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ACC ISSC Funded
6-8 Week Trauma Sensitive Yoga Group Courses & Day Retreats
We are pleased to offer 6-8 week group therapy courses, both online and in-person, and fully funded by ACC ISSC. We also offer day retreats where you can join us for a 7 hour retreat-style exploration into tools for transforming trauma.
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Trauma Centre Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a specialised approach that recognises the potential impact of trauma on our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. A trauma-sensitive yoga session focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment and empowering participants to engage with their bodies in a way that promotes healing and resilience.
Unlike traditional yoga classes, trauma-sensitive yoga is mindful of potential triggers and emphasises choice, consent, and autonomy at all times. TCTSY incorporates movement and grounding techniques, and develops your capacity for feeling your body, noticing your breath, and making choices throughout the sessions that feel helpful for you.
The benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga are profound, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or are dealing with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. This approach can aid in regulating your nervous system, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving self-awareness. Trauma-sensitive yoga provides a safe space to explore bodily sensations and emotions at your own pace, promoting a gradual restoration of trust and safety in your body.
TCTSY is especially suitable for survivors of trauma, individuals experiencing chronic stress, and those seeking a gentler and more mindful approach to physical and emotional wellbeing. Our 6-8 week trauma-sensitive yoga in-person group courses are open to those who identify as female, while our online courses are open to all gender identifications. Clients will need to have an approved ACC ISSC claim, and are be under the care of a registered therapist, counselor, or psychologist. If you wish to register for a course, please ask your lead provider to get in touch with us by clicking the button below.
EVIDENCE BASED TCTSY
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a clinically proven intervention designed for individuals grappling with complex trauma or enduring treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TCTSY is an evidence-based methodology that integrates trauma theory, attachment theory, and neuroscience with yoga philosophy and practice. Research studies into TCTSY have clearly demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptoms within 8 weeks. Our TSY facilitator, Jessica, has completed all three levels of TCTSY training.
This trauma-informed approach focuses not on achieving physical forms or specific yoga postures, but on fostering awareness and reconnection with physical sensations, a vital attribute for addressing complex trauma. TCTSY places the power with the individual rather than the facilitator, and all shapes and practices offered are invitational, making them optional at all times. By prioritising interoception (the felt sense of the body) to guide decision-making, TCTSY enables participants to restore the connection between their mind and body and reclaim a sense of agency, which is often compromised by trauma.
Our trauma-sensitive yoga programs offer a gradual and manageable introduction to the practices while acknowledging potential discomfort that can arise when exploring body sensations. Each class provides participants with choices and maintains consistency and predictability to support a safe and transformative healing journey.
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Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) isn't your usual yoga—it's a practical journey back to self. Grounded in trauma-sensitive principles, it's a space for participants to reconnect to themselves, learn to befriend their bodies, explore inner experiences, and tap into somatic resources for wellbeing. The program's focus on interoceptive capacity enhances awareness, personal agency, and reconnection.
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Potential outcomes of TCTSY:
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Reduced PTSD symptoms.
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Improved overall functioning.
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Better tolerance for physical and sensory experiences.
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Heightened emotional awareness.
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Improved emotional tolerance.
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Empowerment through mindful choicemaking.
TOOLS FOR TRANSFORMING TRAUMA - ACC ISSC FUNDED DAY RETREATS
Tools For Transforming Trauma is a 6 hour ACC ISSC funded day retreat run by co-facilitators Vic Hathaway and Jessica Dziwulska. This day retreat invites individuals living with the aftermath of trauma to embark on a journey of healing, empowerment and self-discovery. Drawing from Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Creative Arts Therapy, along with mindfulness-based psycho-education (including aspects DBT and ACT), you will come away with tangible and sustainable tools for an enduring recovery that can seamlessly be integrated into your daily life in helpful and practical ways.
What to expect at one of our
retreats...
Our intention is for our day retreats to be enjoyable, relaxing, and practical. We've drawn from trauma theory, counseling, and neuroscience to address the impacts of trauma, which touches every facet of a survivor’s existence—physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. At the heart of our approach lies a commitment to trauma-informed principles, fostering an environment of safety, trust, and empowerment. Vic and Jess, our facilitators, are trained in an array of modalities, including TCTSY, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Counseling, DBT, ACT, and PCT. We use these modalities and techniques to create experiences that honor the individuality of each participant, recognising and embracing your unique journey.
Through nurturing practices, resilience-building, regulating your nervous system, and cultivating self-compassion, our day retreats support you to connect to your body in reparative ways. We'll explore mindful movement, safe social connections, and support for developing healthy coping strategies. You'll come away from the day with a range of practices you can take into your daily life as you continue on your healing journey.
We believe every person deserves access to holistic, integrated, and empowering avenues for trauma recovery; our program serves as a beacon of hope and offers a compassionate, evidence-based roadmap toward integration and healing.
COURSE DETAILS
Each TSY course is 6-8 weeks in length and there are 2-3 in-person and online courses offered every term. We also offer 1-2 day retreats each term. Our courses are fully funded by ACC ISSC.
Each TSY course includes 6-8 in-person or online sessions plus recordings of the sessions (in case you can't make it every week).
Our in-person TSY courses and day retreats are offered at the beautiful Yoga Within studios in Browns Bay and are open to those who identify as female. Our online TSY courses are open to all gender identifications.
OUR TEAM
Our courses are offered by yoga specialist and TCTSY facilitator Jessica Dziwulska, and registered therapists Vic Hathaway and Hester Phillips.
Courses are limited to a maximum of 12 participants so that together we can create a secure and familiar space. There are always 2 facilitators present to provide instruction and support.
PLEASE NOTE
This course is not a substitute for talk therapy with a registered counselor, psychologist, or psychotherapist, and is not suitable for those with severe mental health diagnoses. If you are working with a mental health care professional, this course can be a helpful complimentary addition. In order to receive ACC ISSC funding for this course, you need to be referred by your therapist, psychologist or counselor.
If you are a lead provider and have clients who you feel would benefit from this work, please click the button below to be taken to our ACC supplier’s expression of interest/registration page.
If you wish to ask any questions or chat about options for yourself or your clients, please email Jessica info@brighterlife.nz
"I have learnt so much in this course, it was just nice to be in a quiet, warm, friendly place and have an hour of calm in my week. I'm learning to take better care of myself and making that a priority."
HOW DOES TSY WORK?
The benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga are profound, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or are dealing with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. This approach can aid in regulating your nervous system, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving self-awareness.
Trauma-sensitive yoga provides a safe space to explore bodily sensations and emotions at your own pace, fostering a sense of empowerment and promoting a gradual restoration of trust and safety in your body. TSY is especially suitable for survivors of trauma, individuals experiencing chronic stress, and those seeking a gentler and more mindful approach to physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our Trauma Sensitive Yoga sessions are facilitated by Jessica Dziwulska. Jessica is a yoga specialist and TCTSY trained trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator.
Jessica is joined by registered therapist Vic Hathaway, who supports clients throughout the triage and enrollment process and is available during each session as a support person.
Each session is 60 minutes long, followed by an optional 30 minute integration time. During this extra time, participants can enjoy a warm drink and a biscuit if they like while engaging in optional activities such as art or journaling. This post-class period is designed to foster a safe environment for social interaction and integration of the practices explored during the session.
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Our in-person courses are open to those who identify as female, while our online courses are open to all gender identifications. Clients will need to have an approved ACC ISSC claim to attend.
To more deeply support our participants to benefit from the course, we ask that you also be engaged in therapy with a counselor, therapist, or psychologist.
To register for a course, you can express your interest to your therapist, who can begin the registration process with you.
These group courses are suitable for participants dealing with mild to moderate mental health issues, including PTSD or complex trauma, but are not suitable for those with acute psychotic disorders.
Participants can use the provided materials (yoga mat, yoga blocks, blankets, and cushions) or bring their own if preferred. Wearing comfortable, movable clothing can be helpful.
Before the course begins, we will coordinate with each participant and the lead provider to address specific needs or safety concerns.
Although our team is available to chat during the integration section of each session, for a more comprehensive and supportive experience, you might consider having regular check-ins with your lead provider about your experience of TSY and anything that might arise for you during the sessions or afterward.
DATES FOR 2025:
Each weekly course is 6-8 weeks in length, and each day retreat is 6 hours in length (11:30am-5:30pm): ​​
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Term One:
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Weekly Groups - Online Options (Jessica Dziwulska and Hester Phillips)
Online - Tuesdays 10:30am-11:30am from February 25th - Mixed Gender - 8 weeks
Online - Wednesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm from February 26th - Mixed Gender - 8 weeks
NO IN-PERSON GROUPS OR DAY RETREATS IN TERM 1​
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Term Two:
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PLEASE NOTE, all Term 2 groups AWAITING ACC APPROVAL
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Weekly Groups - In-Person Options (Jessica Dziwulska and Amy Benjamin)
In-Person - Wednesdays 12-1:30pm from April 30th - LGBQT+ All Genders - 6 weeks
Yoga Ground, Grey Lynn, Auckland
In-Person - Thursdays 11:15am-12:45pm from May 1st - Women only - 6 weeks
Yoga Within, Browns Bay, Auckland
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Term 2 Online Options AWAITING ACC APPROVAL (Jessica Dziwulska and Rata Gordon)
Online - Tuesdays 10:30am-11:30am from April 29th - All Genders - 6 weeks
Online - Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm from April 30th - All Genders - 6 weeks
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Term 2 Day Retreats - AWAITING ACC APPROVAL (Jessica Dziwulska and Rata Gordon)
Saturday May 10th and/or Saturday May 24th - Women Only
11:30am-5pm
Browns Bay, Auckland
Each day retreat is a stand-alone experience; clients can attend more than one per term if desired.
Term Three:
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PLEASE NOTE, all Term 3 groups AWAITING ACC APPROVAL
Weekly Groups - In-Person Options (Jessica Dziwulska and Amy Benjamin)​
In-Person - Wednesdays 12-1:30pm from July 16th - LGBQT+ All Genders - 8 weeks
Yoga Ground, Grey Lynn, Auckland
In-Person - Thursdays 11:15am-12:45pm from July 17 - Women only - 8 weeks
Yoga Within, Browns Bay, Auckland
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Term 3 Online Options AWAITING ACC APPROVAL (Jessica Dziwulska and Rata Gordon)
Online - Tuesdays 10:30am-11:30am from July 15th - All Genders - 8 weeks
Online - Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm from July 16th - All Genders - 8 weeks
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Term 2 Day Retreats - AWAITING ACC APPROVAL (Jessica Dziwulska and Rata Gordon)
Saturday August 16th and/or Saturday September 6th - Women Only
11:30am-5pm
Browns Bay, Auckland
Each day retreat is a stand-alone experience; clients can attend more than one per term if desired.
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TERM FOUR DATES COMING SOON
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For more info, email Jessica on info@brighterlife.nz
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Potential benefits from this course include:
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A decrease in symptoms related to trauma and/or difficult life circumstances; including times of transition, grief, loss and uncertainty.
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Increased ability to understand, accept and move forward in life.
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Improved sleep, decreased pain, more awareness of emotional and mental states and the ability to use tools for self-support.
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Increased ability to function and undertake life tasks such as shopping, work, child care, home life and personal relationships.
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Overall improvement in feelings of ease, wellbeing and security.
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Increased feelings of personal power, inner resources and connection to self.
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Ability to make decisions in life that previously felt daunting and overwhelming and led to increased symptoms/coping mechanisms.
MEET OUR TEAM
JESSICA
Jessica leads our TSY sessions. She has been practicing yoga for nearly 3 decades and has trained in Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), Expressive Art Therapy, Somatic Movement Therapy, Dance Movement Therapy, and Restorative Movement Psychotherapy for survivors of trauma. She is currently working toward her Master of Dance Movement therapy and is passionate about facilitating a personalised approach for each person in a way that is unique to their body, mind, history, and hopes.
RATA
Rata Gordon is an ACC-registered Creative Arts Therapist and will be present to support clients during sessions. She is passionate about using creative and embodied practices for healing and has 15 years of experience in the field. Rata holds a Master's degree in Arts Therapy (Clinical) with first-class honours and is an accredited Open Floor dance teacher. She has also trained in Mindful Somatic approaches to trauma healing. Rata teaches on the Post Graduate Diploma and Master of Arts Therapy programmes at Whitecliffe College.
HESTER
Hester Phillips is an ACC provider with a first-class clinical Master's degree and 20 years of experience in mental health and trauma recovery. A graduate of the Restorative Movement Psychotherapy program, she specializes in somatic approaches to trauma restoration and is an accredited Open Floor Movement Meditation teacher. Hester also teaches and supervisors facilitators of trauma-sensitive groups. Hester will support clients should needs arise during the sessions that she co-facilitates.
AMY
Amy Benjamin is an NZAC registered holistic counsellor and a Sensitive Claims provider, offering online and in-person sessions.
She blends relational counselling ('talk therapy') with body-centred practices like mindfulness, breathwork, and gentle movement to help clients build self-awareness and regulate their nervous system. A unique aspect of her practice is ecotherapy, where stepping outside and connecting with the intrinsic healing power of nature can significantly enhance the therapeutic process.
Amy looks forward to walking alongside you on your path to recovery, growth, and empowerment.
REGISTER
If you are interested or would like to know more please chat with Jessica on:
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Phone: 021 884 518
Email: info@brighterlife.nz
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Or using the form below