Neurodivergent Friendly
Massage therapy that meets you where you are
Healthcare environments aren't comfortable for everyone. For some people the hardest part of an appointment isn't the treatment itself. It can be the waiting room, unexpected touch, bright lights, unfamiliar routines, having to explain your needs quickly, making eye contact, changing clothes, tolerating certain sounds or simply not knowing what is going to happen next.
At Heart in Hands, we understand that everyone's nervous system experiences the world differently. Our clinic is intentionally neurodivergent friendly and welcome to autistic people, people with ADHD, sensory sensitivities, communication differences, medical anxiety and anyone who benefits from a predictable and individualized approach to healthcare.
At Heart in Hands, we understand that everyone's nervous system experiences the world differently. Our clinic is intentionally neurodivergent friendly and welcome to autistic people, people with ADHD, sensory sensitivities, communication differences, medical anxiety and anyone who benefits from a predictable and individualized approach to healthcare.
You don't have to mask here
- You don't need to make eye contact.
- You don't need to make conversation.
- You can ask the same question more than once.
- You can bring a comfort item.
- You can tell me exactly what kind of touch you do or don't like.
- You can ask me to explain what I'm about to do before I do it.
- You can ask for silence.
- You can ask for music.
- You can ask for a change.
And you can ALWAYS say no
- You don't need to make conversation.
- You can ask the same question more than once.
- You can bring a comfort item.
- You can tell me exactly what kind of touch you do or don't like.
- You can ask me to explain what I'm about to do before I do it.
- You can ask for silence.
- You can ask for music.
- You can ask for a change.
And you can ALWAYS say no
Sensory preferences matter
Massage involves a lot of sensory information. Pressure, temperature, smells, sounds, movement, lighting and unexpected touch can all affect how comfortable a person feels. We'll work together to identify what makes treatment easier for you. This might mean:
- Using predictable, clearly explained techniques
- Avoiding particular areas of the body
- Adjusting pressure
- Minimizing conversation
- Explaining touch before it happens
- Taking breaks
- Adjusting the room environment
- Using extra pillows or positioning supports
- Moving more slowly
Consent is central
Your body belongs to you. Every treatment is collaborative and consent is ongoing. You can change your mind at any time. There is no expectation that you will tolerate discomfort simply because a therapist thinks something is beneficial
A calmer approach to treatment
Our approach tends to be slow, specific and attentive. Rather than automatically applying deep pressure, we consider the tissue we are working with and the response of the whole body. For some people, this gentler style can make massage therapy more approachable.
You don't have to explain everything
If you have had difficult experiences with healthcare in the past, you don have to tell me your entire story. Share what you are comfortable sharing. My role is to listen, ask useful questions and create a treatment environment where you can feel respected and in control. If you are wondering whether Heart in Hands might be a good fit for you, you're welcome to reach out before booking.
