I am a certified massage therapist, I was wondering if anyone had incorporated massage into their recovery? I have read some articles on it being used in conjunction with counseling. Just curious if anyone has used it? Any thoughts or in put about the idea?

I know many massage therapists that incorporate massage with counseling. It makes sense! Body memories...touch and relaxation brings sensations that some folks can't understand..etc.

Howard

I have had massage as a part of my recovery and have found it helpful. I know many abuse survivors have a difficult time with bodywork but I enjoy it and feel it works well for me.

Dale

having a massage by a stranger sounds terrifying to me.

,chris

Oh, man...I'm with ya on that one, TK...


Dave

Hey Des6263,

I have been using massage in my recovery. First I had to get comfortable with the idea of a man touching my body. This was a big step though, because it helped me to work though touch by a man that was not sexual. It has taken some time but now I get a massage every few months. Today was really great, I am traveling and got a massage by a blind male therapist. It was the most comfortable I have ever felt. He was so kind and healing and I wasn't scared about him looking at my stuff or doing something too me.

Are you a survior? If not, please understand that trust is the issue here, and fear. Several fears come to my mind... is he gonna touch me... Am I gonna get excited because of a trigger? Can I know that this guy is safe? What do I do if I start to feel uncomfortable?

Out of all my massages, around 30 at this point, I have to say that nothing "bad" has happened to me. All the men that have given me a massage have been utter professionals. It has been great healing in my recovery. I learned to trust other men more because of it. And that my body doen't have to respond in a sexual way because of my abuse. Hope this helps.

Army

where does one go to get a massage? and what kind of massage is most recommended? don't the women do the men and the men the women? how do i select the right massage therapist?

I know my docs have said many times that massage would be very good for me because of my M.D. (though it would be painful - it would help to flush out the toxins)

I keep telling myself I'm going to do it - then chicken out - I know I could'nt have a guy do it

what does one even wear? - I've heard that one wears nothing? - cept a towel (and even that gets moved around)?

I do really worry about feelings/emmotions that might come up durring it

Army - - that is something that worries me too

that's another thing with me. the whole naked thing. i've never been naked around anybody since the csa, i don't know about that!

Well, hmmm?

I certainly admire yer attitude, Army...

My experiences started at three. I am sexual...no ifs ands or buts about it. Petting the cat gives me an erection so...massage??? Uhm, no...

My very first therapist suggested, "Bodywork," I laughed, she seemed genuinely surprised that I was unwilling to try it. When she located a group...I walked right into that...workshops, I went...but massage? No...

I often wonder what the general public imagines it is like to be a survivor? My experiences were almost choreographed in my estimation...long and drawn out, as if the whole purpose was to provoke a physical response so he could watch me burn.

The concept of a massage sounds cool...maybe someday.


Dave