Trauma can affect both the mind and body, making traditional yoga challenging or harmful for trauma survivors. Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) offers a tailored approach that incorporates self-regulation strategies to safely increase body awareness, address nervous system dysregulation, and foster a sense of physical and emotional safety.
Enhance body awareness in a secure and controlled manner, fostering a sense of physical, emotional, and psychological safety
Help manage nervous system dysregulation, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection from the body or environment, which are common responses to trauma.
Yoga aims to activate the parasympathetic nervous system’s “rest-and-digest” response, countering the “fight, flight, or freeze” state common in trauma survivors. However, certain mainstream yoga practices—such as prolonged poses, unconsented physical assists, specific breathwork, overheated environments, exclusive language, or intense hip and spine movements—can inadvertently trigger the fight-or-flight response, overwhelming trauma survivors.
Trauma-informed yoga prioritizes safety, predictability, and emotional support, offering a space where participants can address signs of distress or dissociation without pressure. This practice focuses on fostering a sense of embodiment, grounding, and connection to the mind and body in a secure and non-triggering environment.
We carefully hand-select and train our therapists to provide the highest level of evidence-based care for our clients.
Your wellbeing is our primary objective, so our goal is to help you reach your goal(s) as soon as possible.
We won’t keep you in treatment any longer than necessary.
Trauma-informed yoga (TI-Yoga) is typically used to support individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them manage symptoms such as anxiety, PTSD, stress, depression, and emotional dysregulation. It provides a safe, compassionate environment that addresses physical and emotional challenges, promotes healing, and fosters a sense of safety, self-awareness, and resilience.
The advantages of trauma-informed yoga include:
Most of our sessions are virtual, however some of our Associates may elect to offer in-person sessions, so it’s important to check!
While offering virtual sessions nearly exclusively may seem unorthodox, during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down, the healthcare industry discovered virtual sessions were superior in many ways to in-person sessions.
Some reasons for this are: allowing clients to meet in the comfort of their home or office, allowed clients to reach a new level of authenticity by not needing to get “dressed up for the world;” and not needing to account for travel time was greatly appreciated by most of our clients who have busy schedules. Furthermore, virtual sessions require the therapist to attune much more deeply to their client, and having a therapist who is even more deeply attuned to their client, can only benefit treatment.
Trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive yoga is distinct from traditional or regular yoga because it is specifically designed to address the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Key differences include:
You’ll know therapy is working when you notice positive changes, such as improved coping skills, better relationships, reduced symptoms, and increased self-awareness. Additionally, if you feel heard, supported, and confident in applying what you’ve learned outside of sessions, therapy is likely making a difference.
While therapy itself doesn’t typically have physical side effects, emotional discomfort can arise as you work through challenging issues. However, most people experience relief, growth, and improved well-being over time.
Yes, individuals can take medication while practicing trauma-sensitive yoga. In fact, yoga can complement traditional therapies and medications by providing additional tools for emotional regulation, stress management, and body awareness. It is important for individuals to communicate with their healthcare providers to ensure that yoga practices align with their overall treatment plan and medication regimen.
Some individuals have been referred for a specific form of treatment by their doctor or other health professional, however, many individuals who begin working with us aren’t sure which type of treatment they need.
That’s OK! Most of our therapists are skilled in multiple therapeutic modalities, and they will select the most appropriate approach to ensure you receive the best treatment to reach your goals as fast as possible.
We encourage you to discuss your goals and ask any questions you have during your free consultation!
Most likely. It’s important to check with your insurance carrier to determine if they cover “Registered Clinical Counselling,” “Clinical Counselling,” “Counselling,” “Mental Health Counselling,” “Psychotherapy,” “Psychological Services.”
Some carriers only cover services from Psychologists, Psychiatrists, or Social Workers. Others accept Registered Clinical Counsellors (which is our designation).
We have conveniently included all insurance carriers where our services are accepted (although others who have not been included may still provide reimbursement if they cover Registered Clinical Counsellors).
If you determine your carrier will accept our services in full or in part, you are required to pay in full for our services, and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
It’s confusing isn’t it? Let’s bring some clarity here.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD’s) with a focus on mental health. They can formally diagnose and prescribe medications.
Psychologists are “doctors of psychology” but are not medical doctors. They have a PhD. They are allowed to diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological assessments, but cannot prescribe medications.
Psychotherapists and Clinical Counsellors are interchangeable designations where each province will have certain protected rights to use a particular designation. For example, in British Columbia, we are called either Registered Clinical Counsellors or Certified Clinical Counsellors; in Ontario the term used is Registered Psychotherapist. Counsellors/Psychotherapists (whichever term is used) generally have a MA level degree, are able to conduct psychological /counselling services but are not able to formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.
Social Workers are able to conduct counselling sessions and are governed by the College of Social Workers. They may also belong to other professional associations and conduct therapy/counselling/psychotherapy within those guidelines.
Social workers most often have a MA level degree, and like Clinical Counsellors/Psychotherapists, cannot formally diagnose, assess, or prescribe medication.
Hope that helps!
Dive deeper into EMDR and learn why You NEED Therapy! Hint: Robert believes we all need therapy ;)
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