Grigore Counselling & Associates

TI-Yoga

Trauma-Informed Yoga

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.

How Does TI-Yoga Differ from Regular Yoga?

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.

Easy

Safe

Consentual

Supportive

TI-Yoga Can Help With...

Anxiety &
Depression

TI-Yoga can help manage anxiety and depression by creating a safe space that promotes emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience.
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Childhood Abuse
Survivors

TI-Yoga can support healing from abuse by fostering a sense of safety, promoting body awareness, and helping individuals process and manage emotional trauma.
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Sexual Assault
Survivors

Studies suggest that trauma-sensitive yoga can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms, particularly in women who have experienced intimate partner violence, treatment-resistant PTSD, or military sexual trauma, sometimes outperforming traditional therapies like cognitive processing therapy.
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Military &
First Responders

Trauma-sensitive yoga can benefit military personnel, veterans, and first responders by addressing PTSD, depression, and childhood trauma, improving sleep, emotional regulation, and family engagement.
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Trauma & PTSD

TI-Yoga helps trauma and PTSD survivors by creating a supportive environment that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs, promoting healing and reducing symptoms.
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Intergenerational
& Racial Trauma

TI-Yoga can support intergenerational and racial trauma survivors by offering a safe space for healing, fostering connection, and addressing the complex impacts of systemic and historical trauma.
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Caregivers &
Healthcare Staff

TI-Yoga can provide caregivers and healthcare staff with tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and promote emotional resilience in the face of challenging work environments.
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Chronic Illness
& Pain

TI-Yoga can support individuals with chronic illness and pain by improving body awareness, reducing stress, and promoting a greater sense of control and comfort in managing symptoms.
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Suicidal Ideation
& High-Risk

TI-Yoga can provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or at high risk for suicide, helping them develop coping skills and fostering a sense of grounding and emotional regulation.
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Work Stress

TI-Yoga can help individuals experiencing work-related stress by promoting relaxation, enhancing mindfulness, and supporting emotional balance and resilience in the workplace.
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Daily Stress

TI-Yoga can help individuals experiencing daily stress by reducing tension, improving mindfulness, and promoting overall emotional and physical well-being.
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ADHD &
Neurodivergence

TI-Yoga can support neurodivergent individuals by providing a tailored approach that respects sensory needs, enhances self-regulation, and promotes a sense of grounding and connection.
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Addiction

TI-Yoga can assist individuals with addiction by fostering mindfulness, promoting emotional healing, and supporting the development of healthy coping mechanisms and self-awareness.
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Anger Management

TI-Yoga can help with anger management by promoting self-awareness, grounding, and emotional regulation, allowing individuals to process and manage intense emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
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Body Dysmorphia
& Self-Image

TI-Yoga can support individuals with body dysmorphia or body-image issues by encouraging body acceptance, enhancing body awareness, and creating a safe space for healing and self-compassion.
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What the Research Says...

TI-Yoga Fast Facts

Pricing Options

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.



Student therapist

$ 50
  • Supervised by Robert Grigore
  • Extended Benefits Covers All
  • Safe & Accepting Environment
coming soon

Registered Therapist

$120-$180
  • Supervised by Robert Grigore
  • Extended Benefits Covers All
  • Evidence-Based Treatments
  • Specialized Training
available

Certified EMDR Therapist

$180-$250
  • Supervised by Robert Grigore
  • Extended Benefits Covers All or Part
  • Specialized Certification in EMDR
  • Fastest Results*
  • No Homework
available

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

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:

  1. Safety and Empowerment: Creating a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to explore and heal from trauma.
  2. Emotional Regulation: Helping individuals manage emotions and reduce symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
  3. Body Awareness: Encouraging greater awareness of bodily sensations and promoting a healthier relationship with the body.
  4. Resilience Building: Supporting individuals in building emotional resilience and coping strategies.
  5. Holistic Healing: Addressing both physical and psychological aspects of trauma in a comprehensive way.
  6. Reduction in Triggers: Offering personalized practices that minimize triggers and foster healing.
  7. Community and Connection: Providing a space for connection and shared understanding with others who have experienced similar challenges.

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:

  1. Safety and Sensitivity: Emphasis on creating a safe and supportive environment to avoid triggering trauma responses.
  2. Adaptability: Poses and practices are modified to accommodate individual comfort levels and physical boundaries.
  3. Body Awareness: Focuses on enhancing body awareness in a way that promotes healing without forcing or overwhelming.
  4. Emotional Regulation: Incorporates techniques that help manage emotional dysregulation and emotional processing.
  5. Trauma-Informed Language: Uses language that is respectful and non-triggering, promoting healing rather than re-traumatization.
  6. Holistic Approach: Balances physical movement with mindfulness and self-regulation practices tailored to trauma survivors.

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!

Changing your life can be easier than you think.

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  • Neurobiology of trauma
  • 30+ years of EMDR research
  • EMDR case studies and real client testimonials
  • Detailed overview of EMDR’s 8-Phase Standard Protocol
  • How to find the right EMDR therapist for you (and what to ask them)