07/09/2026
Term 3, Week 8 Newsletter
Monday 7th September 2026
Hooray, we are officially into Spring! 🌸It's beautiful to see the flowers and share in the general optimism that a shift in the seasons towards the warmer months brings.
Trauma-Informed Yoga is one of our key offerings here at Leigh Marsden Holistic Health. We are very proud and happy to offer this modality to the community. There are lots of options available, including a public course starting in 2 weeks. Much more on this below.
👀WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK?
●Yoga with Laura: 5.30pm Monday
●Sound Immersion with Jezer: 7pm Monday
●Hatha Yoga with Leigh: 7pm Monday (Geraldine), 6pm Tuesday & 10am Friday
●Qigong with Leigh, 10am Wednesday
●Yoga & Cacao with Lisa: 5.30pm Friday
●Flow Yoga with Deanna: 9am Saturday
●Sound Bath with Kel: 4pm Sunday
Plus our weekly ACC classes: Trauma-Informed Yoga & Voice, Boundaries and Safe Expression
Check out the daily calendar here: https://www.leighmarsdenholistichealth.co.nz/classes
Lana is in the studio with Wildflower Reiki, with a couple of session times left available. Contact 021 073 9348 for an hour to recharge and rebalance. Lana gives detailed feedback during and/or after as per your preferences and has a wonderfully nurturing manner.
🧡TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA (TIY) - WHAT IS IT?
When we say we are practicing in a way that is 'trauma-informed', it means that we are aware of the possible impacts of trauma, whatever the cause, and adapt our practices, guidance and environment to provide a safe and supportive space in which people can explore tools and techniques which may support them mentally, physically and emotionally. These tools may be physical postures, breathing techniques, mindfulness techniques, guided rest, self-soothing practices and more.
We offer TIY for sensitive claims clients and for the general public - please see upcoming options below.
🧡Do you 'release trauma' at TIY?
Trauma-Informed Yoga is very gentle, with a gradual progression and with choice as a key pillar of practice. It is not a place where dramatic catharsis happens (various YouTube/Tik Tok videos showing intense practices are not reflective of our offering), though people may experience emotions during the practices and feel different in the hours and days afterwards, while they experiment with the techniques.
The phrase 'releasing trauma' can be a little confusing, as it implies that we can 'just let it go', like taking off a coat, if we just choose to, or if we do a certain practice. Much like advising someone to 'just take a deep breath', suggesting someone 'just let it go' doesn't recognise the nuances, persistence, support, and patience needed in trauma-recovery.
The notion of a quick release of our trauma via a somatic or sensory experience, particular breathwork practice, or drug is such a tempting notion. Who wouldn't prefer that healing is rapid and that we feel better sooner? In reality, what we have observed in the trauma-informed yoga space is that meaningful change happens slowly, with practice, support and patience. Changing old unconscious patterns into conscious choices. Restoring chronic nervous system responses. Becoming more aware and learning techniques that mean we have more and more choices every day within the various situations of our daily lives.
🧡UPCOMING TIY OPTIONS & HOW TO JOIN
If TIY resonates with you, there are options available with us at 144 Stafford Street, Timaru:
For public clients:
🌸Trauma-Informed Yoga 8-week programme with Leigh (Lisa in support): starts Saturday 19th September, 1.30pm. $180 for full programme - payment plan available. Currently 5 spots available. May be helpful for anxiety and chronic stress, grief, freeze, shutdown and much more. More details here: https://www.leighmarsdenholistichealth.co.nz/retreats
🌸Trauma-Informed Spring Day Retreat with Leigh & Amanda (counsellor): 8th November 9am - 4pm, $160 - payment plan available. Details of the day here: https://www.leighmarsdenholistichealth.co.nz/retreats
🌸For ACC Sensitive Claims clients:
Our 8-week programme is fully funded for sensitive claims clients who are currently working with an ACC counsellor. Next courses start week of 19 October, with class options:
●Tuesday 1.30pm (mixed)
●Wednesday 6pm (women's)
♡To enquire about TIY courses or retreats or enroll, message here & select TIY as reason for contact:
https://www.leighmarsdenholistichealth.co.nz/contact
♡To enquire about ACC Counselling with Amanda from the Leigh Marsden Holistic health team, message here & select ACC counselling as the reason for contact: https://www.leighmarsdenholistichealth.co.nz/contact
Read more about Amanda (and the rest of the team) here: https://www.leighmarsdenholistichealth.co.nz/about
Not sure which option is best for you? PM for a free chat at the studio or over the phone with Leigh.
🧡QIGONG - EXTRA CLASS IN TERM 4
Our Wednesday Qigong (p**n. chee-gong) class is really popular; such a warm and supportive environment, with a super-friendly group and accessible practices that foster that unique Qigong glow. And only $5! In term 4, there will be two opportunities to enjoy Qigong with me each week:
Wednesdays 10am
Fridays 11.30am
EXCELLENT IDEA: Book yourself a whole morning of Friday magic with me in term 4: Hatha Yoga 10am rolling into Qigong 11.30am!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Namaste,
Leigh 🙏🏼
