Frequently Asked Questions

1.) Trauma-Informed vs. Trauma Sensitive. What's the difference?

It depends on what you're looking for in a class. Both offer invitational language, no hands-on assists, no use of straps, a welcoming no-pressure environment and an opportunity to connect back to your body within an educated trauma-informed format. If you're looking for a "yoga-centered" class that might incorporate music with words, that focuses more on the typical benefits of movement and breathwork offered in a studio class (i.e. strength, flexibility, focus, balance, etc), a "trauma-informed" class might be for you. If you're looking for a "trauma-centered" session that might use music without words (or no music at all) that focuses more on the potential repair of traumatic stress that can be held or hard-wired into the body and nervous system, a "Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga" class (aka TCTSY), might be for you. Although there are different trauma sensitive classes offered through other programs, TCTSY has specifically been created by the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at the Justice Resource Institute.

2.) Is TCTSY for me?

Maybe yes. Maybe no. Only you can answer this question for you. TCTSY is a clinically approved adjunct treatment for complex PTSD and treatment-resistent PTSD that was originally created by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (author of "The Body Keeps the Score"), David Emerson + Jenn Turner at the Trauma Center in Brookline, MA. It's theoretical underpinnings are rooted in hatha yoga, trauma theory, attachment theory, and neuroscience. The foundational building blocks of this evidenced-based approach are found through non-coercion, interoception, invitational language, choice making and shared authentic experiences. Feel free to learn more about this class below. www.traumasensitiveyoga.com All are more than welcome to explore the possibilities of this class in your own time as you do not need a known history of trauma exposure to participate.

3.) What do you charge?

Community Pricing Individual + Group requests under 20 people are listed below. For those who have more to give, you're welcome to do so for those who might not. Individual 60 minutes = ($60 - $75) 45 minutes = ($45 - $60) 30 minutes = ($30 - $45) Group (2-20) 60 minutes = ($90 - $140) 45 minutes = ($75 - $115) 30 minutes = ($60 - $90) Feel free to pick your price within each offering. I'm not here to take your money + run, so if you have more or less personal or departmental budget to use, I trust you'll pay what works best for you. A "pay what you can plan" outside of Community Pricing are also available at anytime for any reason. If you have a timeframe, group size, or pricepoint in mind not listed above...lets talk and see what works. If you're looking for a group class of any kind, I don't provide the "group" itself but offer services to those you might have in mind for both open (public) or closed (private) groups. Private or closed TCTSY group classes will remain under 8-10 participants due to the nature of what folks might be working through. And if you're looking for individual sessions, we might initially start at 10, 20, or 30 minutes. At this time, I do not take insurance, but you're welcome to use your Health Savings Account (HSA), credit card, cash, or Venmo to pay for services. Most HSA's will cover yoga for therapy, and a diagnosis or letter of medical necessity might need to be required...so please check with your provider before using as each plan is different. Your choice in how you pay will always be up to you.

4.) What style of yoga do you teach?

In TCTSY, there is very little to no emphasis on "style" or "doing it right," and more emphasis on trying to be present with our internal environment in order to make choices based on what your body needs. No need to perform. And no "right" or "wrong" here.

5.) Where do you offer your classes?

Depends. We can talk to see if it makes sense to have your class on-site for departmental or organizational requests, or if you'd like a more private space away from home or work. For in-person individual or small group request I do offer yoga in a shared studio space located in the New Hope-Crystal area of MN. If you have another space in mind, feel free to share what works best for you and we'll go from there. All choices are respected.

6.) Do I need experience?

Heck no. All abilities, shapes, sizes, and experience levels are more than welcome.

7.) What's your cancellation policy?

The first time you need to cancel less than 24 hours, there will be no late fee. I know that life can get messy and understand how unexpected events can quickly change your plans. Each time after your first occurrence, a $10 late cancellation fee will incur and will need to be paid before rescheduling.

8.) Why are you passionate about teaching to folks whose been exposed to traumatic stress or loss on the job?

Because I'm one of those folks whose been affected and still is. I don't teach or facilitate from a place of know-it-all-ism and hope to support those brave enough to listen to their bodies with the possibility of occupying more space + life within.