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Information for ACC Sensitive Claims Clients
When you’re living with the effects of trauma, it can be difficult to feel safe or easeful in your own body, in relationships, or in everyday life. Our ACC sensitive claims service funded groups and retreats are designed to offer a gentle, supportive space where you can explore body‑based, holistic supports alongside the therapy you’re already doing, at a pace and level that feels uniquly helpful for you.
To attend one of our groups, we’ll need a referral from your therapist, counsellor, or psychologist. You’re welcome to share this website with them, or ask them to email us at info@brighterlife.nz
What is Trauma-Sensitive Yoga?
Trauma‑Sensitive Yoga is a specialised approach that recognises how trauma can affect your body, emotions, and thinking. Rather than focusing on “doing the yoga shapes correctly,” we focus on:
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Gradually building awareness of sensations and breath
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Offering simple shapes and movements with plenty of options
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Supporting you to make choices that feel helpful for you
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Creating a predictable, supportive environment where you can go at your own pace
Many people find that TCTSY helps with:
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Nervous system regulation
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Reducing anxiety, hyperarousal, and shutdown
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Feeling a bit safer and more “at home” in their bodies
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Noticing and naming feelings and needs
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Developing a greater sense of choice and agency
You do not need any yoga experience. All shapes can be adapted, and you are always welcome to sit, rest, or simply observe.
“Every movement is optional. Every invitation is offered with choice.”
What is TCTSY
Benefits
TCTSY can help you
Reduce trauma symptoms
Build greater body awareness
Increase choice
Improve regulation
Build emotional tolerance
Our classes & retreats are for people:
With approved ACC Sensitive Claims support
Living with the impacts of trauma, chronic stress, PTSD or complex PTSD
Seeking a gentle, body-based approach to healing
Wanting support alongside counselling, psychotherapy or psychology
We offer a variety of options in our groups, including women only, LGBTQIA+ groups, and mixed gender groups
Who is it for?
What to expect
What to expect
8‑week Groups
Online Classes (NZ Wide)
& In-Person (Auckland)
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A group of adults who are also receiving ACC Sensitive Claims support
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Two facilitators in each session
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A consistent structure each week (arriving, grounding, gentle movement, closing)
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Clear invitations and options rather than instructions or expectations
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No requirement to share your trauma story
You are always free to:
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Opt out of any movement
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Keep your camera off in online groups
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Take breaks or step away if needed
Day Retreats
Tools for Transforming Trauma
Our Tools for Transforming Trauma day retreats run for around 6 hours and include:
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Gentle Trauma‑Sensitive Yoga
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Creative/expressive arts options (no art skills needed)
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Mindfulness‑based psycho‑education about trauma and the nervous system
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Time in nature (when possible), and ecotherapy-inspired practices
Our day retreats and groups focus on resourcing and practical skills that feel helpful and supportive; we are not releasing or processing trauma or talking about traumatic material.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
Because our work is funded by ACC Sensitive Claims Service, there are a few steps:
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You talk with your therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist about whether a Brighter Life group or retreat might be helpful for you.
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If you both agree, your lead provider contacts us to refer you.
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Once your registration is complete, we meet with you (by phone or Zoom) for a triage call to ensure the group or retreat is a good fit for where you are right now.
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If it feels right for you and is clinically appropriate, we will confirm your place.
If you’re interested, you can share this page with your therapist and ask them to get in touch with us.
FAQ
Meet Jessica & Amy
Facilitators
Yoga Facilitator & Creative Arts Therapist
Holisitic Counsellor &
Ecotherapist
Register
Follow us @Brighter.Life.nz
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