Trauma-Informed at Berkana: What We Mean (and What We Don’t)

In recent months there has been increased discussion in the massage therapy profession about the term “trauma-informed.” Because language matters—and because we take ethics and scope of practice seriously—I want to clearly explain what the Berkana Institute means when we use this term.

Since 2011, Berkana has described our program as holistic, evidence-based, and trauma-informed. For us, trauma-informed is not a specialty credential and it is not a promise to treat trauma. It does not mean psychotherapy, diagnosis, emotional processing, or intentionally provoking catharsis or “trauma release” through bodywork.

At Berkana, trauma-informed means safety-first, client-centered massage therapy. Many people have lived experience with trauma whether or not they disclose it, and ordinary aspects of massage—touch, draping, privacy, positioning, and being in a quiet room—can be activating for some clients. Our training emphasizes practical, ethical skills such as:

• Informed consent, clear communication, and solid professional boundaries
• Options around pressure, pacing, positioning, and draping so the session is predictable and respectful
• Attunement to client feedback and cues, with appropriate adjustments (without making claims about treating trauma)
• Scope-of-practice clarity, including when and how to refer to licensed providers

We also use trauma-informed to describe our commitment to seeing each client as a whole person—not a body to “fix.” People are complex and layered, with lived experiences we may never know. That perspective shapes how we pace a session, how we speak, and how we maintain an ethical, professional container.

Because touch can be deeply personal, a session may sometimes coincide with emotion or other unexpected internal experiences. In those moments, trauma-informed care is not about interpretation or resolution. It’s about steady presence: pausing if needed, checking in briefly, and proceeding—or stopping—in a way that remains clearly within scope.

We also want to be explicit about what trauma-informed is not. If anyone uses the label “trauma-informed” to justify attempting to resolve psychological trauma, guide emotional processing, or provide spiritual or psychotherapeutic intervention, that is not consistent with what we teach at Berkana. Agenda-driven work in emotional or psychological realms is unethical, can put the public at risk, and undermines the professional progress massage therapy has made over many years. When scope boundaries are crossed in ways that may cause harm, it is appropriate to address concerns through professional accountability channels—such as employer policies, school leadership, professional associations, or licensing/regulatory bodies where applicable.

Massage therapists are not psychotherapists, clergy, or shamans. We facilitate healing by providing skilled therapeutic touch within a defined scope of practice, while creating an environment of safety, respect, and unconditional positive regard. We also believe therapist humility and grounded presence are essential—prioritizing the client’s best interest and avoiding imposed narratives, meanings, or agendas.

In short: Berkana’s trauma-informed training is about how we practice—ethically, professionally, and with care—not about claiming to treat trauma.

Quick FAQ

Is trauma-informed the same as trauma treatment?

No. Trauma-informed care is a framework for safe, respectful practice. It does not involve diagnosing or treating trauma, and it is not psychotherapy.

Does trauma-informed mean massage therapists “work with trauma”?

It means we work with people—some of whom may have trauma histories—using best practices that reduce risk and support safety. It does not mean we attempt to resolve trauma through massage therapy.

Finally, it’s worth naming an important distinction. There are professionals who hold dual credentials—such as licensed mental health clinicians who are also appropriately trained in therapeutic touch—who may be qualified, within their licensing and training, to integrate trauma-focused care and touch in a coordinated, clinically appropriate way. Entry-level massage therapists, however, are not trained or licensed to provide trauma treatment, and trauma-informed massage should never be used to blur that boundary. At Berkana, we teach students to practice with excellent ethics and humility: offer skilled massage, create a safe and respectful environment, and collaborate through referral when a client needs support beyond the scope of massage therapy.