"Decrease your pain while increasing your quality of life with massage therapy" 

What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care means creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for clients who may have experienced trauma.

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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.

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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.

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Trauma-informed care is not a separate service. It is part of every session I provide.

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Are you a mental health provider?

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.

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If you are experiencing a mental health crisis in the United States, you can also call or text 988 for immediate support.

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Massage therapy is not an emergency service.

 

Is your office available for emergencies or same-day appointments?

No.

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This practice does not provide emergency appointments.

• I do not take last-minute emergency bookings

• Same-day appointments are rarely available

• Appointments must be scheduled in advance through the online booking system

If my schedule is full, I kindly ask that you wait for the next available opening or request to be notified if an earlier appointment becomes available.

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Respect for time goes both ways. I value your time, and I ask that clients respect my time and schedule as well.

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Why are trauma-informed sessions longer?

Trauma-informed sessions require time.

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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

 

Do I have to disclose my trauma history?

No. You are never required to discuss personal experiences unless you choose to.

 

The most important information is simply letting me know:

• areas you prefer not to be touched

• areas that feel safe to work on

• anything that helps you feel comfortable during the session

Your boundaries are always respected.

 

Do I have to receive reflexology or foot work?

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.

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Your comfort and consent are always the priority.

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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.

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What if I need to move during the session?

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.

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You may:

• stretch

• adjust your body

• move your arms or legs

• take a breath or pause

• hum or sing

• talk

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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.

 

What if I have a trauma response during the massage, or I need a moment?

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.

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Do you work with clients who have PTSD or complex trauma?

Yes. 

 

Over the course of nearly two decades of practice, I have worked with many clients experiencing:

• PTSD

• complex trauma

• nervous system dysregulation

• physical manifestations of stress or trauma

 

My approach is centered on patience, mindfulness, and creating a safe environment where the body can relax.

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What if I have sensory sensitivities?

Sensory sensitivities are completely understood.

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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.

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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.

 

Do you work with clients who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum?

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.

 

What if I am sensitive to aromatherapy?

If you have allergies or sensitivities to essential oils, please schedule your appointment early in the morning when the treatment room is freshest.

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You may also request that aromatherapy not be used during your session.

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What if I do not like heat during treatments?

If you are sensitive to heat, it is best to schedule earlier appointments in the day, as the treatment space tends to be cooler.

 

Do you offer deep or aggressive massage?

No. My work focuses on nervous system regulation, therapeutic bodywork, and holistic healing. Deep or aggressive massage techniques are not part of my practice.

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Very forceful pressure can be counterproductive when working with the nervous system, craniosacral therapy, or trauma-informed care.

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If you are looking specifically for deep tissue or aggressive massage therapy, another therapist may be a better fit.

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Do you perform energy work?

Yes.

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Energy naturally flows through the body, and many sessions may include elements of:

• Reiki

• energetic balancing

• chakra alignment

• subtle energy work

If this approach does not resonate with you, you may wish to seek a massage therapist whose work aligns more closely with your preferences.

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What should I expect after a session?

After a trauma-informed or nervous-system focused session, your body may need time to integrate the work.

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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.

 

Do you heal clients?

No. Healing ultimately comes from within yourself, your own body and its nervous system. I am merely the facilitator in your healing process.

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My role is to hold space, support the process, and facilitate an environment where healing can occur.

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You are the one doing the healing!

 

A note about boundaries and respect

Trauma-informed care includes boundaries for both the client and the massage therapist.

Just as your boundaries are respected in the treatment space, my time, energy, and professional boundaries are respected as well.

 

My business operates on patience, mutual respect, and care for everyone involved.

 

Thank you for helping create that environment.