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The Importance of Intersectionality, Inclusion, and Being Trauma-Informed in My Massage Therapy Practice

As a massage therapist, my role goes beyond just offering physical relief; I’m here to create a safe, healing space for every client who walks through my door. Over the years, I’ve realized that true healing isn’t just about addressing physical tension or pain—it’s about understanding and respecting the whole person. This is why I’ve made it a priority in my practice to approach each client with an awareness of intersectionality inclusion and  trauma-informed care. These principles help me offer more compassionate, effective care to everyone, no matter their background or experiences.

Why Intersectionality Matters in My Work:

Intersectionality, a term introduced by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, has helped me better understand how different aspects of a person’s identity—such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, and socioeconomic status—interact to shape their experience in the world. For me as a therapist, this means recognizing that each client brings with them a unique set of challenges and strengths that affect not only their physical health but also how they engage with therapeutic touch.

For example, I’ve worked with clients who are people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities, and each of them may have had different experiences of healthcare, discrimination, or social privilege. Being aware of these intersecting identities helps me to offer more personalized care.

How I Apply Intersectionality:

Personalizing Every Session: I start by learning about my clients—listening to their stories, understanding their concerns, and acknowledging how their life experiences may impact their health and wellness. No two people experience pain, trauma, or healing the same way.

Cultural Sensitivity I strive to be aware of cultural and social contexts. Whether it’s avoiding certain assumptions or being conscious of language, I always aim to make my clients feel understood and respected for who they are.

Navigating Power Dynamics: Massage therapy inherently involves power dynamics, especially when it comes to touch. I’m mindful of these dynamics, ensuring my clients feel safe and in control, especially if their backgrounds include experiences of marginalization or oppression.

Inclusion Is at the Heart of My Practice:

Inclusion means making sure that every person who enters my space feels welcome, respected, and valued, regardless of their background. As a massage therapist, this is crucial because my work involves physical touch, which can be intimate and vulnerable for many people. I want my clients to feel that this is a space where they are seen in their entirety, without judgment or assumptions.

How I Create an Inclusive Environment:

Inclusive Language: 

I’m intentional about using language that doesn’t make assumptions about someone’s gender, sexuality, or cultural identity. For example, on my intake forms and during conversations, I ask about pronouns and use neutral terms like “partner” instead of assuming a client is married or in a heterosexual relationship.

I’ve made sure that my space is physically accessible for people with disabilities. Whether it’s having ramps or adjustable tables, I want everyone to feel comfortable, regardless of their physical needs.

Body Positivity:

I know that some clients may feel self-conscious about their bodies, whether due to size, scars, or other factors. I make it a point to reassure them that this is a judgment-free zone. Every body is worthy of care and respect.

Why Inclusion Is Essential:

When clients feel welcomed and included, they’re able to relax and trust the process, which deepens the therapeutic experience. It’s my goal to help everyone, no matter their background, feel safe enough to express their needs and fully benefit from their session.

Being Trauma-Informed as a Massage Therapist:

Many of my clients come to me with not just physical tension, but emotional and psychological trauma as well. Trauma has a way of embedding itself in the body—whether through chronic pain, tension, or even dissociation from physical sensations. Being **trauma-informed** means that I approach every client with an understanding of how trauma may impact their experience of touch, and I adjust my approach accordingly to ensure they feel safe and supported.

How I Practice Trauma-Informed Care:

Empowering My Clients

I always give my clients choices during their session, whether it’s about the areas they’d like to focus on, the pressure they prefer, or even whether they want to stay fully or partially clothed. Trauma often takes away a person’s sense of control, so giving that control back is a key part of my approach.

Respecting Boundaries 

I’m mindful that some clients may have complicated relationships with touch, especially if they’ve experienced physical or emotional trauma. I make it a priority to check in frequently during the session and ensure my clients feel comfortable at every step.

Being Aware of Triggers

Trauma can create physical and emotional triggers, sometimes in ways a client may not even expect. Whether it’s a certain type of touch, pressure, or even environmental factors like smells or sounds, I try to be as sensitive as possible to these triggers and adjust the session as needed.

The Impact of Trauma-Informed Care:

Clients who have experienced trauma need extra care and sensitivity. By offering a space where they feel safe and respected, I can help them reconnect with their bodies in a gentle and supportive way. This, in turn, helps facilitate deeper healing, both physically and emotionally.

Bringing It All Together

For me, massage therapy is about more than just addressing physical pain or tension—it’s about offering holistic care that recognizes the complexity of each client’s life experience. By integrating intersectionality, inclusion, and trauma-informed care into my practice, I’m able to create a more compassionate and effective healing environment. I understand that no two clients are the same, and I work hard to ensure that each person feels seen, respected, and safe in my space.

Incorporating these principles has transformed the way I approach my work. It’s deepened my connection with clients, allowed for more open communication, and ultimately improved the healing outcomes for those I treat. As a therapist, I want every client to leave their session not only feeling physically better but also emotionally empowered and supported.

By approaching massage therapy with an inclusive, intersectional, and trauma-informed lens, I’m able to offer care that’s truly transformative—not just for the body, but for the whole person.