Yoga

Both CCH Yoga and TCTSY can offer opportunities for movement, mindfulness, relaxation, and greater body awareness. The primary difference is the approach.

Choose CCH Yoga if you are looking for a more traditional yoga experience that incorporates physical postures, stretching, strengthening, balance, breathwork, and relaxation.

Choose TCTSY if you are looking for a trauma-sensitive practice that places greater emphasis on choice, empowerment, body awareness, and personal agency.

There is no "better" option—the right choice is the one that feels most supportive of where you are right now. If you are unsure which offering is the best fit, we encourage you to reach out to us before booking. We are happy to help you understand the differences and determine which experience may be most appropriate for you.m description

TCTSY is different from a traditional yoga class. Rather than focusing on achieving a particular pose, perfecting alignment, or following an instructor's physical adjustments, the practice emphasizes choice, personal agency, empowerment, and connection with the body.

During a TCTSY session, you will be offered options and invitations for movement rather than being told what you must do. You decide whether, how, and to what extent you participate.

There is no expectation to perform a movement in a particular way, and you are always encouraged to make choices that feel right for you.

TCTSY may be particularly supportive for individuals who:

• Have experienced trauma or chronic stress

• Feel uncomfortable or disconnected from their body

• Find traditional yoga environments difficult or overwhelming

• Prefer a practice centered around choice and personal autonomy

• Want to explore movement without pressure to perform or achieve

• Are interested in developing greater body awareness and a sense of empowerment

You do not need previous yoga experience to participate in TCTSY. The practice is not about flexibility, fitness, or doing a pose "correctly." Instead, it offers an opportunity to explore movement in a way that prioritizes your choices and your relationship with your own body.

During your session, our clinicians will provide you with options for physical movements and invite you to make choices about how you wish to move (or not move). You are encouraged to notice sensations in your body and modify your movements accordingly. Thus, the emphasis is not on doing the movement “correctly” but on becoming more aware of how you feel internally, helping you regain a sense of agency over your body. Compared to traditional yoga sessions, no physical adjustments will be provided. Our clinicians will only use their voice to provide options and suggestions for movement. Strong emotions may arise during your session, and if they do, we will offer grounding techniques to help with relaxation.

Clients who choose to participate in TC-TSY sessions are required to also be participating in individual psychotherapy with a separate mental health provider, whether at CCH or elsewhere.

TC-TSY is a specific evidence-based treatment with set techniques and procedures that must be facilitated by a provider who is certified in TC-TSY.  Trauma sensitive yoga, is a more general term that describes the use of movement and breath to develop body awareness, acceptance, and self-confidence. These sessions may or may not draw upon specific TC-TSY methodology and do not need to be facilitated by a provider who is certified in TC-TSY. Both forms of movements are proven beneficial.

All of our yoga offerings are led by psychotherapists and/or medical providers who are also registered yoga instructors. In addition to structured trauma sensitive yoga sessions, our providers may incorporate aspects of yoga and breathing in their individuals therapy sessions as a conjunctive treatment for certain diagnoses including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, and body image concerns.