Whichever methods are used, I am as present to you as possible, creating a space of "present-centered" awareness for both client and therapist to work within, and draw new life energies from. I offer massage therapy sessions which integrate the various approaches I have learned or developed over the years of my practice. Often , massage therapy is the best place to begin a holistic health and healing program of short , or even lifelong , duration. My original training during 1990-1993 at Kripalu Center and also Florida School of Massage gave me the gift of seeing bodywork therapies as sacred doorways through which therapists and clients enter , with respect for self, other, and the healing process. To me massage and bodywork therapies are multidimensional healing methods which may impart much more than orthopedic or mechanical change ; so much is happening on many levels within our holistic selves ! As a trained therapist, I seek to use my time with each client to facilitate the healing process and bring about increased awareness. Fees for all of my work : see "Consultations"page. I also bill auto insurance for rehabilitative treatment, and highly recommend massage and energy work for trauma healing. Cancellation or Reschedule: I thank my clients, and prospective clients for acknowledging that my time is valuable , as I recognize that their time is. I prepare ahead of time for most appointments, and cannot recoup that specific time if a client forgets to come, or has something come up at the last minute. Excepting true emergencies, confirmed appointment time with me must be paid for in full. Kindly contact me via telephone, leaving a message should the need arise to reschedule or cancel, with a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible. I, too, will do the most honorable job possible to respect your schedule and your personal and professional time should circumstances arise within my office, causing me to cancel or reschedule. I appreciate your understanding of this policy matter, which has evolved out of 17 years of private practice . Massage Therapy is very old, and is part of all indigenous cultures around the world. Only in our culture here are we encouraged to see it as a marginalized, quasi-therapy. Happily, this misperception is ever changing. Massage is natural healing. It is a solid pillar of traditional naturopathy, along with diet, herbs, hydrotherapy, movement, and the specialized application of certain natural therapeutics such as castor oil packs , or clays. Massage and Bodywork : general caveats: 1 - The session should be designed to feel good, and you should feel better on a number of levels afterwards. There is never a need for painful sessions, as it is essential to work with the body, not against it , nor in a harsh, intrusive manner. And yes, it is possible to receive 'deep" work without the pain - again, the approach, and training behind it, makes all the difference. 2 - Confidentiality between client and therapist at all times. 3- Clients should receive the choice, and the honor, of going into their own quiet space during a healing session that they are taking time out to receive and invest in. Speaking up for what you need , and giving feedback IS important and encouraged - otherwise a peaceful session offered is a richer, deeper session received. 4- Clients should be comfortable at all times, including with their body drapes, session room climate, and any comfort props such as knee or neck pillows. Special needs for pregnancy massage, elder massage, children, and those undergoing rehabilitation of any kind are best considered well in advance of scheduled sessions. 5 - Clarity about tipping. As a therapeutic practitioner, I do not expect or accept tips. My fees are noted on the "Consultations" page of this site. (If a therapist does not offer the answer to this question, you may ask .) In my experience as a therapist and teacher, massage therapy based upon use of the foundational and highly effective approach known as Swedish massage is excellent for the following : * Increase of circulation of blood, lymph, interstitial fluids- stagnation of such flow interferes with healing. Encouragement of such flow is supportive of the healing process. * As stagnation is relieved, so is pressure on nerves and related tissue constriction. In simple physics or mechanics, this will relieve pain in many cases. * The soft tissue manipulation of massage is applied with the intent to "open" tight and tense tissue, fascia, muscles. Again - lessening restriction on nerves, less pain, more flexibility, freedom and ease within the body. This is a mechanic explanation for why people "feel good" after a good massage session. *Specific techniques may be used by well trained and experienced practitioners to increase range of motion, further relieve pain and congestion, free up restrictions, and assist the innate healing capacity of our body. This is most useful for health maintenance, as well as more serious rehabilitative needs such as after trauma or injury. |
