What Does Trauma-Informed Touch Therapy Actually Involve?

Jan 26

If you have ever wondered what trauma-informed touch therapy really means, you are not alone. Many people in San Diego and across Southern California, are searching for safe, compassionate ways to reconnect with their bodies after experiencing trauma. As a hands-on intimacy coach and therapeutic intimacy specialist, I want to offer some clarity and reassurance about this healing approach.

Understanding Trauma-Informed Touch

Trauma-informed touch therapy is a gentle, consent-based practice designed to help survivors of trauma feel safe enough to experience healing touch. This approach acknowledges your unique story and prioritizes your comfort, boundaries, and emotional well-being at every step.

What Happens in a Session?

Each session is tailored to your needs. Before any touch, we spend time discussing your goals, boundaries, and what feels supportive for you. Consent is always ongoing, and you are encouraged to speak up or change your mind at any time. There is never any pressure. Your autonomy is central.

Sessions may include:

Guided nervous system regulation (breathwork, grounding, co-regulation)
Gentle, non-sexual touch (such as holding hands, hugs, or supportive cuddling)
Education about consent and boundaries (using tools like the Wheel of Consent)
Space for emotional processing or simply being present with another caring human

Who Can Benefit?

Trauma-informed touch therapy is especially helpful for adults who have experienced:

Sexual trauma or childhood abuse
Attachment wounds or emotional neglect
Anxiety, depression, or touch aversion
Skin hunger or longing for safe connection

Why Choose a Local San Diego Practitioner?

Working with a local San Diego intimacy coach means you can access in-person support in a familiar community. I offer in-person sessions, always with a self-determining, sliding scale rate to keep healing accessible.

What Makes This Approach Unique?

Trauma-informed, client-centered care
Consent and boundaries are always honored
Collaboration with your therapist, when helpful
Warm, welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ and all identities
Over a decade of experience supporting survivors

Ready to Learn More?

If you are curious about trauma-informed touch therapy in San Diego, reach out for a free consultation. Healing is possible, and you deserve support that feels safe enough and empowering.

Michelle Renee

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a trained surrogate partner and certified Cuddlist practitioner specializing in trauma-informed therapeutic intimacy. As Co-owner and Director of Training at Cuddlist.com and Co-chair of AASECT's Somatic Intimacy Professionals SIG, she helps trauma survivors reclaim safety, connection, and embodied healing through a collaborative triadic model with licensed therapists.

Michelle's work integrates somatic approaches, EMDR-compatible touch therapy, and nervous system regulation to create corrective emotional experiences for clients healing from sexual trauma, attachment wounds, and relational injury.

Host of The Intimacy Lab podcast and founder of Human Connection Lab, Michelle serves clients in across Southern California and in many cities across the US.

https://humanconnectionlab.com