Instagram Facebook
Keogh Therapeutic Massage | Jo Pritchard Keogh, BCTMB, LMT, TTT

OLD Trauma Touch Therapy FAQ

To follow are the questions most frequently asked by new clients before coming in for a Trauma Touch Therapy session. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out and share them with me.


How does Trauma Touch Therapy differ from massage therapy?

Trauma Touch Therapy differs from massage therapy in several ways. Unlike massage therapy, clients generally remain fully clothed during Trauma Touch Therapy sessions, and the work does not necessarily take place on a massage table (it might involve sitting in a comfortable spot and breathing, or moving around the cottage). The intake process is more comprehensive, and addresses both physical and emotional concerns. Perhaps the biggest difference is that while clients often drift off into a semi-conscious state during a massage, they remain fully conscious and present during a Trauma Touch Therapy session.


How does Trauma Touch Therapy differ from psychotherapy?

Trauma Touch Therapy is a body-oriented approach to trauma treatment. Where psychotherapy focuses on the narrative of a traumatic experience (the story of what happened), Trauma Touch Therapy focuses on the body memories associated with that experience. Psychotherapy is therapist-led, meaning that the therapist directs the course of treatment. Trauma Touch Therapy is client-led, so the client sets the pace and focus of all aspects of the healing process.


Can I coordinate Trauma Touch Therapy with the care I am receiving from my mental health practitioner?

Yes! Absolutely. Trauma Touch Therapy is not meant to replace psychotherapy, but rather to complement and enhance it.


Will I have to talk about my trauma history?

No. While I am happy to hear anything that you might wish to tell me, the success of this work is not dependent on talking about what you’ve experienced. We will be exploring what is happening with your body in the present, so no discussion of the past is necessary.


What are some examples of traumatic events or situations?

  • Emotional, physical, mental, and/or sexual abuse
  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Rape
  • Automobile accidents
  • Military deployment
  • The violent or unexpected death of a loved one
  • Experiencing or witnessing violence
  • Childhood abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment
  • Physical injury, severe illness, chronic illness, and/or surgery
  • Environmental trauma (living in unsafe conditions, such as war zones or violent neighborhoods)
  • Experiencing discrimination around ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, religion, and/or ability
  • Home Contact