November & December in-person Trauma Sensitive Yoga group sessions in Central PA (preregistration required)

Also currently offering individual remote sessions

Please contact Denise at TCTSYogawithDenise@gmail.com 

to schedule an intake call and register

Payment is due after your intake call/48 hours prior to first session.  

Stay tuned for more Winter offerings

• Feel free to suggest days/times you'd like to see group sessions added to our schedule.  I'd love to add a few sessions based around what might work for you!

Additional Possibilities include:

-Private Sessions (45 minutes)

-Small group/semi-private appointments

-Virtual Group Series

-Chair Series

-Interested in a lunch-hour series for your agency?  A midday break to tend to what is most important...self care :)

"Thank you so much for the group work last night; everyone really loved it and I think it was absolutely perfect for where everybody was mentally and physically. You are so calm and open, and everyone loved how many options you offered for movement. I personally was really impressed with your inclusive language and tone. So non judgemental and accepting."

-Crisis Counselor 2023

I had the opportunity to take remote 1 on 1 lessons with Denise every week during my (so far!) most challenging semester of college. I had taken a year off from school due to many challenges that arose from my unresolved trauma, and Denise helped me to continue on the healing path while also jumping back into a difficult academic program. I cherished the time I had to focus on myself with the assistance of someone who I knew cared about my overall well-being; Denise always made sure to check in before each practice, and introduced new movements at my own pace. She was always prepared and offered reading recommendations as I shared what had helped me the most. I truly don't think I would have gotten through that time without her!

-College Student Spring 2023

It was so helpful to have a yoga class where every movement was presented as an invitation rather than a requirement! [The] framing and pacing really helped me slow down enough to check in with each body part and consider what range of movement (or not moving) was right for me at that moment. That's so different from any other group yoga class I had experienced and it was such a constructive support at this stage in my healing...I think I just wasn't expecting it to feel so different (in a really helpful way!) from other yoga classes.

By having the Trauma Sensitive Yoga session as a touchpoint for each week, I noticed that I began incorporating more gentle movement into my routines on other days of the week, too. The sessions reminded me how good it can feel to reconnect with my body in a way that isn't focused on a goal: just noticing and being present.

-Mel -July 2021

Denise is always present when I arrive, and has hot water ready for tea before/after the session. I appreciate the space where my session is offered:  in a lovely old home on a quiet street, hardwood floors, and beautiful garden.  I also like her voice; it’s quiet and suggestive.  I look forward to my weekly session as a true highlight!

- Elisabeth 7/21

Denise is a natural as a yoga instructor. Her calm and confident demeanor creates a healing atmosphere, and her confidence is in you. She knows that you can benefit by this particular session together, and is willing to be with you in the moment as you unwind, uncoil, center yourself and surrender to her instinctive wisdom. I cannot get enough of her sessions. -Kathy P.  4/21

"I have had the opportunity to experience Denise's instruction both in small group seminars in a meditation center and also in private one-on-one classes at her home.  Her classes were both relaxing and energizing to body, mind and soul.  I would recommend her to anyone, who is looking for a guide."

-Sunny Rehler, Ph.D., retired Physical Therapist

O-An Zendo Meditation Center was fortunate to be able to host Denise in her generous offering of yoga classes to our community, Though it was clear that Denise had advanced skills in her own practice, and was expertly trained as a teacher, she was able to adapt her instruction to the needs of a wide range of students, especially beginners. A deeply responsive teacher, with a gentle, compassionate style, I recommend her without any reservation whatsoever, and wish her well!

-Meido Barbara Anderson,

Guiding Teacher/Zen Priest

I have  taken yoga classes off and on for many years and had had several different teachers.  Denise Goodman was one of my favorite teachers.  I attended her classes during 2019-2020, and I probably would have continued as her student if covid hadn't shut down the classes.  Denise has a very calm presence and voice that helps students to relax.  She explains the poses well and always gives options to accomodate each student's ability.  She strives to provide a comfortable learning environment, providing plenty of props (pillows, blocks, straps, etc.) to aide students. I felt that Denise prepared well for each session, which were different each time. She would often ask the class members ahead of time whether there were certain areas of the body they wanted to work on during the upcoming session. Denise did not just focus on the body.  Usually she would share a selected poem or passage from a text that would open me up to a deeper understanding about some aspect of life.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from Denise, and I highly recommend her as a teacher.--Kelle Kersten, Julian, PA

GROUP SERIES:

6 week series (six 45 minute sessions)- $110

ONLINE PRIVATE SESSIONS:

45 minute- $65

Hourly Rates:

$75/hr

*Because we each have unique access to resources, as well as experience different degrees of privilege, oppression, and marginalization, we offer a self-determined sliding pay scale.  Additionally, you are welcome to contribute what you can for your first class without committing to the a multiple week series.  Our intention is to make these offerings accessible to as many people as possible.

(I have found this framework helpful in determining where one stands on their ability to pay.  Thanks to Alexis Cunningfolk.)

Payment is due 48 hours prior to first session.  Once registration/payment is complete, you'll be emailed the session Zoom link.  Payments are non-refundable at this time.  

Venmo:  @Denise-Goodman-19

Paypal to TCTSYogawithDenise@gmail.com 

Sometimes the word "trauma" throws people.  It may sound too "extreme" or like something that only applies to "others".   Although TCTSY is the "original yoga for trauma" (backed by research), this inclusive program can be helpful to anyone dealing with stress and/or anxiety, or looking to develop a healthier relationship with their body.

TCTSY (Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga),  created at the Trauma Center in Brookline, MA, is a clinical intervention for complex trauma and chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) that uses physical forms (based on Hatha Yoga) and movement as a way for participants to be in charge of their own bodies.  (Unlike some yoga classes, there are no physical hands-on assists.)  We hold space for individuals to have their own experiences, in their own body, moving at their own pace, possibly expressing their own variation of a shape.  Because there is no one right way to be or move in a Trauma Sensitive Yoga session, yoga is available to meet you where you are.  No prior yoga experience is required.  If you are interested in or curious about exploring the present moment through a choice-based movement practice, TCTSY is available to become part of your journey. 

Because TCTSY does not involve any verbal processing and was created as an adjunctive treatment to talk-based therapy, an existing supportive therapeutic relationship is highly encouraged.  Participants may benefit from a psychotherapist/counselor/clergy, etc. to process any issues that might surface during the movement-based practice.  Sometimes spending time in one's body can stir up memories and emotions, so having an outside support system is an important piece.  This might look like ongoing therapy or a trusted friend/relative, etc.

We ask that participants have not been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons in the past 6 months prior to beginning this embodied practice to help assure this is the right practice/treatment for you at the right time.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or to see if our offerings are a good fit for you.  Although TCTSY is specifically designed for trauma survivors, Yoga has a variety of physical and emotional benefits that may be beneficial to all bodies. 

While your practice can be tailored to meet your needs and may evolve over time, here is what an example could look like:

• Your TCTSY facilitator typically practices along with you, on their mat or chair*

• Beginning in a seated form/shape (on a chair or perhaps a mat, always YOUR choice)

• Perhaps inviting in movement

•  Maybe noticing your body in the space

•  Standing shapes may be offered as an exploration

• Stillness, movement, or rest are always options at any point

• Choices are offered throughout.

• You may choose to notice your breath or move with your breath if that is useful or available to you.  

• Perhaps ending in stillness, maybe a quiet resting form, if that is of interest

You are welcome to make the practice your own. This might mean that in a group class, everyone is choosing a different shape for their unique body.  (The focus may be on internal experiences vs external performance.) 

A session with me may be 30-60 minutes, depending upon your needs. 

You are welcome to keep a notebook handy to write down anything that comes up for you during your session.  Sometimes participants find this useful to share with their therapist/counselor/support system.

Chairs and mats are provided when in-person, but you are also welcome to bring your own.  

Online sessions will use the Zoom platform (https://zoom.us).  When practicing at home you can choose to sit (floor, chair, sofa, etc.) or stand in a quiet space with limited distractions.  At the beginning of each session, you are welcome to check in with your camera on or off.  Once class begins, microphones will be muted to avoid any sound distractions and cameras can be turned off,  your choice.  At the end of each session you'll be invited to turn on your camera and/or microphone to say goodbye, but the option to not talk at all is always held.  Again, this is YOUR time.  YOUR choice.

Feedback is always welcome in person or via email ( TCTSYogawithDenise@gmail.com ).  

Online (Zoom)

 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. (2014):

Yoga as an Adjunctive Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial 

(Core Study Establishing an Evidence Base for TCTSY)

Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD; Laura Stone, MA; Jennifer West, PhD; Alison Rhodes, MSW Med; David Emerson, MA; Michael Suvak, PhD; and Joseph Spinazzola, PhD

"This study showed that a 10-week weekly yoga program compared with supportive therapy can significantly reduce PTSD symptomatology in women with chronic treatment-resistant PTSD, with effect sizes comparable to well-researched psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic approaches."

https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/resources/#research

Yoga and the Prevention/Treatment of Eating Disorders:  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344369678_Yoga_and_eating_disorder_prevention_and_treatment_A_comprehensive_review_and_meta-analysis (note:  this meta analysis,  not specific to TCTSY,  suggests "that yoga-based interventions may be an effective approach supporting the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.")

Once interest is expressed, I'll send out a brief email.  Then the next step would be a short (10-15 minute) phone call where we could discuss the following TCTSY Intake Form:

We ask that participants have ongoing therapy or other outside support system and have been out of any inpatient psych hospitalization for at least 6 months.

Date of Screen:  

PAPRTICIPANT INFORMATION                                                                                                            

Name: 

Pronouns:

Street Address:         

Telephone:                                                                                                                   

Email:

Age /Date of Birth:                                                                                                                                            

Physical Conditions that might impact your yoga practice:                                                                                                

• Can you share a little bit about why you are interested in Trauma Sensitive Yoga?

• Doing something like yoga for trauma healing can bring up feelings and emotions, sometimes called “implicit or somatic” memories. If you feel it would be useful to talk about these things, do you have a support network that you can rely on?

• Have you had any experiences, positive or negative, with yoga or any physical activity in the past that you would like us to know about?

• Anything you would like facilitators to be aware of to make the space feel more accessible for you?

• Discuss Payment

• Do you have any questions about the practice of TCTSY?  Or questions for me?

• Before your first session begins, I'll email or mail a waiver for you to please sign.

Currently this will come to any participants with your enrollment email :)

TCTSY Release/Waiver:

• Just like any form of physical activity, yoga carries a risk of injury and I agree to take precautions and responsibility for my own actions. 

• I have, to the best of my ability, disclosed any necessary information about prior injuries, pre-existing medical conditions and personal history that may be relevant to my safety and the safety of others.

• I understand that Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY)  is an adjunctive practice and that participants are advised to have access to established therapy within which they can reflect upon their trauma history.

• Yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Yoga is not recommended and is not safe under certain medical conditions. I affirm that I alone am responsible to decide whether to practice yoga. I hereby agree to irrevocably release and waive any claims that I have now or hereafter may have against Denise Goodman (TCTSY Facilitator)/Centre’d Sanctuary, LLC.

• I, my heirs, or legal representatives, do hereby forever waive and release Denise Goodman/Centre’d Sanctuary, LLC from any and all liability and responsibility from injury, accident, illness, legal and medical fees sustained now or in the future resulting from my participation in any exercise/yoga activity, workshops or use of any equipment.

A TCTSY Facilitator has the right to deny or terminate service to any person who may represent a threat to the safety of themselves and/or others, including the Facilitator.

Date:

Signature of Yoga Participant:

PLEASE NOTE: Your typed name represents your signature and, therefore, agreement with the statement above. Participants under the age of 18 require a parent’s signature. 

(These are simply the books I found extremely intersting/helpful and that have led me here.  I attached links for conveniece, but I'm sure there are other sources :)

Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga by David Emerson & Elizabeth Hopper, PhD  (2011)     https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/overcoming-trauma-through-yoga/

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment by David Emerson & Jennifer West, PhD (2015)

Embodied Healing, edited by Jenn Turner (2020)    https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/645679/embodied-healing-by-jennifer-turner/

Embodiment and the Treatment of Eating Disorders: The Body as a Resource in Recovery– September 22, 2020

https://www.catherinecookcottone.com/  https://www.amazon.com/Embodiment-Treatment-Eating-Disorders-Resource/dp/0393734102/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Embodiment+and+the+Treatment+of+Eating+Disorders&qid=1596642201&sr=8-1