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Trauma Informed Massage Therapy

Trauma Informed Massage Therapy Consulting
a special project from
Calliope Insights
inclusive, evidence-based, trauma-informed
touch

Trauma Informed Touch:

Shifting the lens

WHAT

Trauma-informed care means a client-centered approach to touch based therapies. It is collaborative and acknowledges that your client is the expert on their body.
Think of it like 'Universal Precautions' for trauma.
Even when a client doesn't disclose or identify as having a trauma history, they can trust that safety, communication, and transparency will always be there.

WHY

Do no harm (and hopefully make people feel better)!
The nervous system is the controlling factor behind your client's pain, tension, stress, and physical discomfort. Touch gives us direct communication with the nervous system, making it so important, but also complicated.

HOW

The goal is not to heal trauma, treat trauma, or make trauma disappear- it is to minimize harm and create a space that helps build resilience. By offering an environment and therapeutic relationship that doesn't cause extra stress on the nervous system, the more noticeable and sustainable the results will be.
APPLICATIONS IN MASSAGE THERAPY

What does it take to be trauma-informed?

Becoming trauma informed is a constant journey of checking in, adjusting, and approaching all parties with compassion. It takes ongoing internal assessments and the willingness to change. 
Trauma-informed touch follows six guiding principals (adapted from SAMHSA*) that can be woven through all your client interactions:
Safety
Choice
Trust
Collaboration
Empowerment
Cultural Compentency
* Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014.
"Be the best warm, helpful, engaged human with a skill set to offer that you can be. Be patient and use all your acute, well-honed listening skills, as best as you possibly can."
- Diane Jacobs, DermoNeuroModulation

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