Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

I am able to provide Trauma-Sensitive Yoga for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma or are experiencing Complex PTSD symptoms. My way of working is inspired by the work of David Emerson, who developed a model of TSY over a decade ago, which is grounded in the principles of attachment theory, trauma theory and neuroscience. There is now a growing body of research evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of yoga and mindfulness on trauma symptoms, when used alongside other evidence-based psychological therapies.

TSY is very different to a typical yoga class and no physical flexibility is required. It can be chair-based. The idea behind TSY is that when a person experiences trauma, their body often no longer feels like a safe place to be. Traumatised people may experience dissociation or disconnection from their own bodies. Through TSY, people can re-establish choice and gain control over their bodies in a safe environment. Trauma-sensitive yoga is based on the principles of invitational language, non-coercion, choice making practice, shared authentic experience and present moment experience. 

“The core experiences of psychological trauma are disempowerment and disconnection from others. Recovery, therefore, is based upon the empowerment of the survivor and the creation of new connections.” (Herman, 1997).

“For real change to take place, the body needs to learn that the danger has passed and to live in the reality of the present” (Van der Kolk, 2014)

Please click here for more information on Complex Trauma/PTSD.