Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

[niu]

I have just started training to volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, and I have the opportunity to actually give massage to the shelter residents. I am incredibly excited about this! However, I am still a student and I'm also incredibly nervous. I am hoping someone will have some basic advice about working with a population of women, pregnant women, kids, and infants who have experienced or witnessed abuse. Any book or website recommendations, or experiences to share?

 

[Where is my vote!!!!!]

Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

When I did massage at a woman's shelter I just took my massage chair.
Fully clothed massage is non-threatening.
Aromatherapy is usually appreciated.
Reflexology or even just foot/hand massage is nice too.

In your career you will be working on many women who have experienced abuse in one form or other.
Just remember you are not working on a "victim", you are working on a beautiful human being who has had many experiences.
Let go of any judgements, opinions, and feelings of pity.
Every human that you work on deserves love, respect, and nurturance.
It is an honor to touch anyone in this way.
It is supportive.
Don't expect miracles - but don't discount the possibility.

 

[-hail (:]

Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

Maitri,
I think it's awesome you are planning on helping survivors and witnesses of domestic abuse.
It may be an emotionally draining "field" but, I think it could be very interesting and rewarding for you as well.
I have pulled up a few threads you might find useful to read over.

Suspect Wife Abuse -- is it my business?
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=15877

Trauma Massage:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=15877

Emotional Release, Memory Triggers:
(some book recommendations)
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=13969

Body and Emotions:
(more book recommendations)
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=10687&p=90157

And since both book recommendations list "Waking the Tiger" by Peter A. Levine, I would mention that I have purchased an audio book called, "It Won't Hurt Forever" by Peter A. Levine (got it @ http://www.soundstrue.com)... it is specifically about how to help children that have been traumatized.

I found it very interesting. (Bought it when one of my young family members was going through some tough times emotionally as her parents were going through a divorce, and she was facing major surgery).

Anyway, hope that helps you!
Please keep us updated on your progress and any interesting or rewarding experiences that you witness as part of your efforts to help this special population! t056

 

[man of steel]

Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

Thank you so much for all the info!

Squash_blsm, I don't have a chair, only a table. I don't have much experience massaging through clothes, although it makes sense that would be a good way to start. And I have to order more cream anyway, so I think I'll take your advice and get a small aromatherapy kit to start with.

Maestra, thanks for finding all that for me! I found several CEUs I'm putting on my list, and I reserved Waking the Tiger at the library, along with another book of his - they didn't have the one you listed, but it does relate to children and trauma.

My main interest as a bodyworker is pregnancy and infant massage. I'm hoping that teaching infant massage will become a staple of the work I do there, and it would be really fantastic if one day I could help expand their services for pregnant and postpartum women. That's another story entirely, though.

Thanks again!

 

[First ever Lilbit]

Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

I recently volunteered at a local women's shelter. I have no 'training' but I noticed a few things that maybe can help you in your journey to be as mindful as possible with this special group:

These women probably don't feel valued at all or have/had some serious mental and physical issues to deal with. Don't overlook the importance of a thorough intake with them because it helps to build some trust and they can get a feel for you before you ever put your hands on them. If your demeanor just talking with them, asking questions about them is in a caring and compassionate manner, they might start to feel the positive effects before you ever get them on the table.

Explaining that receiving massage isn't about submitting yourself to letting the therapist do whatever they want to do. It is a partnership and that they have control over where and how massage is performed. Want all clothes on? OK! Want just the neck and shoulders? OK! Just the lower legs and feet? OK! Perhaps a nice hand massage? OK! So many people do not know they can "have it their way" and it makes them avoid massage altogether.

I also made sure to give them time to ask ME some questions. Just some ideas I had. Hope it is helpful. Good luck!

 

[Isha]

Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

Since many people have experienced violence/abuse & trauma, I decided to include the following in my promotional material for those who have this history.

Not every client will feel comfortable putting down anything on paper about what they've been through, much less talking about it at all. They often have a lack of boundaries or just the opposite, as they may have erected huge walls around themselves, mentally, emotionally & physically. So long as you are aware of this, and are prepared for anything from a very stiff, rigid body, to one which seems "disconnected", or a restricted shallow breathing pattern, tears, etc. and can handle whatever comes during the course of a session - you can provide your clients with safe, nurturing touch.

It is a gift to have people on your table who are willing to work through the process of allowing healthy touch into their lives, when they have very often become disassociated from their bodies. This is what I consider to be highly sacred work & I feel honored to be in partnership with those who are willing to take this step on their healing journey.

This is my writeup:

I have worked with many clients who have a past history of trauma, sexual abuse, or other experiences which have made them uncomfortable disrobing. 

If you are uncomfortable due to those reasons, or others, you may wish to experience other forms of bodywork which will enable you to experience
safe touch without having to remove clothing such as: Shiatsu, Reflexology, or Vibrational Energetic Healing modalities including Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, & Sound Healing

I am here to support you in your healing process, where-ever you may be on
your journey. I encourage anyone with a past history of trauma to talk, or keep their eyes open if it helps you to be more comfortable. Please feel free to speak up if there are any issues or concerns during the course of your session.

While I also have separate written information for massage/bodywork - this is for the energetic work I do:


Energetic Healing Sessions

Jin Shin Jyutsu & Vibrational Healing Modalities


Clients remain fully clothed while receiving these treatments ~ for 60 to 75 minutes


Providing a deep dream-like healing state of peaceful relaxation
in a Safe & Nurturing environment.

Especially suited to those who have stressful lives, or chronic illnesses


These methods are perfect for all ages & health conditions , while providing for a gentle reconnection for those suffering from
past traumas, or abuse.

 

[~CriCkeT~]

Massage for survivors of violence/abuse

All this information has been so valuable in understanding how I will go about this. Be clear that it is their choice how they wish to be touched, remember to touch their bodies mindfully and with an attitude of honor, and most of all remember that it is not my job to fix - only to hold a safe space and to meet them wherever they are. Thank you all for your time, it is very appreciated.