Touch Matters: A unique massage & touch experiment

👐 Touch Matters

A community for exploring massage, bodywork, and the benefits and magic of therapeutic touch for licensed professionals, singles, and couples—with different gatherings thoughtfully designed for each group type.

Massage is not just about pain management; it is necessary for nervous system regulation and overall well-being — plus it feels wonderful. We are more connected in this day and age, yet simultaneously more isolated than ever before, and large segments of society are touch-deprived.

We’re a curated-but-welcoming group focused on exploring and appreciating the benefits of touch in a safe, ethical, heart-centered space. For licensed therapists, it will also be a space for professional growth, peer support, and meaningful exchange. For others it will be a place to explore safe nurturing touch though discussions, exercises and connection.

🐘 Let’s address the elephant in the room.
Massage groups can be creepy.
I’ve been a licensed massage therapist for almost 15 years, and I’ve seen many of these groups come and go on Meetup,
But I believe something like this is needed now more than ever. And I’m willing to try to do it better.

🌿 What We Are
For LMTs
A space to meet, exchange ideas, and give/receive in safe ways.
Think: “Steal and Feel” nights, business development, case discussion, shared skills, professional venting with wine, community care.

For Singles
A structured, largely clothed environment to explore, enjoy, give and receive safe, consensual, ethical touch. This is not a random massage swap or free-for-all.
Events will be curated, supervised, guided, and built slowly as the group matures.

For Couples
A place to reconnect through the language of touch—drawing from themes and techniques used in my wildly successful couples massage workshops.
You’ll learn simple, powerful ways to communicate and care for each other.

🚫 What We Are Not
This is not a place for creeps. Don’t try to sneak in. My radar is tuned after 15 yrs.
This is not a space for personal gratification or arousal.
This is not a tantra group, sex-positive circle, or spiritual cuddle pile.
This is not an open massage table exchange.
This is not a place to unload your "anything" on others.
This is not therapy—but can be wonderfully therapeutic.

This is nervous system care through respectful, structured touch.
A rare space to be seen, held, and human—without agenda.

⚠️ Important Note on Intention & Scope and "Trauma-Informed"
This is not a dedicated trauma-informed space—it's better suited for the trauma-ready or trauma-capable or trauma-resilient. This is non judgemental, its just the reality of running a group centered around something personal like touch in a group setting.

While "trauma-informed" is widely embraced today, it shifts the dynamics of a group and is beyond my expertise. Sorry. Its a valid priority—but it’s not our priority.

We ask that all participants check in with themselves beforehand. This space is about connection, consent, and nervous system care. Please come when you’re ready.

🌱 Can it work?

I hope so.

It will take a lot of intention and effort, but I’ve seen firsthand the impact of neutral, nurturing touch on the nervous system—on stress, depression, isolation, and more.

Whether single or coupled, I believe many of us are touch-deprived, and that safe, human connection can help.

This is my effort to make space for that—honestly, cautiously, and with care.

If this resonates, join us. Let’s see what’s possible.

🧾 Group Policies & Agreements

A FEW RULES TO KEEP US ORGANIZED AND SAFE:

TRANSPARENCY POLICY:
We require that you have a photo (for security reasons) that is a current picture of yourself on your Meetup profile that clearly shows your face (without sunglasses), and we need to know your real name. If your preference is to be a bit anonymous on Meetup, you may email it to us. Anyone without a photo and name will not be allowed join.

All participants will be requited to fill out an intake questionnaire and consent form before attending. no exceptions.

RSVP POLICY:
PLEASE RSVP with integrity as space is limited & it's not fair to others or the venue to do a last minute cancellation. Last minute cancellations (meaning after the event closes - time which can be seen on the app if set for the event) count as NO SHOWS & it's 3 strikes you're out of the group. Emergencies/illness happen--we get it--and it only takes a few seconds to change your RSVP from ATTENDING to NOT ATTENDING. This is also YOUR responsibility. And it's common courtesy.

WAITLISTS:
You are responsible for managing your own RSVP when on a WAITLIST. IF you stay on a WAITLIST, you could move to the going list at any time. If you assume you will not get on the going list and make other plans, it is YOUR responsibility to update your RSVP to not going to avoid a no show or last minute cancellation. You have potentially taken a spot away from another member who would have loved to join the event.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCLAIMER:
By participating in any event, activity, gathering, or initiative organized by The Grounding Loft (the “Club”), you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Voluntary Participation: All participation in Club events is strictly voluntary. Attendees assume full responsibility for their actions and interactions, and participate at their own risk.

No Duty of Care: The Club and its main organizer(s), officers, agents, and volunteers (collectively, the “Organizers”) do not owe a legal duty of care to attendees beyond that required by law. The Club is a voluntary, non-commercial social group and makes no warranties or guarantees about safety, fitness, or suitability of any event, venue, or participant.

Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Organizers shall not be liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage, liability, or expense of any kind (including but not limited to physical or emotional injury, property damage, theft, or death) arising out of or related to participation in any Club event or activity.

Assumption of Risk: You understand that certain activities may carry inherent risks, and by participating, you knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, both known and unknown.

Third-Party Venues and Services: The Club may host events at third-party locations or involve third-party services. The Club and Organizers do not control these third parties and are not responsible for their actions, omissions, or policies.

Media Release: By attending events, you grant the Organizers permission to use photographs, video, and audio recordings taken during events for promotional purposes, unless you explicitly request otherwise in writing prior to the event.

Code of Conduct: Participants are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly. The Organizers reserve the right to deny participation or remove individuals from events for disruptive, inappropriate, or dangerous behavior, at their sole discretion.

Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizers from any claims, demands, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your actions during or related to participation in any Club activity.

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BY ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN A GROUNDING LOFT EVENT, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS DISCLAIMER.