YOGA AND TRAUMA
Trauma effects many of us, whether being from a single incident (natural disaster, car accident, etc.) resulting in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to states of prolonged exposure (warfare, chronic childhood/domestic abuse, etc.) and the subsequent effects of complex trauma. Common to these different forms of trauma is the effect of personal/psychic dis-empowerment and the struggle to feel at ease in oneself.
The advent of trauma theory along with research and developments in neuro-biology have given us insights into the way trauma not only impacts on the mind, but the entire nervous system as well. As such, specific applications of yoga are being seen effective to:
1. Restore a sense of personal ease.
2. Regaining a sense of personal agency.
3. Reconnecting with sensations in the body and a physical sense of ease.
BOSTON TRAUMA CENTER for TRAUMA SENSITIVE YOGA (TCTSY)
One such ‘trauma-based’ yoga methodology is The Boston Center’s Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). This program began in 2002 with pilot studies on the effects of yoga for those suffering from complex trauma. The program received their first grant from National Institute of Health (NIH) in 2009 and, in 2017, TCTSY was the first dedicated yoga program listed as evidence-based for the treatment of complex trauma.*
Through a finely tuned practice, TCTSY focuses on helping the TCTSY participant to regain a sense of personal agency, to reestablish a connection to one’s body (physical sensations), and begin to reconnect with themselves (and others) in the present moment.
As part of my ongoing interest in helping those suffering from the effects of trauma, I completed TCTSY’s training program (2019) and am a certified TCTSY facilitator, broadening my dedication to expand and deepen my ability to work with those who are facing the effects of PTSD and complex trauma.
As well, I have has been working with veterans the past five years, leading PTSD/trauma focused yoga classes sponsored by Connected Warriors.
