At the core of trauma, regardless of the specific context, exists the shared experience of something being done to, forced upon, or taken from someone without their consent and beyond their control. Safety is compromised or absent, and choice is lost. Panic and fear are overwhelming, and often stuck on over-drive in the nervous system. Paralysis and feelings of disconnection can also create a sense of vacancy in the body, as well as social and emotional isolation.  It can be helpful to talk about traumatic experiences with a trained clinician, but often, cognitive processing can only go so far.  It has been found that the most effective treatments for individuals who have suffered from trauma should include the body in the healing process.

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 Programs and Policies (NREPP).  Through this practice, opportunities are provided to facilitate present moment experiences to support participants and clients to safely engage and interact with their bodies through physical shapes and forms.  Individuals set their own pace during sessions, and explore gentle, supportive movements and breathing exercises, using yoga as part of the healing process.  In addition to yoga, TCTSY has foundations in Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory, and Neuroscience. No yoga experience is necessary.

Though this practice was established with trauma survivors in mind, almost anyone can benefit from this gentle, supportive form of yoga, including those who experience depression, anxiety, or other mental distress.  Individuals who may not be ready to try yoga on their own or in the group setting can use this practice as an introduction to yoga in a safe and supportive individual setting.

Clients receiving psychotherapy services outside of Integrative Wellness Therapies can use these sessions as adjunctive treatment to existing clinical work.

To learn more about TCTSY, please click here.

Emily has completed the The Center for Trauma and Embodiment’s 300-hour Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Certification and is a certified TCTSY-Facilitator (TCTSY-F), as well as a licensed TCTSY-Trainer (TCTSY-T).  Emily is part of the Supervisory and Training Faculty at the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI.    

Individual Sessions

• When incorporated into psychotherapy, these services are reimbursed through insurance.
• See Fees and Insurance pages.

Group Classes

• Weekly TCTSY classes  are offered through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI (currently all classes are REMOTE)
  • Emily teaches on:
    • Mondays @12pm (Chair Yoga)
    • Wednesdays @12pm (Slow Flow)