Trauma Sensitivity In Practice—And Why It Changes Everything
Article #5 in the Healing Beyond the Body series: A New Paradigm for Practitioners
Massage therapy is often seen as purely physical—press here, release that, increase circulation, and reduce pain. But what many people don’t realize is that touch is deeply tied to the nervous system, to stored experiences, and to the body's history of safety and survival.
This is why trauma-sensitive practice isn't just a bonus skill for manual therapists—it’s essential.
Throughout my years as an RMT, I learned that working with the body also meant working with the stories held in the tissues. And while trauma wasn’t something I could—or should—treat directly as a massage therapist, I had to know how to recognize its presence and create a space that felt safe enough for the body to release, rather than resist.
Understanding Trauma Sensitivity in Bodywork
A trauma-sensitive approach means recognizing that:
Not all tension is purely physical—sometimes, it’s a protective mechanism.
The nervous system must feel safe before the body will truly release.
Some people have had their boundaries violated through unwanted touch or medical trauma in the past, and even well-intentioned therapy can feel threatening if not handled carefully.
For many clients, especially those with a history of chronic stress, anxiety, or past trauma, a massage table is not automatically a relaxing place. Their body might be bracing for the unknown, subtly preparing for discomfort, or even suppressing an emotional response they don’t fully understand. And they may not even be aware of this happening within themselves.
The Signals of a Nervous System in Distress
One of the most important skills I developed was recognizing when a client’s nervous system wasn’t responding well to treatment. Some key signals included:
Shallow breathing or breath-holding – A sign that the body is bracing rather than softening.
Muscle guarding – When tissues stay rigid, even with gentle pressure.
Sudden dissociation – A client disengaging or "checking out" in a way that doesn’t resemble deep relaxation.
Unexpected emotional releases – Tears, mood shifts, or discomfort that doesn’t seem connected to physical pain.
When I noticed these signals, I didn’t push through or ignore them. Instead, I slowed down, lightened my touch, or checked in verbally. Sometimes, a simple reminder that the client was in control was enough to help them feel safe:
"How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do to make you even more comfortable right now?"
In some cases, no conscious adjustments were needed, and we carried on as before. But other times, we adapted—reinforcing not only their physical safety but also their ability to advocate for their own needs.
Why Trauma Sensitivity Improved My Outcomes
Many people have experienced bodywork that feels too aggressive, too impersonal, or overly focused on "fixing"—without considering what their nervous system can actually handle. When the nervous system perceives a threat—whether from sudden deep pressure or an unfamiliar sensation—it triggers a protective response.
This can result in:
Muscles that won’t relax, no matter how much pressure is applied.
Clients leaving feeling sore or irritated instead of rejuvenated.
A lack of trust in the therapeutic relationship, making it harder for the client to fully receive the work.
The foundation of trust starts with an ongoing process of informed consent—explaining the treatment rationale and potential outcomes so the client feels empowered, not passive.
By approaching each session with nervous system awareness, I was able to create real change—not just by working on tissues, but by working with the body’s natural capacity to heal.
Boundaries and Consent: More Than Just a Checkbox
Trauma-sensitive practice isn’t just about recognizing nervous system responses—it’s about honouring boundaries in ways that go beyond a standard intake form.
I treated consent as an ongoing conversation, not a one-time agreement.
I checked in whenever adjustments were needed.
I created opportunities for clients to ask for what they wanted, giving them a well-curated space to practice self-advocacy.
I ensured every session felt like a collaboration, not something being done to them.
This level of care built deep trust—and that trust was why so many clients stayed with me for years, following me across clinics and even to new cities.
Bringing Trauma Sensitivity Into Coaching & Facilitation
When I transitioned out of massage therapy, I realized that trauma sensitivity wasn’t just for manual therapists—it was equally essential in coaching, leadership, and energy work.
Now, instead of reading muscle tension, I read energetic and emotional tension in conversations. I notice when someone is getting overwhelmed, shutting down, or shifting into self-protection. And just like on the massage table, I never push them past what their nervous system and spirit can handle.
Trauma-sensitive coaching means:
Recognizing when resistance is a self-protective response, not just “self-sabotage” or a “mindset issue.”
Helping clients develop agency over their personal growth, rather than imposing solutions.
Creating spaces where people feel safe enough to explore discomfort without being retraumatized.
Whether we’re working with the body, mind, or spirit, healing requires safety. And safety isn’t just the absence of harm—it’s the presence of trust, choice, and attunement.
Coming Next: Beyond the Massage Table—Bringing Somatic and Emotional Intelligence Into Coaching
In the next piece, I’ll share how the principles I used in hands-on work—attunement, intuition, and trauma sensitivity—are the same principles I now use in coaching and facilitation. We’ll explore how partnering with the body’s wisdom isn’t just for therapists, but for anyone who wants to lead, guide, or support others with deep integrity.
👉🏽 Have you ever experienced a moment where your body resisted something that was supposed to be helpful?
👉🏽 What did that experience teach you about your own nervous system’s readiness for change?
Email me: hello (at) danasmithwellness.com