Q: What is TCTSY? 

A: Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidenced-based, adjunctive treatment for complex trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  A program of the Center for Trauma and Embodiment (CFTE) at JRI, it is the only empirically validated yoga-based practice of its kind to have met the criteria for inclusion in the National Registry of Evidenced-Based Program and Practices (NREPP) in 2017.

Q. Ok…but what is it exactly?

A. TCTSY is a trauma-sensitive movement-based practice that offers participants the opportunity to make choices in their own bodies and interact with sensations in the present moment.  Through invitational and inquiry-based language, Facilitators (yoga instructors, clinicians…) provide space (within a class or 1:1 setting) for participant’s to re-inhabit their bodies in a safe way. Participants will set their own pace during sessions, and explore gentle, supportive movements in their bodies, as well as opportunities to engage with breath.  There are NO hands on assists in TCTSY.  TCTSY has foundations in Trauma Theory (including Intersectionality), Attachment Theory, and Neuroscience. No yoga experience is necessary and everyone is welcome, regardless of cultural/religious beliefs, race, gender, age, or physical ability.  You’re welcome to find out more here.

Q: What does a TCTSY training involve?

A: Here is a general outline of what the 20-hour weekend trainings entail (half-day workshops are a condensed version of this).

Q: Do I need to be a yoga teacher to participate in the workshop/training?

A: No. Participants DO NOT need to be yoga teachers to benefit from the training.  This learning experience will support all participants to be able to integrate a foundational understanding of TCTSY and a “trauma-informed lens” into their professional context, or personal inquiry process. 

Q: What if I’ve never done yoga before?

A: TCTSY is an accessible movement-based practice with many choices available within the shapes and forms offered.  You do not need to have a background in yoga, although some experience with a movement practice can be supportive. 

Q: Do I need to be a clinician in order to participate?

A: No. The training is applicable to social workers, body workers, mental health clinicians, yoga teachers, educators, activists, and other healthcare professionals, among others.

Q: What if I identify as a trauma survivor and/or am not a service provider? 

A. You are more than welcome to attend this training.  Our hope is to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.  Not all individuals may identify as a “trauma survivor,” but many individuals (service providers and non-service providers alike) have some personal reference point for many of the topics discussed.

We do not provide space for processing of trauma during these trainings, nor is there ANY expectation that one would need to share/identify their trauma.  You are welcome to use any personal experience as a context/reference point to your learning experience as we unpack this material together.

This training is meant to enhance one’s understanding of the complexities of lived experiences of trauma, as well as to learn concrete skills to explore a trauma-sensitive movement based practice, but the training is not a clinical intervention.

Q: With that in mind; How might I prepare myself for the training?

A. Although the workshop is facilitated in a respectful and professional manner, it can be emotionally, physically, and intellectually demanding. It is natural that due to the in-depth conversations in the training, trauma responses/activation may arise.   As there is the possibility of being triggered/activated by course or discussion content, we recommend coming prepared to support yourself in meeting your physical and emotional needs throughout the training and afterwards.  Please feel free to contact me directly if you’d like some support in thinking of what that may entail, or creating a self-care plan for the weekend. 

Q: Does this training certify me as a TCTSY-F (Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator)? 

A: No. This is not a certification training, but rather an introduction into the theory and methodology of TCTSY.  The half-day workshops are intended to be a brief introduction to the model and one’s understanding of trauma and its impacts.  The 20-hour trainings are intended to build upon additional knowledge/practice, and offer more concrete tools for individuals to begin to incorporate these considerations into their classes/sessions. Participants will receive a letter of completion citing 3 or 20-hours of trauma training with the Center for Trauma and Embodiment (CFTE), and will be able to add these skills to their existing scope of practice, but not beyond that scope.  (ie: clinicians would not leave this training equipped to teach a full yoga class; and yoga instructors would not be equipped to offer therapy).  Participants are welcome to add to their bios, resumes, or CV’s that they have completed 3 or 20 hours of TCTSY training with the Center for Trauma and Embodiment @ JRI.  In addition, participants may use trainings as prerequisites to apply for the 300-hour Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Certification Program. 

Q: Do you provide CEUs (Continuing Education Units)? 

A: The 20-hour trainings are approved for 20 CEUs from Yoga Alliance (YA) and 18.5 CEUs from the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Clinicians *may* be eligible for CEU’s, but must independently apply for them through their own professional licensing board.  A  “certificate of completion” along with my SW License# will be provided upon request. 

Call or email Emily directly at (617) 410-8581 or emily@iwtherapies.com with any additional questions.