Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68005
feels she has some control over what is happening to her body, she will feel safer and better able to experience the benefits of the treatment. On another level, the experience of setting limits with the help of a massage therapist is therapeutic. Although a survivor of abuse may not be able to state her needs on her own, being asked about them is a valuable opportunity in her healing. Participants also said that, should a client become visibly uncomfortable not the massage therapist's role to ask for details of the abuse experiences. Listening to her if she wants to talk, and providing validation about her reactions, are appropriate and helpful responses. Recognize her courage in trying to heal from the experience. If a client has experienced distress due to emotional issues during a massage, it is helpful for the therapist to have referral information available for community resources. Providing seems to be the best way survivors of abuse can clearly connect the benefits of massage with their healing process. The women interviewed for this study have offered many recommendations for professional massage therapists who work with trauma survivors. It is apparent that knowledge of the dynamics of the aftermath of abuse can facilitate massage therapists' ability to effectively work with clients who have experienced or emotional during a massage session, appropriate support by the therapist is important. Giving the client the option of stopping the session temporarily or permanently may be helpful. Do not decide for the client that the session has ended because she is upset. Asking the client if she needs anything, such as a glass of water or tissues, may also be helpful. Beyond these gestures, it is important that the massage therapist stay professional and normalize the event as much as possible for the client. Practitioner education about the reactions of the body to touch and trauma, as well as the connections between the emotional and physical, is beneficial here. It is not wise for the massage therapist to assume that the distressed client wants to be hugged or touched in any way, as this might feel unsafe to her during a time of emotional release. Validating the person's experience and providing a caring presence are key roles for the massage therapist. Unless the client volunteers information, it is these options for the client and offering to support her as she makes those connections is a positive step. Ultimately, it is the client's decision to utilize resources that are offered. The therapist should not apply any pressure to get the client to take action or reach out to a particular resource. THE UNTOLD TRAUMA Without an increased effort among massage professionals to modify their services for the survivors of abuse who are on the massage table, untold numbers of clients may be silently feeling traumatized during massage therapy sessions. This discomfort was frequent among the women surveyed for this research and in most cases it was not detected or acknowledged by the massage therapist. Clearly the benefits of massage cannot be maximized under these circumstances. Attention to the client's emotional state, breathing, and relaxation positively affects the massage experience. A positive or safe experience with therapeutic touch sexual or domestic violence. Practitioners who work carefully to establish a caring and professional relationship with their clients have a unique opportunity to reduce the impact of sexual and domestic violence in our society. If massage therapists can in anyway reduce the effects of trauma, they will provide a great service to the many individuals affected by abuse, and their loved ones as well. health and received training in massage at the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage. She works at Pennsylvania State University as a program coordinator, providing education, advocacy, and support on issues affecting the wellness of female students. She's a certified massage therapist and speaks publicly on wellness issues such as stress reduction and self-care topics. Contact her at ALH145@sa. psu.edu. Audra Hixson has a doctorate in natural visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 63