TCTSY
Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga
About TCTSY:
This service can be explored one to one or in a group setting at The Nook or within other services. It can be practiced in-person or online. TCTSY stands for Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga. TCTSY is an empirically valid, evidence-based intervention for complex trauma, chronic stress or treatment resistant post-traumatic stress disorder. Inclusion also welcomes people experiencing episodes of dissociation and/or those who may have difficulty with self-regulating. TCTSY is not suitable for anyone in immediate crisis and/or anyone who may not be able to tolerate a group setting. TCTSY brings together the mental and physical health benefits of the ancient practice of yoga, in an accessible and non-hierarchal way. Grounded in attachment theory, trauma theory and neuroscience this practice offers the opportunity to reconnect a person with their body, at their own pace. TCTSY has been subject to multiple research studies and has been recognised as an approved treatment by the Mental Health Services Administration in the USA. The practice is based on safe, supportive relationship. Using invitational language, choice-making, non-coercion interoception (the felt sense of having a body) and shared authentic experience.
What participants can expect from a TCTSY group?
Participants will be invited to engage in a series of physical forms and movements. Elements of standard hatha yoga are modified to maximise experiences of empowerment and to cultivate a more positive relationship to the participants body. TCTSY does not use physical hands-on adjustments to influence a participant's physical form. Rather, TCTSY presents opportunities for participants to be in charge of themselves based on a felt sense of their own body. Although TCTSY employs physical forms and movements, the emphasis is not on the external expression or appearance (i.e. doing it"right"), or receiving the approval of an external authority. Rather, the focus is on the internal experience of the participant. This shift in orientation, from the external to the internal, is a key attribute of TCTSY as a complementary treatment for complex trauma. With this approach, the power resides within the individual, not the TCTSY facilitator (TCTSY-F). Further, by focusing on the felt sense of the body to inform choice-making, TCTSY allows participants to restore their connection of mind and body and cultivate a sense of agency that is often compromised as a result of trauma.
Key objectives for TCTSY groups:
1. Empowerment: Foster a sense of empowerment in participants by encouraging choice making and to regain control over their bodies.
2. Body Awareness: Increase body awareness and mindfulness, supporting participants reconnect with their bodies in a safe and supportive environment.
3. Safety and Predictability: Create a safe, predictable, and non-coercive space where participants can explore movement and breathing.
4. Non-Judgmental Environment: Provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that respects each individual's unique experience and healing process.
5. Interoception: Enhance interoception, the ability to sense the internal state of the body, which can be disrupted by trauma.
6. Self-Regulation: Support self-regulation and the ability to calm the nervous system, which can help reduce symptoms of trauma.
7. Facilitate Wellness: Contribute to the overall healing process by integrating the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of trauma recovery.
8. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Work in conjunction with mental health professionals to provide a holistic approach to trauma treatment.
Other useful information:
No yoga experience is necessary for the practice of TCTSY. For this practice participants do not need any special clothes or equipment. There are no physical or verbal assists/adjustments. The TCTSY facilitator will never touch a participant or walk around the room.
Participants will not be asked to talk about their trauma, or how they feel. This is about physically feeling and not talking therapy. Due to the nature of this practice we encourage that all attendees have some form of support alongside their TCTSY experience; participants might want to talk about their TCTSY experience and anything that came up for them with their therapist/support worker. This is a relational practice, the facilitator will practice with the participants to encourage a shared authentic experience.
TCTSY is also available with us via the online platform Zoom.
Investment:
60 min In-Person Consultation £70 or block book 3 sessions for £180 50 min Online Consultation £50
*subsidised sessions available
