Trauma-Informed Tattooing, Part 1

Written By: Peach Johnston, MSW, LCSW

I have experienced a recurring conversation with a few tattoo artists while I’m on their table:
“So, what do you do for work?”
“I’m a therapist!”
“Oh wow! I can’t tell you how many times a client has told me a pretty heavy story while they’re getting a tattoo. How do you handle that?”

What is trauma-informed tattooing?

Being a body-worker is challenging for so many reasons, particularly for tattoo artists who navigate so many demands on their brains and bodies. They go through extensive training and apprenticeship to learn their skilled artistry, but they may not receive the necessary guidance to help them with challenging emotional situations they may experience with clients. I recently held a workshop where I taught basic knowledge and skills for artists who want to learn how to be better prepared to support clients and care for themselves. 

To be a trauma-informed tattoo artist, one must understand the basics of types of trauma, how trauma affects a person, and how to cope with trauma responses. What this looks like in practice is when a trauma-informed tattoo artist is able to understand the impact of trauma, takes proactive measures to account for safety and the well-being of their clients, maintains basic skills to respond to challenging situations and conversations, and knows how to appropriately end interactions with clients in a mindful manner. Lastly, one often-ignored way to be more trauma-informed is to maintain basic self-care, so that an artist is properly grounded and regulated before attempting to handle stressful external circumstances. 

Four relevant and key features of being trauma-informed are:

1. Building safety (feeling physically and psychologically safe)
2. Trustworthiness and transparency (communicating to build trust and clarify the tattoo process)
3. Collaboration and mutuality (inviting the client into collaboration and reducing authoritative language)
4. Empowerment with voice and choice (checking in with the client, giving them a voice with preferences)

(https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs)

How can an Artist Prepare their Studio to be more Trauma-Informed?
Here are some things they could consider:

1. How visible or private is the workspace? Does it feel secure, welcoming, and comfortable?
2. Is the studio loud, overstimulating, or busy with lots of other people?
3. Do they have space for a client’s support person, if desired?
4. Can accommodations or requests be met? For example, changing the temperature of the room, offering additional comforts like blankets and pillows, and music preferences that are enjoyable for both client and artist.

Types of Trauma (list not comprehensive)

1. Big “T” Trauma, such as assault, accidents
2. Little “T” Trauma, such as job loss, difficult relationships
3. Chronic Trauma, which is enduring, long-lasting traumatic experiences
4. Complex Trauma, which occurs in repeated relational distress in childhood
5. Insidious Trauma that occurs with daily marginalized group experiences (racial trauma, for example)
6. Secondary Trauma, which is when one witnesses or is otherwise exposed to someone else’s trauma
7. Intergenerational Trauma, which is passed down through families and/or cultures

(attachmentproject.com)

Experiencing any of the above forms of trauma can affect a person’s ability to communicate clearly and appropriately, which is a problem in many areas of life, but especially when receiving a tattoo. Artists need transparent communication with clients to ensure that they’re doing what is asked of them. However, not every client is going to be properly equipped to do so, which leaves the responsibility to the artist to be a good communicator. 

In Part 2, I will discuss basic self-care and grounding techniques, somatic first-aid, skills such as boundary-setting and active listening, and creating a relevant list of resources for clients.

The information contained in this blog does not replace professional treatment or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.

Check back for trainings for tattooers and other information to support the community in being more trauma-informed. If you are interested in learning more, email us at info@elementspgh.com or call 412-587-6020.