Esalen® Massage: Working with Trauma

A gentle touch is a soothing key to health and well-being. Yet some people have received touch that is inappropriate or verbally abusive. What is the lingering effect of touch that does not reflect loving attentiveness but is instead painful, disrespectful, clinical or simply missing? The likely response is to defend oneself, and to become numb, shrink away, and freeze. Skillful touch within Esalen® Massage can restore trust and bring closure to difficult experiences.

The course will address the following topics:

• The power of embodiment, of living in one’s body and accepting sensations.

• The lingering memory of abusive touch through the nervous system.

• How to establish safety in the session through empathy.

• Protocols to set up the space and the table to create a sense of safety.

• How to accept emotions as they arise, and witness change.

• How to use Esalen Massage as a bridge to a positive sense of body and self.

• Maintaining clear intention as a practitioner.

This workshop would be especially suitable for the experienced bodyworker, medical practitioner, or caregiver.