Rosemary, lemongrass and lavender are among the beautiful aromas drifting out of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre’s (Women’s TRC) massage therapy room.
It’s the best-smelling room in the Centre – and the most relaxing – as our massage therapist, Felicity White, works her magic.
At the Centre, we offer a holistic approach to healing, incorporating therapeutic services, including massage therapy, to support women recovering from domestic, family, and sexual violence.
Massage therapy is recognised for its many physical and psychological benefits, including relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, promoting relaxation, decreasing stress, and fostering a sense of well-being.
For trauma survivors, therapeutic touch in a safe environment can help women reconnect with their bodies and rebuild trust in themselves and others.
Massage therapy works alongside our other support services, such as counselling and case management, and group activities, such as singing, self-care and ‘movement for mental health’ to provide a comprehensive approach to healing.
This aligns with our guiding principles of respect, self-determination, compassion, integrity, safety, equity, healing, and community.
By offering massage services, we acknowledge the profound connection between body and mind in the healing process, providing women with additional tools to manage and overcome the effects of trauma.
With years of experience in the health and wellbeing sector, Felicity is a trauma-informed bodyworker and naturopath dedicated to supporting women on their healing journeys.
She has taught various bodywork modalities through TAFE NSW, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.
Felicity’s passion for working with women and children recovering from domestic, family, and sexual violence is deeply personal – her own lived experience as a victim-survivor has shaped her commitment to this work.
This connection fuels her dedication to somatic body-based therapies, which focus on healing through physical awareness. She continuously builds her skills and knowledge in these dynamic and evolving fields, recognising their essential role in trauma recovery.
If you are eligible for our massage therapy service, book an appointment with Felicity by contacting the Centre.
All services at the Centre are free, including massage therapy.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, check our FAQs or give us a call for a confidential conversation.
