ACC SCS Funded Trauma Sensitive Yoga

We are pleased to offer 8-week group therapy courses, both online and in-person, fully funded by the ACC SCS contract. We also offer fully funded day retreats where you can join us for a one-day retreat-style exploration into tools for transforming trauma.

Register here - https://nelsonclinic.nz/services/ISSC

Key Dates – Term Four 2025

Mondays · 9:30–10:30am · All Genders (Online) · 8 weeks

Tuesdays · Yoga Ground, Grey Lynn · 8 weeks

  • Group 1: 10:45am–12:15pm · LGBTQ+ / All Genders (new class time)

  • Group 2: 1:00–2:30pm · Women only (new class)

Wednesdays · 6:45–7:45pm · All Genders (Online) · 8 weeks

Thursdays · 12:00–1:30pm · Women Only · Rothesay Bay · 8 weeks

Saturday Nov 1 · Tools for Transforming Trauma – Day Retreat · Women Only · Rothesay Bay · 10:30am–4:30pm

Saturday Nov 22 · Tools for Transforming Trauma – Day Retreat · Women Only · Rothesay Bay · 10:30am–4:30pm

Benefits of Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY)

Trauma Centre Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a specialised approach that recognises the impact of trauma on 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 capacity for feeling the body, noticing the breath, and making choices throughout the sessions that feel helpful.

The benefits of trauma-sensitive yoga are profound, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or are dealing with conditions such as PTSD or complex PTSD. This approach can aid in regulating the nervous system, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improving self-awareness. TSY provides a safe space to explore bodily sensations and emotions at your own pace, supporting a gradual restoration of trust and safety in the body.

TCTSY is especially suitable for survivors of trauma, individuals experiencing chronic stress, and those seeking a gentler and more mindful approach to wellbeing. Clients need to have an approved ACC SCS claim and be under the care of a registered therapist, counsellor, or psychologist. If you wish to register, please ask your lead provider to contact us.

Evidence-Based TCTSY

Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is a clinically proven intervention designed for individuals with complex trauma or treatment-resistant PTSD. TCTSY integrates trauma theory, attachment theory, and neuroscience with yoga philosophy and practice. Research studies show significant reductions in PTSD symptoms within 8 weeks.

This trauma-informed approach does not focus on achieving specific postures, but on fostering awareness and reconnection with physical sensations. All shapes and practices are invitational and optional. By prioritising interoception (the felt sense of the body), TCTSY enables participants to restore connection between mind and body and reclaim a sense of agency.

Each class offers a gradual, manageable introduction to practices, with consistency and predictability to support a safe and transformative healing journey.

Tools for Transforming Trauma – ACC SCS Funded Day Retreats

Tools For Transforming Trauma is a fully funded ACC SCS day retreat, inviting individuals living with the impacts of trauma to explore healing, empowerment, and self-discovery. Drawing from Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Creative Arts Therapy, Ecotherapy, and mindfulness-based psychoeducation, participants come away with sustainable tools for recovery that can be integrated into daily life.

What to expect:

  • A balance of enjoyable, practical, and restorative experiences

  • Grounding in trauma-informed principles of safety, trust, and empowerment

  • Modalities such as TCTSY, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, DBT, ACT, and Ecotherapy

  • Resilience-building, nervous system regulation, and practices to support self-compassion

  • Safe social connections and healthy coping strategies

Facilitators

Our sessions are led by Jessica Dziwulska, a yoga specialist and TCTSY-trained trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator.
Jessica is supported by Amy Benjamin and Vic Hathaway, both registered therapists who assist with triage, enrolment, and support during each session.

Eligibility

These group courses are suitable for participants with mild to moderate mental health challenges, including PTSD or complex trauma, but are not suitable for those with acute psychotic disorders.

Participants may use provided yoga materials (mat, blocks, blankets, cushions) or bring their own. Comfortable, movable clothing is recommended.

Prior to starting, we coordinate with each participant and their lead provider to address specific needs or safety concerns.

Term Four – Course Overview

Weekly In-Person Groups
(Facilitators: Jessica Dziwulska & Amy Benjamin)

  • Tuesdays · Yoga Ground, Grey Lynn · 8 weeks

    • Group 1: 10:45am–12:15pm · LGBTQ+ / All Genders (new class time)

    • Group 2: 1:00–2:30pm · Female Only (new class)

  • Thursdays · 12:00–1:30pm · Women Only · Rothesay Bay Hall · 8 weeks

Weekly Online Groups
(Facilitators: Jessica Dziwulska & Vic Hathaway OR Amy Benjamin)

  • Mondays · 9:30–10:30am · All Genders · 8 weeks (Amy)

  • Wednesdays · 6:45–7:45pm · All Genders · 8 weeks (Vic)

Day Retreats – Tools for Transforming Trauma
(Facilitators: Jessica Dziwulska & Amy Benjamin)

  • Saturday Nov 1 · Women Only · 10:30am–4:30pm · Rothesay Bay

  • Saturday Nov 22 · Women Only · 10:30am–4:30pm · Rothesay Bay

Each retreat is stand-alone; participants may attend more than one per term.

Contact & Next Term

For more information or to register - view https://nelsonclinic.nz/services/ISSC

Term 1 – 2026 details will be released soon. Email to save your spot on the waiting list and receive details first.

REGISTER NOW WITH NELSON CLINIC