10/13/2026
What is Trauma Sensitive Yoga?
Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidence-based clinical intervention for different types of Traumas such as Complex Trauma and or chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has been proven through 20 years of research to be just as effective as talk therapy. Though trauma treatments have historically focused on the mind, it is now widely accepted in trauma healing literature that incorporating the body into trauma work is significantly beneficial for all trauma survivors (Ogden, Van der Kolk, Levine, Rothschild, Emerson, Haines). What is Trauma?......in simplest terms, Trauma is a state of being completely and chronically overwhelmed with no one to help you, protect you or guide you through it, basically leaving you to respond to the events(s) on your own. This often internalizes as unworthiness, unresolved chaos and perceived constant threats/dangers fear and helplessness. Trauma sends signals to the nervous system which alters how you view the world, seeing it as unsafe and leaving you to believe that you cannot rely on others to help and support you. The nervous system is left to act in a constant fight, flight or ‘fawn mode’ (a psychological defense mechanism to avoid harm, by pleasing, appeasing, submitting and being compliant to prevent criticism and abandonment). Indeed, the autonomic nervous system is left in a state of long-term stress activation. The subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones can disrupt almost all of your body’s processes (Mayo Clinic). The core symptomatology of trauma includes avoidance, changes in arousal, intrusions, changes in cognition (ways of thinking about self or world around self). If you think about it, in some way or another, we may all have experienced some form of Trauma that we may still be holding on to in parts of our bodies. Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), through certain movements, freedom of choice and in a safe space for interoception (internal body sensing), allows for the nervous system to rewire, to reintegrate, to re-connect, to re-regulate, release tension and to rediscover one’s true calm self.
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