Trauma-Sensitive Yoga for gentle body-based exploration
If regular yoga has felt too performative, too fast, or too tied to being corrected, this is a different kind of experience. We use a TCTSY-based approach focused on interoception, present-moment awareness, and non-performance movement.
How we use it
We use trauma-sensitive yoga to support present-moment awareness, interoception, and choice. The practice is non-performance based, so the focus stays on what you notice rather than how it looks. Because there are no corrections or expectations, people can explore movement in a way that feels less exposed. For some, this works alongside therapy; for others, it stands on its own as a body-based support.
No corrections. No expectations. Just exploration.
Who it tends to suit
People often come in wanting a way to be in their body that doesn’t ask them to get it perfect. They may feel disconnected from sensation, wary of group exercise, or uncomfortable with movement that comes with a lot of instruction. For some, yoga is appealing because it offers a way to notice the body without having to tell the whole story out loud. For others, it’s a support when talk alone feels like too much.
- I want to move without feeling watched or judged.
- I’m not comfortable with hands-on correction.
- I want to notice my body without pushing it.
- I need something gentler than a regular class.
What the first sessions look like
The first sessions introduce the format, the choices available to you, and the simple structure we use. We’ll talk about what helps you feel oriented, and it’s okay to come in without knowing yoga or doing anything a certain way.
What we use it for
- AnxietyPeople who feel on edge, stuck, or worn down by worry.
- DepressionPeople who feel low, numb, or worn out by everything.
- TraumaPeople carrying old hurts, shock, or a body that stays on alert.
- Nervous System RegulationPeople who feel stuck in overdrive, shutdown, or constant strain.
- MindfulnessPeople who want more grounded attention and less autopilot.
- Intuitive EatingPeople tangled up in food rules, guilt, or constant body second-guessing.
Questions people ask
What is trauma-sensitive yoga?
It’s a yoga approach that centers choice, present-moment awareness, and non-performance movement. We use a TCTSY-based format that does not rely on corrections or expectations.
Do I need yoga experience before trying it?
No. We can start with the basics of the format and what feels comfortable for you.
What if being watched in a class makes me tense?
That matters, and we pay attention to it. The structure is meant to reduce pressure, not add to it.
Can this be part of trauma work in therapy?
Yes. Some people use trauma-sensitive yoga alongside individual therapy when body awareness is part of the work.
About Root and River Collective
Healing isn't something that happens to you, it happens with you. At Root and River Collective, LLC, we work with adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, intuitive eating, hormone health, and relational healing.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what has been going on and we will take it from there.