Some of my most vivid memories surfaced during a deep tissue massage.

I talked to my therapist about it. It was incredibly helpful to sort through the memories and what they meant.

I also spoke with my massage therapist about how to handle it because I needed the regular massages as part of my chiropractic care. She reassured me that it is not uncommon, and she was experienced and comfortable with that kind of work.

I am not suggesting that you tell your classmates/colleagues your history. That could be awkward and uncomfortable since you work with them in a professional capacity. I do want to share what my massage therapist told me, in hopes that it also helps you in your future career: Most massage therapists encounter a client experiencing release of traumatic memories at some point in their work. She has an awareness in doing her work that in healing the body, she is also sometimes healing mind and spirit, and she felt it was an honor to be a part of that healing.

She also talked me through some basics before that first massage, including the importance of letting her know if I needed to stop. Moxie, I know there's a balance when you're considering whether you should speak up or not, but even if your class partner needs to practice, it's okay for you to say "I can't do this right now." You don't have to say why.