Frequently asked questions
Trauma-informed care means creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for clients who may have experienced trauma.
This approach recognizes that trauma can affect the nervous system, physical body, and emotional well-being. My role is to hold a calm, patient, and supportive space where your body can relax and process at its own pace.
Trauma-informed care may include:
Moving slowly during sessions
Checking in with you throughout the treatment
Respecting your physical and emotional boundaries
Allowing your body to guide the pace of the work
Providing space for grounding and integration
You are never required to disclose personal trauma or experiences in order to receive treatment. You are always welcome to share only what feels comfortable for you.
Trauma-informed care is not a separate service. It is part of every session I provide.
No. I am a licensed massage therapist and bodywork practitioner. I am not a licensed mental health professional or crisis counselor.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or physical medical crisis, please contact emergency services such as 911 or visit your nearest hospital.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis in the United States, you can also call or text 988 for immediate support.
Trauma-informed sessions require time.
When working with the nervous system through modalities such as:
Craniosacral therapy
Myofascial release
Energy work
Gentle therapeutic massage
When the body often needs a slower pace to feel safe and relaxed.
For this reason, sessions are typically 90 minutes to 2 hours.
A shorter session often does not allow enough time for:
grounding the nervous system
gradual therapeutic work
integration and rest afterward
No. Some clients prefer not to have their feet touched. Others may prefer to avoid work on the head, neck, scalp, or ears.
You can indicate these preferences on your client intake form or discuss them with me before the session.
Your comfort and consent are always the priority.
In certain cases, such as swelling or circulation concerns, I may recommend working on the feet or calves. However, if you prefer not to receive that work, it will simply be avoided.
That is completely okay. Sometimes when the body begins to relax or release tension, it may naturally want to move or stretch. This can happen during techniques such as myofascial release, where the body may experience a gentle process called unwinding.
You may:
stretch
adjust your body
move your arms or legs
take a breath or pause
hum or sing
talk
You may also stop the session at any time to:
get water
blow your nose
use the restroom
take a break
regroup
Your comfort and safety always come first.
While it’s rare, sometimes a massage can bring up emotions or physical reactions related to past trauma, like tension, freezing, crying, or feeling uncomfortable. If this happens, we take it slowly and at your pace. I may check in with you verbally to see how you’re doing, offer a break, step out of the room for a moment, or provide tissues or a chance to use the bathroom. You are always in control, and the session can pause or slow down as needed. Trauma-informed care is about creating a safe space where your body and mind can process safely, and it’s completely okay if emotions arise. We just go at your pace and allow the process to flow.
Sensory sensitivities are completely understood.
Some clients experience heightened sensitivity to touch, sound, light, scents, or temperature. This may include individuals who are neurodivergent, on the autism spectrum, or who simply have a nervous system that processes sensory input differently.
During your session we can adjust things such as:
pressure and pacing
lighting levels
music volume
aromatherapy use
temperature and blankets
which areas of the body are worked on
You are always encouraged to communicate what helps you feel comfortable.
Yes. Many people who are neurodivergent or on the spectrum experience bodywork differently due to sensory processing differences. Sessions can be adjusted to help create a comfortable environment.
This may include:
slower pacing
clear communication about what is happening during the session
respecting sensory boundaries
allowing breaks if needed
Every person experiences their body differently, and sessions are always adapted to your comfort level.
No. My work focuses on nervous system regulation, therapeutic bodywork, and holistic healing. Deep or aggressive massage techniques are not part of my practice.
Very forceful pressure can be counterproductive when working with the nervous system, craniosacral therapy, or trauma-informed care.
If you are looking specifically for deep tissue or aggressive massage therapy, another therapist may be a better fit.
After a trauma-informed or nervous-system focused session, your body may need time to integrate the work.
Many clients experience:
deep relaxation
emotional release
fatigue
a desire to rest or sleep
For this reason, I often recommend keeping the remainder of your day light and restful when possible. Some clients feel energized afterward, while others feel the need to sleep. Both are normal responses.
Helpful aftercare may include:
hydration
resting or sleeping
gentle movement
quiet reflection
snack or eating a meal
Each person's experience is different.