Experience Nervous System Regulation with Trauma Touch Therapy in Kansas City
Trauma touch therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed way to support nervous system regulation through consent-based, non-invasive touch.
As a somatic therapist, sometimes we have to think outside of the box. This is why I love to incorporate touch into my healing work with clients. Touch is a component of somatic therapy work that emphasizes coming back into the body in a safe and nurtured way. In this work, I emphasize relational safety and help clients practice talking about boundaries.
What Is Trauma Touch Therapy?
Trauma Touch Therapy Is…
A trauma-informed, consent-based approach to therapeutic touch within psychotherapy
Gentle and non-invasive touch that supports nervous system regulation and a sense of safety
Collaborative and paced, with consent and check-ins throughout the session
Body-based work that helps track sensation, breath, and cues of activation and settling
A relational practice that can support boundaries and choice in the healing process
Trauma Touch Therapy Is Not…
A requirement for somatic therapy or trauma healing
Massage, bodywork, or physical manipulation intended to “fix” or change tissue structure
Energy work, Reiki, or spiritual healing (unless explicitly integrated elsewhere)
Exposure-based work meant to intensify sensation or push past a client’s window of tolerance
Touch without consent, or touch that cannot be paused, changed, or stopped at any time
What To Expect In A Trauma Touch Therapy Session
Trauma touch work is non-invasive, gentle, and guiding. In session, I use my hands to help bring awareness to different structures in the body in order to find a sense of calm.
From there, we can work through specific experiences while I stay close by and use touch to understand where the nervous system is. This helps ensure the work stays tolerable and productive.
With my hands and intention, I am looking for cycles of activation and resolution in the nervous system. I do this by paying attention to breath, temperature, and coherence within different anatomical structures and body processes.
Who is Trauma Touch Therapy For?
Trauma touch therapy is not for everyone, but it can be a highly effective tool for some. Trauma touch therapy might be the right fit for you if you are seeking:
Support regulating your nervous system after trauma
Relational safety in the presence of a trained therapist
Help tracking sensation, breath, and nervous system cues
A gentle, structured way to practice boundaries and voice
Stevie Olson-Spiegel is an LCSW and Somatic Experiencing Therapist® in Kansas City. Stevie supports clients who feel stuck in fight, flight, or freeze and want a body-based approach to healing trauma.
Stevie is trained at the highest level in Somatic Experiencing® which teaches about the use of touch in therapy. Stevie has also completed a year long training with Kathy Kain called “touch skills for trauma therapists.”
Meet Trauma Touch & Somatic Therapist, Stevie
Experience The Healing Power Of Touch
If you are ready to feel safer in your body and want gentle, consent-based support, schedule your session with a trauma-informed therapist today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Touch Therapy
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No. Trauma touch work is always optional, and somatic therapy can be effective with no touch involved.
If touch is not a fit for you, you can still do body-based trauma work through tracking sensations, breath, movement, boundaries, and nervous system patterns.
We will talk through your preferences and choose an approach that supports safety, pacing, and choice.
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No. Trauma touch work is not massage or bodywork.
The goal is not to “work out knots” or change tissue structure, and it is not focused on pressure or physical manipulation.
Instead, touch is used as a gentle, consent-based support for awareness and regulation, so you can notice what is happening in your nervous system and practice settling with support.
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No. Trauma touch work is not energy work or Reiki.
It is touch used within somatic psychotherapy, with a focus on nervous system awareness, pacing, and regulation.
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Consent is ongoing and collaborative.
Before any touch, we talk through what touch would involve, where touch might be offered, and what your boundaries and preferences are.
During the session, we check in regularly, and you can pause, change, or stop at any time.
You never have to explain or justify your “no”.
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No. Trauma touch work can support many experiences, including chronic stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and attachment or developmental wounds.
You do not need a specific story or label for your experience to deserve support.
If touch feels appropriate and consensual, it can be one way to build more safety, regulation, and choice in your body over time.