Healing Trauma Through Yoga Groups

TCTSY is a way of practicing yoga that was developed over years of research with and alongside trauma survivors. TCTSY is based in foundational frameworks of trauma theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, intersectionality, and key principles from yoga philosophy. TCTSY facilitators receive over 300 hours of training in these frameworks.

In TCTSY, we use movement, awareness, invitational language, and choice to practice reconnecting to our bodies in a gradual, self-directed way. We don’t use physical assists, we don’t move around the room, and we don’t offer specific alignment cues - the focus of a TCTSY practice is on how yoga shapes feel in your body. We also don’t assume that any one shape will be more useful than another—empowerment means finding what works for you. 

TCTSY comes from a tradition called Hatha yoga, in which we use our bodies to make different yoga shapes. But unlike some other Hatha yoga practices, TCTSY doesn’t focus on building strength, directing energy, or working through specific sequences or patterns of movement. TCTSY’s focus is on helping an individual feel connected to their body, on their own terms. For this reason, we don’t talk very much about alignment in TCTSY - we want practitioners to feel connected first, before thinking about adjustments to shapes. We also don’t hold shapes for an extended period of time the way we might in Yin yoga or Restorative yoga practices.

Research studies showed that weekly TCTSY practice reduced symptoms of post traumatic stress in trauma survivors and supported increased connection of body and self. These effects lasted even after the yoga studies ended. TCTSY is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress and complex trauma with SAMHSA (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). 

At Listening First Yoga, we use accessible yoga movements, awareness, invitational language, and choice to practice reconnecting to our bodies. Everything is optional: how you move, where you rest your attention, and whether you participate in the practice at all. Our classes seek to reduce common trauma triggers while providing a space to gradually build awareness and empower choice. We’re focused on helping you choose how you want to move (or not move) and how you want to feel. This means we use invitational language with every cue. We don’t move around the room; in fact, the facilitator practices with you, as we all share our own unique practice experience together. There are no assists (touching) in our classes.

Group practices are scheduled for 60 minutes. We will check in for about five minutes at the start of class. We’ll practice for about 40 minutes, and then we’ll have time at the end of class for grounding and sharing feedback.

Yes! We use accessible yoga forms, and practices are tailored to the people in the group. You don’t need any past yoga experience to practice. Your facilitator will speak with you about any physical needs you may have for your practice and adjust accordingly. That said, we recommend that you are comfortable getting down to the floor and getting back up again without assistance. If you would be more comfortable practicing in a chair, please let your facilitator know.

Yoga practices are not psychotherapy. We don’t verbally process (talk through) our trauma experiences here. This a space to practice connecting to ourselves and our resilience, which can support our healing. Many practitioners do find it useful to have a therapist, coach, support group, or other support person they can count on to talk through any experiences that do come up. You never have to share details about your story here.

Yoga practices are not psychotherapy, and your facilitator is not a clinician. While being in therapy is not a requirement to practice, it is strongly recommended that you have a therapist, counselor, support group, or other support system in place.

This practice includes physical yoga movements, which are a form of exercise. Your facilitator will offer lots of options and suggestions to make the movements accessible for you. As in any form of exercise, risk of injury is possible. Speak with your facilitator and check with your medical providers if you have any questions or concerns about whether this practice is right for you.

Practicing yoga for trauma healing can sometimes bring up strong feelings or emotions. Your yoga instructor is not a psychotherapist, and group is not intended as a space to talk through trauma responses. For this reason, some people find it useful to have a counselor or other support network to talk about what may come up in group.

While our practices seek to reduce triggers, in any body-based practice, triggers or activation may happen. Our facilitators actively hold space, attuning to what's happening for participants and adjusting how the practice is guided based on what they notice. You're welcome to care for yourself in your practice by making choices that support your needs, including (but definitely not limited to) voicing your needs out loud, being still, choosing another shape or movement, leaving the practice room for a break (or for the day!), or talking to the facilitator, a friend, or your support system after class

Yes! This practice is open to anyone who feels this style of yoga is supportive to them.

We ask that new clients have a brief phone, text, or Zoom consultation with your facilitator before your first practice. This is a chance for us to chat about your goals, answer any questions you have, and provide connections to other resources that you may find helpful.