Jill K. Berkana's Blog

Jan 26, 2026

Trauma-Informed at Berkana: What We Mean (and What We Don’t)New Item

In recent months there has been increased discussion in the massage therapy profession about the term “trauma-informed.” Because language matters—and because we take ethics and scope of practice seriously—I want to clearly explain what the Berkana Institute means when we use this term.

Since 2011, Berkana has described our program as holistic, evidence-based, and trauma-informed. For us, trauma-informed is not a specialty credential and it is not a promise to treat trauma. It does not mean psychotherapy, diagnosis, emotional processing, or intentionally provoking catharsis or “trauma release” through bodywork.

At Berkana, trauma-informed means safety-first, client-centered massage therapy. Many people have lived experience with trauma whether or not they disclose it, and ordinary aspects of massage—touch, draping, privacy, positioning, and being in a quiet room—can be activating for some clients. Our training emphasizes practical, ethical skills such as:

Informed consent, clear communication, and solid professional boundaries
Options around pressure, pacing, positioning, and draping so the session is predictable and respectful
Attunement to client feedback and cues, with appropriate adjustments (without making claims about treating trauma)
Scope-of-practice clarity, including when and how to refer to licensed providers

Mar 21, 2024

"What makes the Berkana Institute Different, and why does it cost more?"

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The profession of massage therapy is having a rare moment. In my 35 years in this profession, I’ve never seen a greater opportunity to become a world-class massage therapist, and this is due to several factors that all came together simultaneously following the global pandemic. For the first time, significant...

Jan 28, 2024

Radical Self Care - with Jill Berkana: Grief

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Jan 4, 2023

Shedding People

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Self-development can provoke change in your community

Dec 19, 2022

My First Massage

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Dedicated to Pam Thayer by Jill Kristin Berkana 12-18-22

Apr 12, 2021

"Can I Steal a Moment of Your Time?"

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There are many people in the holistic healing community who are serious professionals, who have put in thousands of hours in practice and study and invested deeply in their education in order to be able to serve the greater community in a superior capacity.Some of these rare individuals are my friends. These...

Sep 20, 2018

Wherefore Art Thou... Professional Ethics?

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Every now and then I take a peek at the professional massage therapy boards on Facebook. Every time I do, I am astounded by some of the comments I see left by some Licensed Massage Therapists and/or Body-workers, and Massage Therapy and/or Body-Work Educators. It is deeply concerning. What I saw in the...

May 25, 2018

Less Chaos, More Massage.

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Right now, this world, is crazy. With the current events unfolding around us on a daily basis we are all working to thrive in a state of crises. Whether you know it or not, we are all coping in one way or another to deal with the surrounding chaos. No one is exempt. One way or another, everyone who is a human being...

Apr 6, 2018

You don't need an excuse...but have plenty.

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When you receive a professional massage, you are receiving health care treatment by someone who has been trained in the art and science of therapeutic touch, and who is there for you completely. Receiving this type of attention and nurturing will enhance your life in a multitude of ways. Massage improves everything!...

Mar 23, 2017

Free Student Chair Massage? Nope!

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I have written this message about 3 dozen times in the last few years. This morning I started to write it again and so it seemed time to blog this out and save myself some time. As a one-woman-show, massage school owner/operator I am only representing myself in this message, but I know many schools will echo my...

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