Trauma Sensitive Yoga
Trauma
Sensitive
Yoga
Trauma-sensitive yoga focuses on addressing the impact of trauma on learning and creating a welcoming environment for all students. If you have experienced a traumatic event or are looking for a way to calm your mind and regain safety in your body – this gentle and respectful practice might be for you.
Trauma-sensitive approaches can help teachers understand and respond to challenging student behaviours. They go deeper by tailoring practices to support those recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or similar challenges.
This may not be a yoga style you would typically see in a yoga practice, but classes are open to all – no yoga experience is required.
Key elements include:
- Inclusive and nonjudgmental space for practice.
- Emphasis on invitational language (e.g., “If it feels right, you may try…”) to facilitate choice-based practice.
- Slow, mindful movements to build self-awareness and a sense of safety.
- No hands-on adjustments unless explicitly requested.
- Consistent routines to foster predictability and security.
- Grounding techniques to help participants connect with their bodies.
Why Choose Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
Traditional yoga classes can sometimes feel overwhelming for individuals with trauma, as they may unintentionally introduce triggers or discomfort. At Bliss Shala, we understand that healing requires a different approach — one rooted in compassion, safety and choice.
By participating in our trauma-sensitive yoga program, you can:
- Reconnect with your body in a gentle and supportive way.
- Learn tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- Build resilience and emotional stability.
- Experience a judgment-free space where your boundaries are respected.
Our goal is to empower you to reclaim your inner peace and strength.
What to Expect in Our Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Classes:
- A Safe Space: Our studio is designed to feel warm and inviting with soft lighting and calming décor.
- Experienced Instructor: As one of the few certified TCTSY facilitators in Singapore, Krisa is accredited with the 300-hour TCTSY Teaching Training certification and has facilitated regular TCTSY programs for both adults and adolescents. She believes that holistic healing is only possible through a combination of mental and body-based therapy. Read more about Krisa’s TCTSY journey in City Nomads’ feature article here.
- Choice-Based Practice: You are encouraged to listen to your body and choose what feels best for your own recovery.
- No Physical, Hands-on Assists: We want you to focus on your internal experience without worrying about the external appearance or “doing things right”, hence no assistance is required.
- No Pressure: Our classes are free of competition and expectation. Come as you are.
Background: Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)
Developed at the Trauma Centre at the Justice Resource Institute in the US by David Emerson and trauma expert, Dr Bessel van der Kolk, TCTSY programs are solidly based on trauma, attachment theory, neuroscience and yoga.
Centred on practices of invitation, choice and mindful body awareness (interoception), TCTSY can help people who are living with trauma to release tension and strengthen their sense of self by learning to tolerate physical sensations such as nervous system dysregulation and dissociation.
The Science Behind TCTSY
According to research, yoga is more effective in alleviating traumatic stress symptoms than the best possible medications. Studies show that domestic violence victims exposed to a 12-week trauma-sensitive yoga course displayed reduced severity in PTSD and dissociative symptoms with gains in vitality and body attunement.
Visit the Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga website to learn more.
Testimonials
Thank you so much for organising the session this morning! It was a great way to start the weekend, and process all the emotions that have been building up over the past few weeks with everything that is going in the world.
– Participant S
I just want to thank you for yesterday’s session. Thank you for creating such a safe space and most importantly holding space for me. I appreciate that I was given the opportunity and invitation to do whatever my body needs. it comes back to the root of Ahimsa (non-violence). Nothing is wrong with current yoga classes but I feel for me as a practitioner and facilitator, our current yoga classes tend to be very asana (posture) based and give everyone an impression that it has to be “rigorous” or else we are not working or doing yoga (correctly).
I can’t thank you enough for facilitating the class yesterday. I grew a little more as a yoga teacher and as a practitioner and my body is truly thankful.
– Participant H
Trauma Sensitive Yoga 7-Week Program
This group program incorporates evidence-based TCTSY practices (a form of clinical intervention for complex trauma, PTSD, dissociative disorders and other related behavioural and emotional difficulties) and other techniques such as grounding, reflection and meditation to help you build experiences of empowerment, choice-making and present moments.
Through this program, you will be able to cultivate a more positive relationship with your own body by practising physical shapes (modified hatha yoga), movement and trauma-sensitive breathing techniques in a safe and calm environment.
Note: No physical, hands-on assists are used in class as the emphasis is on the internal experiences and not on the external appearance of “doing things right”. You are encouraged to come as you are and to direct your own recovery.
This program is facilitated by Krisa, who started as one of the few TCTSY facilitators from 2019. She shares her trauma sensitive yoga approaches in corporate workshops, trainings and programs.
Program Details
Fee: $400- $500 per person
You are welcome to reflect on your socio-economic resources and decide how much you would like to contribute.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Equipment: Chairs, mats and blankets are provided and the entire class can be practised using a chair if preferred.
How to Join
- The class will begin with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 5 (otherwise, a full refund is applicable).
- This is a closed group program to ensure predictability and safety; participants are welcome to join or leave in the first 2 weeks with a refund.
- All applicants have to complete a short 10- to 15-minute phone interview before joining the program. The purpose of the interview is to share more about the program, answer potential questions you may have and assess if this program is suitable for you.
Upcoming Program
Upcoming run: April 2025
Week 1 – Grounding, Embodiment, 5 trauma responses, Choice making, Invitational language
Week 2 – Grounding, Knowing your story – understand how you protect yourself, inner dialogue, Authenticity
Week 3 – Link between trauma and your body, Preverbal experiences, Challenging situations, Safety in choices
Week 4 – Connection to self, Challenging situations, Inner child wants and needs.
Week 5 – Grounding, Facing fear, Anchoring your choices and autonomy, Exploring how forms can change your inner state
Week 6 – Recognising your allies, Anchors, Mirror work
Week 7 – Reflection, Closure, Future pacing
TCTSY Private Session
Private consultations are available for participants who prefer an individual practice.
These sessions can be delivered online or face-to-face.
Fee(s)
Private consultation: $160/75 minutes
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Trauma Sensitive Yoga for Mental Wellness
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