My Approach
The ability to be present with body sensations is a foundational component of healing. Through massage therapy and yoga teaching, I help you ground yourself in the present and establish a sense of safety in your body in order to pave the way for transformative change - a "bottom-up" approach.
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In addition to massage modalities that target the muscle and fascia, like myofascial release and trigger point therapy, I use techniques that speak to the nervous system, pulling from Somatic Experiencing®, applied polyvagal theory, and craniosacral therapy. I am currently on my way to becoming a certified craniosacral therapist in 2025.
In my work, I enter a collaborative relationship with my clients' tissues, nervous system, breath, and being. I believe in your innate health and empower you as the leader of your own healing; I'll work alongside you in a supporting role, forming a therapeutic alliance in the progress toward your goals.
My aim is to always provide compassionate, competent, trans-affirming, culturally-informed, and trauma-informed care and teaching. You can read more about my education and influences on my About Me page.
I love what I do!
What being "trauma informed" looks like in my practice:
You can expect to experience trauma-informed care in my practice. Here are some actionable ways I apply my knowledge about trauma to our interactions.
ACKNOWLEDGING OPPRESSION I acknowledge that trauma doesn't happen in a vacuum, but is perpetuated by systems of harm. As a cis white woman, I'm aware of the lens that my position and the associated privileges that I have give me for looking at the world, and I'm committed to continued learning and growth in this area. I'm receptive to your communication and feedback and eager to hear how I can make you feel most comfortable in my care.
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HONORING TOLERANCE I will work with you to identify what you do and don't feel comfortable with, always staying within your nervous system's window of tolerance. I will listen to your words and also to your body's unspoken language. We will work at a very intentional pace that will allow you to safely expand your tolerance. ​
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WELCOMING ALL EXPERIENCES I hold space for and normalize emotional releases and triggered reactions.
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SAFETY I share grounding and breathwork practices as well as tools from applied polyvagal theory and Somatic Experiencing®, like orienting and pendulation, that are clinically proven in treating PTSD.
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CONSENT I will educate you on treatment modalities and my planned treatment approach, getting informed consent before moving forward. I empower you with the "why" behind the approach. ​
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PACING We will take breaks, pauses, check-ins, and have time for questions.
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CHOICE Options are always provided: eyes can be open or closed, you may assume a position on the table that's comfortable and safe to you, dress to your level of comfort, specify areas of the body you'd prefer I don't work with, and there is always permission to opt-out.
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SECURITY I cultivate a safe and secure space by locking the door of the treatment room during sessions, keeping the treatment room well-lit, and keeping you aware of where I am in the space around you.​
Therapist Referral Program
Are you a therapist or other healing practitioner looking to refer your clients to a trauma-informed massage therapist? I would love to work with your clients, particularly those living with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Please contact me for more information about my therapeutic approach or with any other questions you may have.