When Massage Isn’t the Right Kind of Help: About Trauma Informed Care

Over the years, I’ve occasionally received calls from people who are in the middle of a mental health crisis and hoping to get an emergency massage appointment. I truly understand the desire for relief in those moments. I’m a helper by nature, and I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people who reach out to me.

However, it’s important to say something clearly and respectfully:

Massage therapy is not an emergency service.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, spiraling, or feeling overwhelmed to the point that you need immediate support, the most appropriate people to contact are your therapist, psychiatrist, a crisis hotline, or emergency medical services. Those professionals are trained and equipped to provide the level of care that may be needed in those moments.

What I provide is trauma-informed massage and energy work, which means creating a safe, compassionate space where clients can relax, regulate their nervous system, and support their own healing process. Trauma-informed care means working at your pace, honoring your boundaries, and holding a quiet, supportive space for your body and mind to decompress.

But it is not the same as mental health crisis care.

Sometimes when people feel overwhelmed, what they may need first is grounding and centering. Simple grounding practices such as slowing your breathing, focusing on your surroundings, placing your feet firmly on the floor, or gently bringing your attention back to the present moment can help calm the nervous system.

If grounding techniques do not help and you still feel overwhelmed or unsafe, that is the time to reach out to a mental health professional or emergency support.

My office is appointment-based and I have limited availability. I cannot move existing clients or rearrange my schedule to accommodate emergency requests. It’s important for me to honor the clients who already have appointments, as well as the limits necessary to maintain a healthy and sustainable business.

That said, if you are feeling stressed and would like to reach out to see whether I have availability, you are welcome to do so. I will always do my best to assist within the limits of my schedule and scope of practice.

I also want to acknowledge something important: mental health crises do happen, and they are not scheduled. I understand that very well. When someone is overwhelmed or struggling, it can feel urgent to reach out to anyone who feels safe or supportive. While massage can be very supportive, it is not designed to replace mental health crisis care.

However, in those moments it is usually best to contact a mental health professional, such as your therapist, psychiatrist, or emergency services that specialize in crisis care. These professionals are specifically trained to respond to mental health emergencies and provide the support that may be needed in those situations.

I am not a crisis care specialist. I am a trauma-informed massage therapist, and there is a difference.

If you are experiencing a physical medical emergency, please seek immediate medical care. Call 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or contact your physician for further assistance. Massage therapy is not appropriate for acute medical conditions such as broken bones, suspected fractures, open wounds, active infections, or other forms of tissue trauma that require medical treatment.

Massage therapy can be a wonderful supportive tool for stress relief, nervous system regulation, and overall healing, but it works best as part of an ongoing wellness plan not as emergency intervention.

I care about my clients deeply, and part of that care includes being honest about what I can and cannot provide.

Thank you for respecting these boundaries and for understanding the role massage therapy plays in the healing process.

With care and support,

Suzan Walker LMT

Trauma-informed care FAQ

"Quick 60-Second Grounding Practice”

If you are stressed or need to ground this is a quick 60-second meditation to assist you.

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*Clients interested in therapeutic bodywork & massage, wellness education, or upcoming classes are encouraged to explore the services offered at Connective Integration Massage Therapy in Arlington, Texas.

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