Trauma-informed Tattooing

You may have heard of trauma informed care as it pertains to mental health and health care 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 to improve the quality of service and experience by creating a safe and respectful environment for the client or patient.

It's no secret that getting a tattoo can be a vulnerable experience. It is intimate and can open old wounds unintentionally. Being on the receiving end of a tattoo can feel like a release, clients can 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 trauma-informed approach in tattooing acknowledges the emotionally painful experiences that survivors of human trafficking, substance abuse, former gang affiliations, abuse/sexual exploitation, tattoos received during stressful times, or tattoos received because they were forced. For survivors, and even highly sensitive folks, voluntarily getting a tattoo can be liberating, a way to reclaim their body. To cover up a scar or old tattoo from a traumatic time period is empowering and therapeutic. Tattoos are still physically painful when applied but to have a voice, a choice about what happens to your body can be healing.

So how does this look in a tattoo shop? You pick the design and you pick 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 a long 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 advise 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 of sensitive topics during the procedure as they can be triggering. If you begin to become 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/pronouns. You have the right to equal treatment regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and physical ability. You have the right to request provisions toward 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.

Full disclosure, applying this approach will be an on-going learning experience for me. I learned to tattoo in a street shop and, although I am grateful for the 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 experience I can definitely work fast. But now I'm learning to slow down and allow my clients to take their time when needed. 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 set up please let me know, we've got options. As of the writing of this blog post there is no photos of my new space, however that is on it's way! You'll be able to get a glimpse at the shop to easy any initial anxiety about your tattoo experience.

Thank you for reading this and stay tuned for more updates!

~Jenn