Identifying myself as a trauma informed massage therapist refers to both an approach and the context in which I work. 

I work out of a psychotherapy office, the focus of which is trauma, and clients may be referred by therapists who work there or find me through the practice website. 

The intention of a trauma informed approach to massage is to support regulation of my clients’ nervous systems during the sometimes difficult work with a licensed talk therapist. 

Massage therapy can help identify somatic patterns (for example patterns of muscle tightness), which may or may not be trauma-related and empower clients in constructing a narrative about and healing from trauma. 

 

Emotional release can happen and takes a variety of forms (crying, shaking, etc) but is not something I try to elicit actively. I do not need to know anything at all about the trauma clients are being treated for, but sharing is always welcome. 

 

I agree that all massage should be trauma informed, but the reality is that it is not. 

 

The client who seeks trauma informed massage might need accommodation in pressure, positioning, draping, sequencing, pacing, much like oncology massage.

 

Trauma informed massage therapy prioritizes:

 

Safety

I work with you to help you feel physically and emotionally safe. This means taking care to avoid re-traumatization and taking extra steps to communicate.

 

Collaboration and shared decision-making

Healing happens in relationships and in the meaningful sharing of power and decision-making. I encourage you to actively co-create your session.

 

Empowerment and choice

Every person's experience is unique and requires an individualized approach. I take extra steps to structure your session in alignment with your needs and preferences. You are a client, not a patient.