapy sessions. For example, you can use mindfulness exercises, breathwork, and gentle movement practices to complement your therapeutic approach. For more information and suggestions on how you might do this, feel free to reach out to Jessica at [email protected]

Conclusion

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, particularly TCTSY, offers a compassionate and effective complement to talk-based therapy and is an evidence-based pathway to healing from sexual abuse, PTSD, and complex PTSD. By promoting relative safety, body awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience, TCTSY provides survivors with the tools they need to reclaim their lives and move forward on their healing journey. As therapists, counselors, and psychologists, integrating TCTSY into your practice can enhance your clients’ recovery, providing them with a holistic and empowering approach to trauma healing. Consider recommending TCTSY to your clients and witness the transformative power of this practice in their lives.

Article posted 21 July 2024