Treating PTSD in the Body: An Alternative Approach to Talk Therapy
Exploring Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and My Role as a Facilitator by Jennifer Rowe, Clinical Intern
What is TCTSY?
Trauma Center for Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is based on the central component of hatha yoga which is just an umbrella term for all types of yoga that utilize movement and breathwork. TCTSY incorporates elements of standard hatha yoga which are modified to maximize experiences of empowerment and to cultivate a more positive relationship to one's body.
Why TCTSY?
You might have attended a yoga class at your local studio before and have found yourself uncomfortable due to things like hands-on assists, feeling like you don’t have a choice but to keep up with the rest of the class or in a heated class maybe you felt like something just wasn’t quite right. Unlike many studio yoga classes, 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 of the form. 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 treatment for complex trauma and PTSD. TCTSY provides a space for the participant to practice accessing their power while the facilitator shares this experience in real time. By focusing on the felt sense of the body, TCTSY allows participants to restore their connection of mind and body. This practice has provided a space for those who have experienced trauma to restore a sense of agency that is often compromised as a result of trauma.
One of the central tenets of TCTSY is the invitation. Instead of instructing individuals on how their bodies should move, I offer invitations for them to explore various forms and movements. This approach honors their agency, allowing them to make choices based on their preferences in that moment. By doing so, individuals can reclaim a sense of control over their own experiences, an essential aspect of the healing journey.
Moreover, TCTSY acknowledges the potential re-traumatization that traditional yoga practices may inadvertently trigger in individuals with trauma histories. By focusing on the present moment, the language used during the sessions, and the non-prescriptive nature of the practice, TCTSY aims to create an environment that is truly safe for all participants.
My Role as a Facilitator of TCTSY
As a facilitator of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), I am continually inspired by the transformative power of this practice. TCTSY is an evidence-based adjunctive treatment for complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which was developed by the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, Massachusetts. It's an approach that places emphasis on safety, choice, and present-moment experience.
In my role as a facilitator, I have the privilege of guiding individuals through TCTSY sessions, creating a space where they can explore their bodily sensations, emotions, and movements in a way that feels safe and empowering. TCTSY is not about a standard yoga practice; it's about rediscovering a connection with one's body, regaining a sense of autonomy, and fostering post-traumatic growth. I have witnessed TCTSY to be an incredibly transformative experience for so many individuals.
As a facilitator, my role extends beyond guiding the physical practice. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance, non-judgment, and empowerment. I am committed to ongoing learning and self-reflection, ensuring that I can provide a supportive space for individuals to embark on their healing journey.
If You Are Wondering if TCTSY is Right for You...
TCTSY can serve as an adjunctive modality to talk therapy or as a self-contained practice offering an alternative avenue to individuals who may not have found traditional studio classes to be effective in enhancing their yoga experience.
If you are curious about incorporating TCTSY as an adjunctive modality, as an alternative to traditional yoga classes, addition to your self-care strategies or even just as an additional option to maintain your overall wellness I welcome you to reach out for a free consultation.
About Jennifer Rowe, Clinical Intern:
Throughout my life, movement has always been a transformative resource in my life. In my teenage years, following a distressing event, I discovered that dance and movement provided a way to express emotions that words couldn't capture adequately. At age 19, I began to explore yoga as another way to move my body. Although yoga was initially challenging, I realized it calmed the turmoil within me. Despite my feelings of initial discomfort by being challenged in new ways, I persevered and witnessed remarkable results. Over time, yoga became my constant support during life's trials, enabling me to articulate my emotions through physical movement. While attending hot yoga classes at a beloved studio, I faced persistent struggles. It wasn't until delving into the book 'Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body' by Dave Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD, that I comprehended why traditional classes didn't suit me as a trauma survivor. This revelation prompted me to investigate and adapt my personal yoga practice to align with my needs, leading me to TCTSY, a transformative modality that has profoundly impacted my personal healing journey.
