Trauma Sensitive Yoga

Dr Catherine Liang (Cat Liang) practicing yoga at a park, she is standing and her arms are in Eagle pose

Trauma lives in the body as much as it does in the mind, and talk therapy alone sometimes can’t reach the places where pain, fear, and disconnection are stored. Yoga therapy offers a gentle, accessible way to reconnect with yourself, reclaim a sense of safety, and rebuild trust in your body at your own pace. Through intentional movement, we can cultivate awareness, and create space for your body to feel like home again.

I am a certified facilitator of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). TCTSY is a movement-based practice designed specifically for survivors of complex trauma and PTSD. It’s the first yoga approach to be clinically studied and shown to support trauma recovery just as effectively as talk therapy methods.

TCTSY draws from gentle forms of hatha yoga, with movements offered as invitations. There are no hands-on adjustments, no pressure to perform or “get it right,” and no expectation to look a certain way. The emphasis of TCTSY is on your internal experience, and it centers your autonomy. We practice asking ourselves again and again: “how do I feel, and how do I want to feel?” You’re invited to make choices based on what feels right for you in each moment, which helps rebuild a sense of agency.

Over time, a practice of tuning into your body, and making choices to honor it, builds your sense of safety within your body. For those healing from trauma, this practice can be revolutionary.

Interested in a TCTSY yoga therapy group?

I offer a 4-week yoga therapy group on Zoom, so you can practice from the comfort of your own home. Payment on a sliding scale. Together, we’ll explore gentle, accessible tools to support trauma recovery and help you reconnect with your body at your own pace. You're welcome to sign up using the form below. 

Ready to work with me individually?

Use the link below to schedule a free 15–20 minute consultation. This is a chance for you to share what you’re experiencing and what you hope to gain from yoga therapy. We’ll talk through your goals and begin to co-create a personalized plan to support your healing.

Curious about what a yoga therapy session with Dr. Cat is like?

  • “Catherine has been an invaluable collaborator in creating trauma-informed spaces together. As an event co-host, I have witnessed her lead multiple movement practices that include intuitive sensual expression and yoga-based improvisation. She is knowledgeable in her craft, fosters a very warm and encouraging atmosphere, and offers a sensitive ear to those she is guiding. Her approach is accessible and she does an excellent job at honoring the vulnerability required to engage in somatic healing. I full heartedly recommend her for therapeutic movement instruction.”

    —Belinda L., Women's Circle Guide & Event Producer

  • “Dance lessons with Cat has been such an empowering confidence builder. I initially began taking group pole classes with Cat and felt so held by the way she guided and encouraged us. When I noticed that the things I felt most challenged by were connected to deeper issues, I decided to add private dance sessions. Cat and I worked together to build my confidence around specific strengthening and body movements. It has been worth the investment! It's amazing to notice the difference not just in how I move with dance, but how the confidence has expanded into other areas of my personal and professional life. What I appreciate most about working with Cat is her trauma-informed approach. She meets you where you are, she's patient, and listens well. She also offers supportive tips and perspective to help you move through the technical and somatic components of dance. I'm so grateful for Cat and I highly recommend working with her!”

    —Crystal Whiteaker, Business Owner, Author, and Professional Speaker

  • “I’ve had the privilege of both collaborating with and learning from Dr. Cat in a variety of movement-based sessions at my pole dance studio. Her unique blend of therapeutic expertise and dedication to movement creates an inspiring and transformative experience for everyone involved. Her approach with students is gentle and encouraging, always creating a space that feels safe to explore and be supported in. Her sensual movement classes are an especially powerful experience! Cat is able to demonstrate her own fully embodied sensuality in a deliciously playful way that allows her students to relax and enjoy the process of tapping into it for themselves. She resonates with joy and empathy and has an innate ability to meet you just where you’re at.”

    —Amanda Wing, Owner and Founder at PŌL

  • I took my first pole dancing class with Dr. Cat and it was amazing! I was a bit nervous but more so excited. I appreciate that she was intentional with calling attendees who signed up to share information and check in about any needs (e.g. accessibility, injuries) and questions. She is very supportive of participants and gives clear instructions, but most importantly, she embodies and really highlights the importance of connecting with your body and reclaiming your sexy. You can really tell from how she teaches her class and carries herself that that's what drives her to share this craft with others. I definitely want to take another pole dance class in the future and would honestly drive out to LA just to take one taught by her! Reclaim your sexy!!!

    Van B., Soft & Strong: Sensual Movement Workshop attendee