Trauma-Informed Tattooing: A Safe Space for Healing, Mays Landing NJ

Understanding Trauma-Informed Care in Tattooing

You may have heard of trauma-informed care as it pertains to mental health and healthcare more broadly. The trauma-informed or trauma-aware approach is often applied to yoga classes, schools, frontline services, as well as small and large businesses. Trauma awareness practices help improve the quality of service and experience by creating a safe and respectful environment for clients.

Jenn is both T.I. and Sensory trained.

Getting a tattoo can be a vulnerable experience. It is intimate and can unintentionally open old wounds. Being on the receiving end of a tattoo can feel like a release. Clients often become unexpectedly emotional during the procedure. Memorial tattoos are a perfect example of this. While it is exciting to have the perfect tribute to a deceased loved one on your arm or leg, the process almost inevitably brings up cherished memories.

The Emotional Impact of Tattoos

The trauma-informed approach in tattooing acknowledges the emotionally painful experiences that survivors of human trafficking, substance abuse, former gang affiliations, abuse, sexual exploitation, or tattoos received during stressful times. For survivors, and even highly sensitive individuals, voluntarily getting a tattoo can be liberating—a way to reclaim their body. Covering up a scar or old tattoo from a traumatic time period can be empowering and therapeutic. Tattoos are still physically painful when applied, but having a voice and a choice about what happens to your body can be healing.

Creating a Safe Tattoo Experience

So, how does this look in a tattoo shop? You pick the design and the placement; this part remains the same as expected. But consent can and should be ongoing. I strive to have patience and empathy with every client, so I encourage feedback. I describe what will happen during the process and encourage you to ask any questions along the way.

You are always welcome to discuss any hesitations you have with a design or the tattoo process in general. I give my expert advice, but ultimately it is your body. Want the design smaller? Change the flower? Want to add more? Feel free to talk about the artwork that YOU want. I stay off sensitive topics during the procedure, as they can be triggering. If you begin to feel emotional during the procedure, I am prepared to hold space for you. I can stop tattooing and even give reiki if needed.

You have the right to be addressed by your preferred name and pronouns. You have the right to equal treatment regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. You also have the right to request provisions for your personal privacy. If you prefer to wear headphones, use a fidget toy, or munch on some candy during the tattoo, that is welcomed. My new space will be sensory inclusive (as much as I can), so you may request accommodations. More on this in a future blog post.

A Journey of Learning and Growth

Full disclosure: applying this approach will be an ongoing learning experience for me. I learned to tattoo in a street shop, and although I am grateful for that experience, that hustle may not apply to today's clientele. I often felt that speed was of utmost importance; get 'em in, get 'em out. With close to 17 years of experience, I can definitely work fast. But now I'm learning to slow down and allow my clients to take their time when needed.

Inside our Mays Landing NJ tattoo shop

If you've been tattooed before, you know the process already. But for the new folks, I am more than willing to answer questions along the way. If you feel that you need more privacy than my standard setup, please let me know; we've got options. As of the writing of this blog post, there are no photos of my new space, but that is on its way! You'll be able to get a glimpse of the shop to ease any initial anxiety about your tattoo experience.

Your Voice Matters

I want to emphasize that your voice matters in this process. You deserve to feel comfortable and respected. If you have any concerns or special requests, please don’t hesitate to share them. This is your journey, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for reading this, and stay tuned for more updates! I look forward to welcoming you into my space and helping you create a meaningful tattoo experience.

~Jenn

UPDATE OCTOBER 30, 2025

As promised, here are some photos of the shop. We understand how viewing a location in advance can help ease the experience. We'll be posting more in our Instagram Highlights @forevertattoonj.