By touching a body, we touch every event it has experienced. For a few brief moments we hold all of a client’s stories in our hands...In massage therapy, we show up and ask, in so many ways, what it is like to be another human being.  In doing so, we build a bridge that may heal us both."

- T. Walton, Author The Healing History of the Human Being, as was written in the Massage Therapy Journal

A Letter to My Fellow Massage Therapists,


There is an enormous prevalence of trauma in society today. 


Seriously, the statistics may shock you. 


As Massage Therapists, we often don’t know if our clients have experienced trauma or, if they have, to what extent. 


Sure, a client may disclose an accident or injury, but how can we account for hidden or undisclosed traumas? 


The next person on your massage table could be a victim of physical, mental or emotional abuse, lived through a natural disaster or anything in between.  


There are so many ways people can be traumatized. (You’ll learn all about them in the course.) 


In recognition of the prevalence of trauma in society, many Healthcare programs across Canada have shifted to include a more holistic body/mind approach to service. 


Yet, the Massage Therapy profession falls short in its preparedness to meet the demand.


Although trauma is often the root cause behind many symptoms, challenges, and problems clients present, service providers all too often fail to make the link between traumatic impacts and their effects.


That is why I’ve created this course. 


The mandate of Alignment by Kelly Glynn is to recognize the need for a Trauma Informed approach to the practice of Massage Therapy.


This Certification invites you to address the phenomena of trauma, to adapt concepts, broaden skills and apply a trauma-sensitive approach within the scope of your Massage Therapy practice. 


As Massage Therapists, I believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to our clients’ healing, rather than unknowingly adding to their trauma response. 


I hope you will join me in implementing a Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy Practice. 


Thank you. 

Kelly Glynn B.A, R.M.T. R.Y.I. 

In this course you'll discover...

  • Why it's critical to incorporate a trauma-sensitive approach to massage therapy

  • The many types of trauma and what causes them

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder signs, symptoms and how it can impact your service

  • The neurobiology, physiology and anatomy of trauma so you can properly treat clients without re-traumatizing them

  • Ready-to-use tools, checklists and client forms to incorporate into your practice

  • How to protect yourself from absorbing clients' trauma

  • Proven techniques to use when interacting with clients who have experienced trauma

PLUS...you'll receive 10 Continuing Education Credits

Reach Your Requirements While Positively Impacting Your Clients' Lives!

  • 10 C.E.C.s

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome

    • Welcome To Your Certification Course

    • Acknowledgment of the Land

    • Navigating this Course

    • Ethics and Standards of Practice

    • Self-Care For You

    • Section References
  • 2

    Module 1: Understanding Trauma and A Trauma-Sensitive Approach

    • Trauma Reflection

    • Why Implement a Trauma Sensitive Approach

    • What Is Trauma?

    • Who Can Be Traumatized?

    • The Body Keeps the Score

    • Explore Your Experience with Patients with Trauma

    • Where Does Trauma Come From?

    • The Two Categories of Trauma

    • How Childhood Trauma Can Make For A Sick Adult (ACE Study)

    • ACE Questionnaires

    • Types of Trauma

    • Impacts of Trauma

    • Discussion

    • Summary

    • Section References

    • Module 1: Quiz
  • 3

    Module 2: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

    • What is PTSD?

    • Types of PTSD

    • Diagnositic Criteria for PTSD

    • Massage and PTSD

    • The Role of Massage Therapy to Help Those Diagnosed with PTSD

    • Trauma Memory and Trauma Triggers

    • Summary & Discussion

    • Section References

    • Module 2: Quiz
  • 4

    Module 3: The Neurobiology, Physiology and Anatomy of Trauma

    • Overview

    • Parts of the Brain

    • How Stress and Trauma Cause Pain, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD

    • Responding to Stress

    • Parts of the Brain and Function

    • Polyvagal Theory

    • Polyvagal Reflection

    • The Limbic System

    • Window of Tolerance Overview

    • Window of Tolerance Detailed

    • Window of Tolerance Reflection

    • Fight, Flight, Freeze

    • Summary

    • Section References

    • Module 3: Quiz
  • 5

    Module 4: Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy Practice

    • What is Trauma-Informed Care?

    • The Four R's: Key Assumptions in a Trauma Informed Approach

    • Six Key Principles of A Trauma-Informed Approach

    • Principle 1: Safety - Environment of Practice

    • Principle 1: Safety - Interpersonal Interactions

    • Principle 2: Collaboration and Mutuality - Building Rapport

    • Principle 2: Collaboration and Mutuality - Co-Creating the Client Experience

    • Principle 3: Truthworthiness and Transparency

    • Principle 4: Empowerment, Choice and Voice

    • Principle 5: Peer Support

    • Principle 6: Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

    • The Role of Compassion

    • Sympathy, Empathy and Compassion

    • Safe Trauma Recovery

    • Summary

    • Section References

    • Module 4: Quiz
  • 6

    Module 5: Assessment and Treatment of Clients With Trauma

    • Somatic-Based Massage Therapy

    • Benefits of Somatic-Based Massage Therapy

    • Post-Traumatic Growth

    • Making Recovery Possible

    • An Intro to Assessment

    • Written Health History Forms

    • The Interview

    • Assessment Options

    • Somatograph Exercise

    • Tracking the Body Checklist

    • Tracking for Trauma Cues

    • Body Awareness Inventory

    • Taking a Touch History

    • Massage Techniques

    • Summary

    • Section References
  • 7

    Module 6: Compassionate Self-Care for Therapist and Client

    • Compassion Fatigue

    • Risks of Treating Clients with Trauma

    • Self Compassion

    • Vulnerability

    • Practising Self Care

    • Encouraging Self-Care for Your Clients

    • Summary

    • Section References

    • Further Reading

    • Module 6: Quiz
  • 8

    Congratulations

    • Thank you

    • Course Survey

Let's Inspire a Movement of Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy!

You'll get the ENTIRE curriculum AND all of the templates and techniques for only $97. It's a small investment to make a huge positive impact on your practice and your clients' lives.
Buy Now $99