Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy

What is Trauma-Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga?

It uses a hands-off approach - meaning no physical assists from the facilitator

• Encourages exploration of your own shapes - choices to decide how you would like to move

• It is adjunctive with talk therapy

• It has its foundations in trauma therapy, neuroscience and is based on Hatha Yoga.

Furthermore, Trauma-Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga is centered on its five core principles, which are:

• Invitational Language - each cue is preceded by an invitation, to focus on experiencing the body in a safe and present way

• Choice Making - the choice begins whether to do the movement or not, in order to focus on creating embodied choices

• Interoception - this encourages you to be present in the moment, not thinking about feeling but truthfully feeling

• Shared, authentic experience - a safe space is held by the facilitator and those practicing, with the understanding that there is no right or wrong in TCTSY

• Non-coercion - an environment is created to support the re-discovery and empowerment of those who are practicing

What is the difference between TCTSY and Regular or Trauma Informed Yoga?

How a TCTSY class looks different from a yoga class: having no hands-on assistance, the facilitator does not walk around the class, there is less direction in regards to what the form looks like, and less focus on holding and maintaining a form.

Trauma-Informed Yoga requires no mandatory training nor does it have a regulatory body. As a result, this term can be used and classes can feel different (ex. some may involve hands-on assists)

TCTSY facilitators complete a 300hour training program for 6 months that involves supervision and learning about the structure of the program and focusing on trauma theory, attachment style, neurobiology.

Another difference is that as Kimberly is a Registered Social Worker, TCTSY with her might be covered by some benefits providers, so be sure to check with your insurance provider. Kimberly is also trained and certified as a yoga instructor RYT-500 hr.

Have there been studies on this approach?

Yes, there have been evidence-based studies primarily with people who have Complex PTSD.

What is involved from me when I sign up for a class?

Once you sign up for a group or individual class, you can expect to be scheduled to have an intake with Kimberly where more information about the program will be discussed, as well as answering a few more questions around prior experience with yoga or movement and triggers.

Why do I need a therapist or other professional to take part in the program?

The classes focus on being in the present moment and noticing sensations in our body, such as where you might notice a movement. There is no debrief around what emotions or thoughts came up for participants during the class, as we want to stay in the present. TCTSY recognizes that having a place to share any emotions, experiences or thoughts is important, and having a therapist can be helpful to share these experiences. We encourage you to be in counseling during this process in order to assist you through trauma healing. We encourage you to continue seeing your counselor while attending TCTSY sessions.

Why is the cost more than a yoga class?

The cost is higher than a yoga class as this is a clinical intervention and not a fitness class. TCTSY is an Evidence-based modality that can be billable to most insurances. It can be facilitated in group therapy or individual therapy.

Do I need previous experience in yoga?

There is no previous experience needed. This clinical intervention is for any level. The goal here is not to master yoga form but rather to explore sensations and stay in the present moment.

What if there are certain movements I don't feel comfortable doing?

During the intake, this question will be addressed by Kimberly so that she is aware of this before classes start. During the class, there is always choice making for participants to choose how they want to move.

How are classes offered?

TCTSY classes are offered in-person and online for individuals, families, small groups, retreats, and organizations.

How should I come dressed?

TCTSY allows for loose-fitting pants and shirts. The full body must be covered. Traditional yoga pants/clothing is not recommended. We suggest wearing normal comfortable clothing so that there is less exteroceptive ‘noise’ in the environment.

I am not comfortable in groups & I am self-conscious of my body, is this modality appropriate for me?

TCTSY is offered in individual or group sessions, in person, or via telehealth. The facilitator, Kimberly is a licensed counselor and can implement treatment goals specific to the participant.

I am not flexible, can’t balance, or have physical limitations?

TCTSY allows for all individuals to be able to participate no matter their abilities. Accommodations can be provided if needed.

I am afraid of making mistakes and being called out?

In TCTSY, the facilitator allows you to be present in your own experience and your practice. Therefore, you can be it is okay for you to be in a different form or shape than others.

I do not like being touched?

In TCTSY there is no touching.

What does a session look like? Is this like traditional yoga?

• Adults – it is based on the body moving, some of the forms/shapes may represent traditional yoga. The verbiage in the session looks like “form or shape” instead of using verbiage such as “pose” as we don’t want to use triggering verbiage.

• Children – also have movement but include mental health art/game activities incorporated into their sessions.

Does it trigger past trauma?

This modality is about assisting you through the trauma or feelings. The healing process is through movement and assisting you in releasing the trauma/feelings where you are holding it in your body. It allows you to take back control.

Is it religious?

No. TCTSY is an evidence-based mental health treatment model and not a part of a religious modality.

Is TCTSY only for individuals who have trauma?

Though this practice was established with trauma survivors in mind, almost anyone can benefit from this gentle, supportive form of yoga, including those who experience depression, anxiety, or other mental distress. Individuals who may not be ready to try yoga on their own or in the group setting can use this practice as an introduction to yoga in a safe and supportive individual setting.

How do I start?

The first steps are to contact Kimberly to complete an intake form and inform her of your preference for individual, group, or family TCTSY classes.

Existing counseling clients of Kimberly can choose to incorporate TCTSY into their counseling sessions, these services may be reimbursed through their insurance provider.

The TCTSY groups are closed, meaning there are specific start dates for sessions.