Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) with Sarah Holmes de Castro
An evidence-based approach to trauma-sensitive practice, grounded in the principles of TCTSY, informed by yoga therapy.
About Sarah
Discover the therapeutic benefits of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) through classes, one-to-one sessions, and professional training facilitated by me, Sarah Holmes de Castro, M.A., TCTSY-F.
Whether working with adults, young people, and children, or alongside professionals and organizations, my aim is to expand access to the therapeutic benefits of yoga by creating spaces where people can explore choice, movement, and relationship with their bodies at their own pace.
I specialize in trauma-informed yoga therapy, TCTSY, and yoga for people living with chronic pain. Grounded in the principles of TCTSY, my approach is informed by yoga therapy, contemplative practice, contemporary understandings of trauma and pain, and more than 20 years of facilitating yoga in healthcare and community settings.
I invite choice, agency, and curiosity as foundations for exploring a different relationship with the body. Trauma is both deeply personal and shaped by the relationships, identities, social conditions, and systems that influence our health and wellbeing, and this understanding informs every class, one-to-one session, training, and workshop I offer.
Over the past 20 years, I've partnered with healthcare, recovery, anti-violence, education, and community organizations across British Columbia, including as former Director of Programs with Yoga Outreach.
I was born and raised in the UK and now live with my husband and children as an uninvited guest on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) speaking peoples, and approach my work with humility, curiosity, and care.
TCTSY Foundational Training - in-person
20-hour introductory workshop with Sarah Holmes de Castro
Victoria, BC
lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory
Next in-person dates TBD
Deepen your understanding of the complexities of systemic and interpersonal trauma, the impact of complex trauma on the nervous system and how a trauma informed yoga practice can assist in integrating healing.
Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory and Neuroscience (Interoceptive Theory)
TCTSY Practice and Practice Facilitation
Key Elements of TCTSY Methodology
Professional Development
TCTSY Foundational Training - online
20-hour introductory workshop with Sarah Holmes de Castro, partnership with the Center for Trauma & Embodiment and Ajna Yoga Studio & College
October 16-18, 2026
Deepen your understanding of the complexities of systemic and interpersonal trauma, the impact of complex trauma on the nervous system and how a trauma informed yoga practice can assist in integrating healing.
Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory and Neuroscience (Interoceptive Theory)
TCTSY Practice and Practice Facilitation
Key Elements of TCTSY Methodology
Professional Development
Mindful Movement for Women TCTSY Series
A weekly trauma-sensitive yoga class for women, grounded in the principles of TCTSY and informed by yoga therapy. Small, welcoming classes invite participants to explore movement through choice, curiosity, and relationship with their bodies - at their own pace.
Sept 15 - Oct 20, 2026
6 Tuesdays, 6:30-7:45 pm
Attend in-person or online
All-levels, at-your-own-pace yoga practice in a small group format
Receive weekly resource emails & recordings
Created for women seeking a gentler, choice-based approach to yoga
"I have known Sarah for over a decade. Her deep understanding of therapeutic yoga makes her an exceptional teacher. Her gifted intuitive sense facilitates a profound sense of safety for her students which is essential for the work that she does. Having been both a student and now a colleague of Sarah's, I happily refer clients to her and trust her implicitly."
Dominique Vincenz
Canadian Certified Addiction Recovery Coach CACCF
"It really helped me calm my nervous system and reminded me some techniques to use again at home. Also, having the class in the evening led me to outstanding sleep that night! Thank you so much, Sarah! I love your classes!"
Participant
Mindful Movement Series
"There are so many things that I took from the classes that I will benefit from in my healing journey...I now find myself taking this practice in other areas of my life.I believe that the TCTSY practice, yoga is extremely healing for me. I really enjoy being in the studio with Sarah, this is a healthy supplement for my treatment."
Participant
Mindful Movement Series
"I appreciated the review of trauma research (theoretical underpinnings), particularly the way in which connections between trauma theory, attachment theory and neuroscience are presented. Sarah did a wonderful job facilitating to create a safe, interactive learning space that offered a great balance between theory and practice. The training was very helpful in deepening my understanding of language cues and rhythm in a session, and how I could bring TCTSY into my counselling practice."
Therapist
Student in TCTSY Foundational Training
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