What is the Difference Between Trauma Sensitive, Trauma Aware, and Trauma Informed Yoga?

Trauma-aware and trauma-informed yoga practices are more likely to offer safe and accepting places for people who have a trauma history. While trauma-sensitive yoga, especially Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a therapy that has been shown to reduce symptoms of complex trauma and PTSD.
Hi- I'm Kathie I have a (PhD, Psychology) and over 13 years of neuroscience research experience. My graduate work focused on how we form and express fear memories, and since 2018 I've worked therapeutically with survivors of trauma using trauma-sensitive yoga (i.e., TCTSY).
If you are interested in learning more about trauma-sensitive yoga follow this link to my website: www.kathieover...
Instagram: / kathie.overeem
Blog: www.kathieover...

[@Al-pj3lr]

This is an interesting perspective. Trauma Informed yoga is also widely researched and published in respected scientific journals. Many of the goals described here in trauma sensitive yoga are covered in trauma informed yoga trainings. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@kathieovereemphd1705]

Thanks for pointing this out- I just had a quick look on PubMed to see what methods they are using. I found that some simply model Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)- for example the below publication where the directly reference methods from the book by David Emerson, who is the the founder of TCTSY.
However, its worth pointing out that not all practices advertised across the internet labeled "trauma informed yoga" are same. This is where the problem lies- without standardized methods people could be exposed to any number of methodological adaptations that could leave the therapy ineffective.
I recommend people do their research to see if the trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive yoga that they are considering paying for is evidence-based. Because of the naming convention of TCTSY people who engage in this therapy have confidence that what they are experiencing is effective at reducing symptoms of PTSD and complex trauma.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8493766/

[@livmoryoga]

Thank you for clarifying the terms 😊 I took the foundational TCTSY training last year and have read all the books published by this organization. I would love to study further and become certified but I can't justify the cost of the 300 hour training to myself. So I use the term trauma-informed in my teaching since I don't have the full TCTSY accreditation and don't target the treatment of trauma in my classes. However, being aware of the prevalence of trauma, I do feel "trauma informed" and integrate the elements of the TCTSY approach into my classes, even if they are not specifically for trauma. I also read a few non TCTSY, "trauma informed" books and found that the techniques and principles were very similar. The main difference between the two, for me, is really the association of "trauma sensitive" with TCTSY. I had never heard of the term "trauma aware." Thank you for the explanation.

[@crescermeditando]

LIv would you mind sharing book's that are "non"TCTSY that you recommend?

[@YogiBethC]

Thanks for putting this information out there; I'm also a psychologist, and I released a similar video short.

[@julzylil]

Thanks for the video!😊

[@mialeeyoga9802]

Super helpful - thankyou.

[@coco-bz3kp]

Thank you so much

[@jasoncowell5133]

In considering the training with Emersons method you mentioned Ongoing personal development. As a therapist I am curious is this have to he specific to yoga or can it include trauma studies or other workshops etc related to trauma related modalities?

[@kathieovereemphd1705]

The ongoing personal development doesn't have to be yoga specific. It can include other trauma related modalities.

[@johnnysalter7072]

Pleas raise the volume a little.

[@shubhangisinghania9647]

so does this mean that a yoga teacher doesn't need a certification for a trauma aware class?

[@Wilmamag]

Anything you attached a word with yoga and it sells. That isn’t yoga. When someone is going through any trauma - physical or emotional, they need therapy and medical help. When they overcome and at least accept at a surface level then they are ready for not physical yoga but yoga philosophy. Now adding Yoga Nindra for someone who is with Trauma that damages their nervous system beyond repair. Stop this nonsense