My past experiences were mid-to-lousy!

A past negative or unsafe bodywork experience leaves a mark — not always visible, but real. The body remembers, and what used to feel like a neutral appointment now carries freight. For some people, it's a knot in the stomach on the drive over. For others, it's a full-body flinch before anyone even lays a hand on them. Going numb once felt like the only safe option, and that's worth knowing.

How We Approach It

We use pre-session planning, step-by-step consent check-ins, options to stop or change course at any moment, and touch that stays firmly within the limits you set — without any pressure to push through. You can say as much or as little as you'd like about what happened before.

What to Discuss With Your Therapist

Tell your LMT what would make this session feel different, even if you can only name one thing. What you were comfortable with before, what you weren't, and what you need today are all useful starting points.

Between-Session Considerations

You set the pace. If something shifts during the session and you need a change, a stop, or just a pause — that is always the right call. Building trust back is incremental, and that's appropriate.

Learn More

Explore the Ongoing Research Review Blog, book a session focused on this concern, or reach out with questions specific to your situation.