Becoming a Trauma-Informed Practitioner

A 4-Hour Ethics Continuing Education Course for Licensed Massage Therapists

Sunday, October 25th | 12–4 PM
Fox River Grove, IL

Exploring self-regulation as the foundation for meaningful co-regulation.

Trauma-informed care is more than understanding what clients have experienced — it is the ongoing practice of cultivating awareness, presence, and safety within the therapeutic relationship.

With over 13 years of continuous experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, a BA in Psychology, and more than 500 hours of advanced trauma-informed training, this course bridges nervous system science with the therapeutic relationship at the heart of massage therapy.

Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed principles, psychology, and embodied awareness, participants will explore the relationship between self-regulation and co-regulation, developing a deeper understanding of their own nervous system and how their presence influences the therapeutic environment.

This modern trauma-informed approach to ethics examines how safety is communicated through language, draping, consent, boundaries, intentional touch, mindfulness, and professional presence. Participants will explore relational dynamics within the therapeutic relationship, including awareness of transference, while developing tools to remain grounded, responsive, and connected in their work.

This course is not about diagnosing trauma or stepping outside the scope of massage therapy. It is about expanding the ethical skill set of the practitioner by understanding the human nervous system and the relational elements that shape the client experience.

Through greater self-awareness, compassionate self-regulation, and embodied presence, massage therapists can create a practice environment rooted in safety, respect, empowerment, and sustainable connection.

When we learn to meet ourselves with awareness and compassion, we expand our capacity to meet our clients in the same way.

Ethics

Course Highlights

  • Understanding trauma through a nervous system lens, including the foundations of Polyvagal Theory

  • Using trauma-informed language to promote safety, trust, and client autonomy

  • Client-centered care that minimizes power differentials and supports collaborative treatment

  • Intake processes, verbal consent, and communication around draping, touch, and sensitive treatment areas, including glute work

  • Trauma-informed draping and ethical communication throughout the massage session

  • The role of practitioner self-regulation in supporting co-regulation and therapeutic presence

  • Establishing healthy ethical boundaries that protect both practitioner and client while strengthening the integrity of the massage profession

  • Embodiment practices that cultivate awareness, regulation, and resilience

  • Guided dialogue, reflection, and experiential practice to build confidence applying these concepts in real-world sessions

This course is designed for Licensed Massage Therapists seeking practical, evidence-informed tools to create safer, more responsive, and more compassionate therapeutic experiences. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the nervous system, increased confidence in trauma-informed communication, and skills that can be integrated into practice immediately.

Continuing Education Provider Information

Jennifer Wilder, LMT, is a Board Approved Continuing Education Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).

As an NCBTMB Approved Provider, Jennifer is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional education, ethical practice, and quality instruction within the massage therapy profession. Each continuing education course is thoughtfully developed to provide relevant, evidence-informed education that supports the continued growth, safety, and excellence of Licensed Massage Therapists.

Courses are designed with clearly defined learning objectives, practical application, and a focus on enhancing the therapeutic relationship through trauma-informed care, ethical communication, and client-centered practice.

Participants who successfully complete approved courses will receive continuing education hours in accordance with NCBTMB requirements.