The new ABMP CE course, “Touching Trauma: Part 2—Responding to Emotional Releases,” is available in the ABMP Education Center to view and earn 1 CE hour.
In “Touching Trauma: Part 1—Recognizing Trauma,” we introduced a basic framework for recognizing trauma. In this second course in the series, trauma touch experts Chris Smith and Cathy Speaks Lewis teach practitioners how to recognize the different stages of emotional releases, respond appropriately in the moment, and discuss the experience with the client after the session. Demonstrations include some subtle, yet important techniques to provide a safe experience for the client before, during, and after the massage. Getting comfortable with holding space for emotional releases and potential releases allows the client to do what they likely did not get to do when the trauma occurred—have a compassionate witness by their side.
Instructor Bios
Chris Smith is a recognized leader in the field of massage therapy and trauma. She is a massage therapist and trauma touch therapist. She developed and has been teaching Trauma Touch Therapy at the Colorado School of Healing Arts (CSHA) and to therapists worldwide since 1992. She has been with CSHA since 1988, where she serves as the school director. For more information on Trauma Touch Therapy courses, visit csha.net.
Cathy Speaks Lewis is a licensed massage therapist and trauma touch therapist. They are dean of students and faculty chair at the Colorado School of Healing Arts (CSHA), where they also teach oncology, cranialsacral, and Trauma Touch Therapy. They also have a massage therapy practice specializing in supporting clients in healing through the processes of pain, trauma, and chronic conditions. For more information on Trauma Touch Therapy courses, visit csha.net.
Start Learning
The ABMP Education Center, where ABMP members earn free CE, is home to 750+ online massage and bodywork CE hours. These on-demand courses are available for nonmembers to purchase for $30 or less.