Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
A gentle, body-based practice with attention to pacing, choice, and safety.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is an adaptation of yoga designed for people whose nervous systems are affected by trauma, chronic stress, or dissociation. Unlike standard yoga, TSY emphasizes personal choice at every step — what to do, how deeply to go, when to stop. Instructions are offered as invitations rather than commands. It was developed at the Trauma Center in Boston and is backed by research.
Yoga adapted for nervous system sensitivity, with an emphasis on choice and safety.
What to expect: Sessions may be group classes or individual. The language is invitational and non-directive. You are never adjusted without consent, and stopping or changing what you're doing is always encouraged. The goal is not flexibility or fitness — it is developing a tolerable, self-determined relationship with body-based movement. Progress is gentle and cumulative. Rather than a fixed session number, plan to check in with yourself — and with the teacher if working individually — after 4–6 sessions about what feels different and what your continuing goals are.
Good fit for: Standard yoga has felt overwhelming, triggering, or unsafe, You have trauma history that affects body-based work, You want movement that centers your experience and choices, You are working with a therapist and want a body-based complement
Explore for: Stress or trauma that has affected your relationship with your body, Difficulty feeling safe or grounded during standard yoga or movement practices, Wanting body-based movement that prioritizes agency and pacing, Nervous system dysregulation that shows up physically, Complementary support alongside therapy
Not the right fit if: You are looking for a fitness-focused or challenging yoga practice, You are in acute mental health crisis, You want a guided, directive practice, You are not interested in yoga-based movement
How to choose a practitioner: Look for teachers trained through the Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) program Ask whether they have experience with your specific situation A qualified teacher will never offer hands-on adjustments without explicit ongoing consent
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