Information for ACC Sensitive Claims Providers
Our Brighter Life programmes offer ACC SCS‑funded Trauma‑Sensitive Yoga and Creative Arts Therapy groups and day retreats for adults (18+) who are engaged in therapy. We work closely with lead providers to support safety, clarity, and integration with existing treatment plans.
What we offer
8‑week Trauma‑Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) groups – online and in‑person, with specific options (e.g. women‑only, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, mixed‑gender).
Tools for Transforming Trauma day retreats – 6‑hour, ACC SCS‑funded, combining TCTSY, creative arts approaches, psycho‑education, and ecotherapy.
Clinical triage and oversight – Every client receives structured triage for each referral, with ongoing clinical liaison with referrers.
8 Week Group Structure
Each 8‑week group includes:
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Weekly 90 minute sessions (online or in‑person)
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A consistent, predictable structure
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Two facilitators present in every session
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Optional, supported opportunities to connect with other group members
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Weekly handouts
Day Retreats
Each day retreat includes:
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A full day (around 6 hours)
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Gentle movement, grounding, and creative processes
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Psycho‑education about trauma resourcing and the nervous system
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Optional, supported opportunities to connect with other group members
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Handouts and supporting materials
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Time for reflection and integration
Our classes & retreats are for:
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People aged 18+ with a current ACC SCS claim who are already in therapy
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People living with the effects of trauma, PTSD or complex PTSD
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Those seeking a body‑based or creative, holistic approach to sit alongside talk therapy
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
Our groups are not a substitute for individual therapy and are not suitable for people in acute crisis or with severe, currently unstable mental health conditions.
Referral Pathways
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Clients must have an approved ACC Sensitive Claim.
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Clients need to be under the care of a registered therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
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Lead providers contact us to discuss suitability and initiate registration.
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Registrations for term 4 are now open, please follow the referral and registration guide below.
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We are welcoming expressions of interest for term 1, 2027 by email. Please get in touch with us if your kiritaki are interested info@brighterlife.nz
Evidence Base
Our groups are grounded in Trauma Centre Trauma‑Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), a clinically tested intervention for complex trauma and treatment‑resistant PTSD. TCTSY integrates trauma theory, attachment theory and neuroscience with yoga philosophy and practice, with research demonstrating significant reductions in PTSD symptoms over 8‑week programmes.
We combine TCTSY with trauma‑informed groupwork, psycho‑education and nervous‑system regulation practices, as well as elements of creative arts therapy, somatic movement therapy, and ecotherapy‑informed approaches. Together, these modalities support:
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Reduced PTSD and trauma‑related symptoms
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Improved emotional and bodily awareness
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Greater tolerance for physical and sensory experience
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An increased sense of agency, choice, and self‑compassion
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Opportunities for engaging in safe social connection
Our aim is to offer practical, evidence‑informed, holistic tools that sit alongside and complement clients’ ongoing individual therapy.
Nervous System Regulation
Experience a tangible reduction in PTSD and complex-trauma symptoms as you learn tools to help your nervous system return to a state of balance and calm.
Emotional Awareness
Heighten your emotional awareness through mindful observation, allowing you to notice feelings as they arise without immediate judgment or fear.
Improved Daily Functioning
By fostering a safer connection with your physical self, you may find it easier to navigate daily tasks and social interactions with greater ease and presence.
Emotional Tolerance
Build your capacity to stay present with emotions, gradually improving your tolerance for the natural waves of your inner world.
Sensory & Physical Comfort
Develop a wider tolerance for physical sensations and sensory experiences. Feel more at home and less overwhelmed in your own body.
Mindful Empowerment
Reclaim your sense of agency and personal strength through mindful choice-making. Every movement is an opportunity to practice agency and listen to what your body needs in the moment.
Client testimonials
"I attended an 8 week course with Amy and Jess and absolutely loved it. They created a safe, welcoming environment for me to practice useful skills to manage my PTSD and Anxiety. Jess runs the class in a way that encouraged me to make decisions for my own practice, learn to listen to myself and become more comfortable with trusting myself. I have found the Trauma Sensitive yoga classes to be so helpful in my day to day life and as I begin listening to myself in a wider context, remembering the things I have learnt during our sessions. It has lead to me feeling stronger and more self assured within my relationships and I am so grateful. I am looking forward to another round starting this month and to further practice these skills." (in-person participant)
“I cannot really articulate the importance of this modality for my healing process. It is really powerful! I want to say it bypasses my head and becomes an embodied experience that my consciousness registers. It is permanent. Like it is creating a foundation for me, something solid I am standing on now. I can feel it in my heels.” (Day Retreat Participant)
“Just wanted to pass on a huge ngā mihi for the weeks of yoga. I truly looked forward to it each week, with the deep value in discovering my relationship with my body. It has been a real empowering process whilst provoking some more challenging reflections, which I have been able to share each week with my therapist and help grow in. The invitation to stillness was a newness to me, so it has taught me a sense of mindfulness which I have been applying beyond yoga too. So again, thank you so much.” (online TSY participant)
Facilitators
Jessica Dziwulska
Yoga Facilitator & Creative Arts Therapist
Jessica is a yoga and somatic movement facilitator and creative arts therapist with over 30 years of practice. She specialises in trauma‑sensitive, body‑based work and weaves trauma-sensitive yoga, somatic and expressive arts approaches, always centering safety, pacing, choice, consent, and deep respect for individuality.
Amy Benjamin
Holistic Counsellor &
Ecotherapist
Amy is an ACC‑registered Group Clinician, Counsellor (MNZAC) and Ecotherapist with a special interest in relational, group‑based, somatic and nature‑based approaches. Amy holds the clinical, relational, and safety framework for our groups and offers client-centered triage. Amy helps create spaces where people feel informed, welcomed, supported, and able to move at their own pace.