Neurodivergent Affirming Massage Sensory‑Aware And Consent-BasedCare: A guide for neurodivergent adventurers seeking safe, predictable bodywork
Every adventurer deserves a sanctuary where they can restore their energy and be themselves
without fear. For many neurodivergent (ND) adults, a massage can feel like navigating an unpredictable and
overwhelming dungeon, often lacking clear expectations.
Neurodivergent affirming, sensory‑aware massage is designed to be the exact opposite of that.
It’s a session where you help build the campaign. You set the difficulty level. You choose the
pacing. You shape the sensory environment, and you define the boundaries of the quest.
As a neurodivergent massage therapist (and lifelong TTRPG nerd), my goal is to help you feel
like you’re stepping into a well‑designed collaborative campaign, and not like you’re constantly
rolling for survival. My approach transforms the typical massage experience by offering a clear
and detailed session overview from the start, allowing you to adjust it as desired. This ensures
predictability and gives you the control needed for a truly restorative experience.
What “Sensory‑Aware” Means For You
Think of sensory‑aware massage as a session where your sensory stats actually matter, and we build the encounter around them.
• Pressure = Adjustable Difficulty Setting
Deep pressure? Gentle touch? A combination? Each pressure level offers distinct benefits:
A gentle touch can provide a calming vagal boost, while deep pressure offers a grounding
proprioceptive reset. You choose the level, and we can change it any time during the session
without penalty.
• Predictable Patterns = No Surprise Encounters
No sudden moves, no unexpected spells. I narrate every step before it happens, so your nervous system doesn’t have to roll Perception checks the whole time.
• Environment = Customizable Terrain
Lighting, sound, temperature, textures - all modifiable. You get to design the room like a
character customizing their base, anything from adjusting the lighting to playing your own music
through the treatment room's Bluetooth speakers. These options are available to ensure your
comfort, and you are encouraged to ask for modifications. Additionally, our space is wheelchair
accessible, and we offer accommodations for mobility aids to ensure that everyone can access
and enjoy our services comfortably.
• Sensory Accommodations = Legit Build Choices
Fidgets, staying clothed, breaks, complete silence, or spending the session talking about your
latest special interest — these aren’t “special requests.” They’re valid mechanics in your
personal rulebook, and I accommodate all of these and more.
• Overwhelm = A Status Effect We Respect
If something hits too hard, we pause, adjust, or switch tactics. No shame, no judgment, no “just push through it.”
Sensory-aware massage is about creating a session in which your nervous system doesn’t have to remain in combat mode. When touch is predictable and the environment is secure, it can reduce sympathetic nervous system arousal, allowing you to move from a fight-or-flight response to a more relaxed state.
What “Consent‑Based” Means, And Why It Is Needed
Consent-based massage is like a well-run RPG campaign: everyone knows the rules, everyone has agency, and nothing happens without buy-in. Here are the three critical table rules to ensure a shared sense of safety:
• Asking Before Each Step: We establish lines and boundaries together to provide Session Zero Safety Tools.
• Communication Options: Multiple input methods are available, including verbal, nonverbal, written, and hand signals—whatever best fits your character sheet.
• No Assumptions: There is no railroading here; I won’t decide what you should want, and you get to choose your session’s path.
Consent Is Ongoing = You Can Retcon Anytime.
If something stops feeling right, we pivot. No penalty for needing to edit the rulebook. To lower
the threshold for speaking up, I invite you to use a ritual phrase, such as “Time-out,” whenever
you need a pause or adjustment. This normalizes ongoing consent and ensures you feel in
control throughout the session.
For many ND and queer clients, this isn’t just about comfort — it is an essential part of feeling
safe at the table (Gialelis, 2024).
Why This Approach Matters for ND Adventurers
We neurospicy adventurers often enter wellness spaces with:
● Masking fatigue
● Sensory vulnerabilities
● Difficulty reading internal cues
● Anxiety about unknown mechanics
● Past negative encounters with healers
● Fear of being misunderstood or dismissed (Brodie, 2024)
Sensory‑aware, consent‑based massage is designed to flip the script. You’re not a side
character. You’re the protagonist, and the session is built around your needs. This means you
can stop anytime, and I will respect it.
How This Massage Style Supports Your Nervous System
When touch is predictable, safe, and tailored to your sensory profile, it can:
● Reduce tension (physical and emotional)
● Support regulation
● Calm overstimulation
● Help during burnout
● Rebuild trust with touch
● Offer a place to unmask
● Restore your “spell slots” (Gialelis, 2023)
Deep pressure and slow, rhythmic work are especially practical for many ND nervous systems
— like a long rest that actually works. (Campbell, 2025)
What This Looks Like in My Practice
Here’s how I run the session:
• Structured Intake = Character Creation
We talk about sensory needs, communication style, session goals, and accommodations.
• Predictable Flow = Clear Quest Log
You always know what’s happening next.
• Flexible Communication = Multiple Action Options
Scripts, gestures, silence — all valid moves.
• Sensory‑Friendly Space = Your Home Base
Adjustable lighting, temperature, textures, and sound.
• Queer‑ and ND‑Affirming Care = Inclusive Party Dynamics
As a gay, gender‑queer, neurodivergent practitioner, I have an understanding of how identity
and safety intersect. I take every step to ensure my space is a welcoming, safe place for all
party members.
• Post‑Session Grounding = Cooldown Phase
Time to transition back to the world without rushing. Each session typically lasts 60 minutes,
with an additional 10 to 15 minutes allocated for post-session grounding and transition. This
ensures there’s no short rest here; I space out my sessions to give adventurers plenty of time
after their massage. You will be able to ease back into the real world whenever you are ready.
What to Expect (Session Walkthrough)
Arrival + settling in
In your first session, we spend the first portion of our time together going over a short intake
form that includes basic health history, lifestyle questions, and session goals. Think of this as
our session zero; we are building, setting up the campaign, and establishing the rulebook.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer in that rulebook; you get to edit it as we go anytime
you need to. To support predictability and reduce pre-session anxiety, consider bringing your
favorite water bottle and wearing comfortable clothes. If you have specific items that help you
feel more comfortable, feel free to bring them along. If you have a friend, family member, or
support person you would like to accompany you, they are welcome to come along! We have a
comfortable waiting area with tea and coffee available, or there is a nice comfy chair in the
treatment room if you would like them to be in the session with you.
Sensory options
After the initial intake, we will spend some time making sure we have as many sensory needs
set as possible heading into the massage. This allows me to get a feel for your
sensory preferences and needs, and you have an opportunity to feel out the treatment space before
settling in for the session.
Consent conversation
Next, we discuss your goal(s) for the session in more detail. In your intake forms, you will have
a section to indicate areas of your body you would like focused work on, or areas you are
experiencing pain or discomfort, as well as any areas you wish not to have worked on. During
this phase, I will go over this chart with you to confirm that I am interpreting what you indicated
correctly and to ask follow-up questions about the areas you want focused on or your goal(s), if
any, for the session. That goal can be as simple as just wanting to lie on the table and see what
this massage business is all about, so don’t feel pressured to come up with an epic quest for
your characters’ first champaign.
Massage session
Now we finally get to the good part! You get to start your long rest. I exit the treatment room and
give you plenty of time to undress to your comfort level and get under the sheet and blanket on
the table. Or, if you prefer, you can stay fully clothed. In over a decade of massage work, I have
worked with clients who have ranged from being fully nude under the covers, all the way to an
elderly lady getting her very first massage, who asked if it was okay to keep her hoodie on. The
only thing that matters is what has you at your best comfort level.
After I have given you time to get on the table and settle in, I knock on the door and wait for your
response to make sure you are all set for me to re-enter the room, and then we begin the
massage itself. After the massage is complete, I always finish up with some slow grounding
holds and remind you to take your time getting back up before exiting the room.
Grounding + closing
Take your time post-massage. Blood pressure lowers during a massage, so it is essential to sit
up slowly and allow your body to wake up at its own pace. There will be a warm towel in a bowl
for you, which I like to use on my face to wake myself back up after my massages, but can also
be used if you feel there is any lingering lotion you would like to wash off before getting dressed.
Whenever you are all set, I will be waiting for you by the front desk with some water and to
check in with how you are doing after the session.
Predictable structure = no surprise rounds.
Scripts You Can Use (Dialogue Options)
Sometimes, having a short script in mind for a request can make asking for the adjustment
easier, so here are a couple of fun nerdy examples;
Adjusting pressure:
“Can we lower the difficulty in that area?”
If overstimulated:
“I need to pause and regroup.”
“I need to take a short rest.”
Requesting accommodations:
“Can we modify the terrain — maybe dim the lights/turn off the table warmer?”
If unsure:
“I don’t know what I need yet. Can we check in as we go?”
Remember, these aren’t “special requests.” They’re part of your character abilities and will
always be honored. Ask for the changes anytime to ensure the best session for your body and
mind. Every request is valid, and there’s no judgment or penalty for voicing your needs. It’s
important to me that you feel entirely welcome and supported.
An Invitation to Begin Your Journey
If you’re curious about what a Neurodivergent affirming massage feels like when the session is
built around your character sheet, I’d love to help you explore it at your own pace. You deserve
a healer who understands your stats, respects your boundaries, and enables you to restore your HP
without forcing you into combat. To take the next step, use the link below to schedule a 60-
minute consultation massage. For bookings, I recommend scheduling your session at least one
week in advance to ensure your preferred time is available. Our cancellation policy allows for
cancellations or rescheduling up to 24 hours before your appointment without penalty, providing
you the flexibility and security you need to plan your visit comfortably.
Whenever you are ready, you’re welcome to take a long rest here.
https://bbmt.as.me/?appointmentType=87124396
References;
Brodie, K. (October 31, 2024). The Strain of Masking: Reclaiming Our Neurodivergent Selves.
Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/positively-different/202411/the-
strain-of-masking-reclaiming-our-neurodivergent-selves/amp
Campbell, S. (2025). Restorative Massage for Neurodivergent Adults: Why It Helps. Embodied
Resilience. https://embodiedresilience.ca/uncategorized/restorative-massage-for-
neurodivergent-adults/
Gialelis, J. (2024). Creating a Safe Environment for Neurodivergent Clients. Integrative
Healthcare Education. https://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/creating-a-safe-environment-
for-neurodivergent-clients/
