Posted by toetapper on July 29, 2006, at 11:26:22
In reply to Re: Massage therapy for trauma? » ElaineM, posted by Racer on July 29, 2006, at 2:08:16
Hi again,
ElaineM brings up a good point, finding a "good" massage T is a lot like finding a good psych T. If she hasn't responded timely to two messages I wonder if she is the right one to start with. I would already be holding resentment or ambivalence, which I would carry with me into our session and would end up getting in my way. Did your psych T recommend her because she knows her to be intuitive/holistic? I've had several Ts who just gave a straight massage, which feels good and releases tension and all that, sort of routinized and mechanical and impersonal (like at a spa), but if you are unsure of being touched by a stranger that is probably not the best place to start.
Start somewhere you are physically and mentally comfortable enough to communicate what YOU need, if you want to be dressed or undressed, actually saying out loud to someone I like kneading but I don't like poking, I'd prefer you just work on my shoulders, I'd prefer quiet today, etc. The really cool thing about the guy I see now is whatever thoughts he has about me and my weirdness and my body he keeps completely to himself. Completely. I have never once ever felt uncomfortable around him about anything, but I definitely have around other massage Ts. Again, same issues as a psych T, feeling like you aren't being heard or respected, seeing something pass across their face, etc.
Bottom line though, I can't say enough positive things about having that physical intimacy/contact in my life, it opened and liberated me on so many different levels in very significant ways. I came at it the other way around, massage T is what finally gave me the oomph to pursue psych T, which in my particular case is the one that went haywire. Massage T has been an almost-weekly part of my life for 10 or 12 years now, and more than anything else I've tried heals my body and ability to be in my own skin. My head, different story...
As one of my kids would say "fingers, toes, thumbs, nose" I have everything crossed it is a positive experience for you.
poster:toetapper
thread:671335
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060721/msgs/671748.html