What is the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method (TCYM)?
Can it Support Me on My Journey?
What is it?
The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method℠, developed by licensed clinical social worker and yoga teacher, Nityda Gessel, is a healing modality that integrates trauma-conscious yoga (yoga taught with the awareness of how to support trauma survivors and create a supportive space for trauma healing) and somatic psychotherapy practices, drawing from Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS parts work), and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR.) Trauma-Conscious Yoga steps beyond being trauma “informed” where we are simply aware of trauma, to being trauma “conscious” where we move forward in our work actively aware and responding to our students/clients with where they are in the moment and as they shift through the practice and their journey.
TCYM is a social justice oriented practice and acknowledges the impact of systemic violence and oppression, as well as generational and collective trauma. With this understanding, we consider all humans to be trauma survivors and do not distinguish between “Big T” and “Little t” traumas.
The yogic and somatic resources and practices offered in this method are designed to support trauma survivors in healing their trauma through a journey of self-inquiry, embodiment, and self-development. We will explore yogic principles and teachings from Buddhist psychology, paired with neuroscience and somatics.
How Does It Help?
TCYM can be used to support trauma survivors, big feelers, and all humans in many settings including within individual therapy, therapy intensives, in therapeutic yoga groups or group yoga classes, as well as 1:1 in private yoga sessions.
My dual credentials as a licensed therapist and registered yoga teacher create a unique experience and provide you with a safe, supportive space to reclaim your body and empower your own healing and trauma resolution. I first became certified in the Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method in 2021 as a Level 1 Practitioner and completed my Level 2 certification in 2023. I have had the privilege of serving the Trauma Conscious Yoga Institute as a Teaching Assistant and Alumni Group Consultation Facilitator since 2022. I have seen the power of this modality help people make shifts over and over again and it is a joy and an honor in my life to continue to share it and be part of this growing heart-centered organization.
Sessions/Classes may involve education around trauma and your nervous system, body-based techniques for grounding and emotional release/regulation, self reflection, meditation, intentional breathing practices, and physical yoga postures or intuitive movement.
Through these practices, you may experience increased body awareness, mental clarity & calmness, relief from chronic stress patterns, a quieter mind, as well as sharper attention and concentration. You may also experience emotional and energetic release, which can be an intense and powerful experience. The energy released may be from traumas experienced in this life and/or from traumas passed down generationally through epigenetics (a process by which our DNA is altered by the lived traumas of our ancestors. I’m excited to support you on your journey through this beautifully challenging and cathartic work.
Private Yoga
Not ready for a studio class or want to work on a specific goal? I’m happy to work with you privately to grow in your physical and energetic practice. Areas I specialize in are trauma-conscious yoga, subtle body energetics & emotional release, inversions, yoga philosophy, and Ayurvedic nutrition and wellness.
Sessions are 45 minutes and can be held virtually or in person, depending on preference and location. Your 15 minute initial consultation is free and subsequent sessions are priced at $90.
120 min Hybrid Intensive Sessions combining Brainspotting & TCYM are also available at a rate of $350, part of which may be billable to your health insurance provider.
**Health Savings Account (HSA) Card and Credit/Debit Cards Acccepted!**