Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)

Let's move from suffering to engagement with life. Instead of waiting to win the internal struggle with ourselves, so that your life can begin, how about living now and living fully with (not in spite of) your past, your memories, your fears and your sadness. Lets drop the rope of your own tug-a-war.

What is Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)?

Based on extensive research studies conducted at the prestigious Trauma Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, this form of evidence-based therapy is designed to assist individuals who have experienced trauma in reconnecting with their bodies in a safe and deliberate manner.

This approach prioritizes a bottom-up perspective in mental health, placing a primary emphasis on the body-mind connection. This choice is rooted in findings from research, which indicate that trauma survivors often experience a sense of estrangement from their own bodies They perceive their body as unreliable and unpredictable. Specifically, trauma can damage the brain's capacity to recognize its inner bodily sensations, known as the "body felt sense," Further to this, trauma can impair the ability to introspect, which involves sensing the activities of our inner self. This is particularly significant because researchers refer to this process of introspection as the foundation for the development of one's "sense of self.

TCTSY offers a means for survivors to re-establish a connection with their bodies through its five core components:

a. Introspection (the awareness of internal experiences),

b. authentic shared experience (therapeutic alliance),

c. choice making (empowerment in decision-making),

d. being present (focusing on the present moment), and

e. effective action (completion of tasks).

The culmination of these components in a 30-minute session, for instance, can profoundly alter an individual's experience of their own body.

Moreover, TCTSY sessions provide opportunities for the restructuring and rebuilding of introspective pathways in the brain through repetitive experiences. Multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) have demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, including anxiety and depression, among participants.

Meet Chris

Why would someone see an TCTSY practitioner?

The reasons for seeking out a TCTSY practitioner can vary, as this approach can benefit a broad spectrum of individuals. The principles and techniques of TCTSY foster a healthier connection with oneself, making it valuable for anyone. However, those who have learned to disconnect from their internal experiences as a response to past trauma stand to gain particularly from this therapy.

In addition, TCTSY can be especially beneficial for individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, difficulty staying present, feelings of unsafety, anxiety, and depression. This applies to individuals who have undergone multiple traumatic events (complex trauma) or those dealing with a single significant event, such as a cancer diagnosis or the grieving process. The end result for individuals engaging in TCTSY may include a reconnection with their bodies, improved mental well-being, and enhanced coping mechanisms for trauma-related challenges.

What would an TCTSY therapy session look?

One of the reasons why TCTSY is particularly effective with trauma survivors is its adaptability to complement other therapeutic approaches. Recovery from trauma is often a very complex and non-linear process. For this reason, we need to use a combination of top-down and bottom-up therapies.

Consequently, TCTSY can be incorporated in various ways, depending on the individual's needs. For example, it can be seamlessly included for 15 minutes before an EMDR session or extended to cover the entire 60-minute session. The choice of approach depends on what is most beneficial for the individual

Furthermore, poses and movements that encourage introspection can be practiced in diverse settings. These exercises can be performed virtually anywhere, whether it's in a chair, on a yoga mat, while standing, or even sitting in a chair. Additionally, they can be conducted in person or via webcam, offering flexibility to accommodate the individual's comfort and accessibility.

How does TCTSY therapy work?

To grasp how TCTSY therapy operates, it's beneficial to examine the three primary theoretical foundations upon which TCTSY is built: trauma theory, neuroscience, and attachment theory.

1. Attachment Theory: TCTSY recognizes that trauma often occurs within the context of relationships, and recovery, therefore, transpires through relationships as well. Consequently, TCTSY views the role of the facilitator as a co-creator of a shared, authentic experience. In this context, both parties actively engage in the therapeutic activities, contrasting with situations where the facilitator merely prescribes actions and remains detached from the process. This approach has the potential to foster mutual enjoyment, a crucial component for successful relationships and the development of a secure sense of self.

2. Trauma Theory: Trauma theory emphasizes that any therapeutic approach disempowering the trauma survivor is unlikely to support their recovery. TCTSY adheres to this principle and encourages facilitators to continually consider whether their actions empower or disempower the client. For instance, facilitators should avoid instructing clients on what to do with their bodies and should not employ coercion. Instead, the emphasis is on providing the client with space to have their unique experiences, free from external imposition. Language is used invitationaly, and all movements are presented as choices.

3. Neuroscience: The significance of introspection is underscored by neuroscience. TCTSY aims to re-establish introspective pathways in the brain, facilitating a more embodied sense of self, including the awareness of one's needs. The techniques employed within the session, such as present moment focus, language use, affective action, choice-making, and body awareness, contribute to achieving this goal.

In summary, TCTSY therapy operates by drawing from these three foundational theories to create a therapeutic environment where authentic, shared experiences, empowerment, and introspection are nurtured, ultimately leading to a more profound connection with the self and a pathway to recovery from trauma.

Research

The latest research can be found at the website for Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute:

https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/resources/research

What Can Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Help With?

Lessens symptoms of PTSD including anxiety and depression
Promotes emotional regulation through present-moment awareness
Reestablishes the connection between body and mind, fostering a sense of embodiment
Cultivates a positive relationship with the body, creating a safe space for internal experience
Builds awareness of internal experiences, facilitating better fulfillment of individual needs
Counters the effects of trauma by providing a safe, empathetic space for internal exploration with a trusted ally