Healing Chronic Stress Through Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
How slowing down and tuning in can support your mental health
Feeling the weight of it all? As the season shifts into spring, your to-do list may be growing—spring cleaning, laundry, taking care of loved ones, managing deadlines… all while trying to fill your own cup. It's no surprise that chronic stress has become a silent epidemic. Wherever your stress stems from - it’s going to take a toll—not just mentally, but physically and emotionally, too. It’s that tightness in your chest, the sense that something’s off, or the constant hum of anxiety. Wouldn’t it be nice to lay your head on the pillow at night—and actually rest?
At the Center for Collaborative Health (CCH), we believe true healing happens when the mind, body, and spirit are treated as one. That’s why we offer evidence-based, body-centered practices like Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) as part of our holistic wellness approach.
What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
TCTSY is not your typical yoga class. Developed specifically for survivors of trauma, TCTSY is an evidence-based modality that has been shown to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress and chronic stress. Unlike traditional yoga, TCTSY places less emphasis on perfecting poses and more on empowering individuals to make choices, notice sensations, and rebuild their relationship with their body in a safe, supportive environment.
Why Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Is Effective for PTSD
In a groundbreaking randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open, researchers compared the effectiveness of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in treating female veterans with PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST). The study found that women in the yoga group showed significantly greater reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to those in the CPT group. Even more promising, participants in the yoga group had higher retention and satisfaction rates—highlighting the importance of accessible, body-based trauma care.
This study reinforces what we’ve seen firsthand at CCH: TCTSY helps people reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and cultivate internal safety.
“When we’ve experienced trauma, we often feel disconnected from our bodies. TCTSY is about rebuilding that connection—gently and with compassion. It’s not about doing the poses ‘right,’ it’s about giving yourself permission to choose, notice, and be present in your body again.”
— Dr. Macarena Corral, Co-Founder of CCH, Psychologist & Certified TCTSY Facilitator
The Mind-Body Stress Connection
Chronic stress lives in the body. It shows up as tight shoulders, shallow breathing, digestive issues, fatigue, irritability, and more. While talk therapy is an essential tool for understanding patterns and building resilience, sometimes words alone aren't enough.
This is where trauma-sensitive yoga becomes invaluable. It uses movement, breath, and interoception (the act of noticing internal sensations) to help regulate the nervous system. TCTSY emphasizes invitational language, shared power, and a trauma-informed framework to help restore a sense of agency and self-trust.
What to Expect in a TCTSY Session
At CCH, our TCTSY sessions are led by trained facilitators in a calm, welcoming space. You’ll be offered a series of gentle movements and breathing practices—always with the freedom to modify, skip, or rest. You’ll never be corrected or judged; this is a practice of listening to your body and honoring what feels supportive.
Each session centers on the principles of empowerment, curiosity, and choice. There’s no "perfect" way to move, only what feels right for you.
Why We Offer TCTSY at CCH
Our co-founders, Drs. Macarena Corral and Nicole Slavik, believe that "healing the whole you" means going beyond traditional therapy. Incorporating wellness practices like trauma-sensitive yoga reflects our commitment to integrative, whole-person care. Chronic stress doesn't just go away—it affects sleep, relationships, focus, and emotional well-being.
TCTSY is one of many tools we offer to help you feel grounded, resilient, and more connected to yourself. Whether you're navigating long-term stress, past trauma, or simply need space to breathe, this practice is a gentle step forward.
Ready to reconnect with yourself and finally find rest? Learn more about TCTSY and our holistic wellness services here: https://www.centerforcollaborativehealth.com/services
When you're ready to take that first step, book your Trauma-Sensitive Yoga session here:https://centerforcollaborativehealth.janeapp.com/
Sources: Van Der Kolk, B., & Justice Resource Institute. (2024). Yoga vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Military Sexual Trauma–Related PTSD: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open
