Our work together begins with our first contact - phone, email, in-person discussion, etc.
We start with a discussion of your health, challenges, goals, what is and isn't working. Then, I explain how I feel I best may help you.
If we reach an agreement about how to proceed, we do so.
Those seeking bodywork complete an in-take form upon arrival for their appointment, which is the basis for deeper pre-treatment discussion, and our work together.
Those interested in Transformational Coaching provide me with a Self Discovery form - the basis for our phone consultation - exploring what is going on for you, whether or not coaching is a good fit, and how I may help you. If we reach an agreement for a coaching program, you will receive an agreement form to sign and return, then we schedule your sessions.
Sessions are tailored to your goals and needs, and are as special and unique as you are. I always invite my clients to transcend symptomatic quick-fix treaments and open to the fundamental aspects of creating a fulfilling life with greater grace and ease to make the most of their investment of time and energy in this work. This is process work, removing layers like an onion, and creating new ways of being over time for lasting results. This is not something done in a single session.
Your total comfort is of utmost importance, so you can relax and process the work. This is a partnership of sorts, a dance between you and I. The more comfortable you are, and the more you are able to trust me, the more responsive your system can be.
For Craniosacral Work:
You lay on a padded massage table, either on your back or side, with pillows, sheets, blankets as needed for their comfort. You wear loose comfortable clothing (unless you are also choosing to disrobe for massage, too).
I center myself, then make gentle, comfortable contact with your feet, back, shoulders, or head so that our systems can "get aquainted" with each other, and we both begin to settle in.
Typically, a craniosacral therapy session involves light touch on or near the head, limbs, feet, or trunk of the body (usually at the shoulders, base of the neck, ribcage/respiratory diaphragm, and/or hips and pelvis).
The touch may be very still and quiet, or my hands may follow tension patterns that are being released. Your body may move 3-dimensionally to faciliate the unwinding of tension and restriction in the tissue, too.
I establish new hand positions depending on your comfort, and what your system calls for. There may be only one, or several holds used depending on how the session goes.
This light touch helps gently unwind body, mind, and spirit, bringing them into renewed alignment with each other, releasing even long-held patterns of tension that restrict and interfere with the fluid rhythms of the body (see craniosacral therapy). The natural rhythms in the fluid can then re-express themselves in a healthier pattern.
Everyone experiences this work differently, even from session to session. Some people may note physical releasing of tension, and may experience the need to reposition themselves or stretch. Others notice heat, sensations of movement or differences in perceived weight or size of an area of the body. Some experience memories or emotions. Others find they become deeply relaxed and drift off into deep, sleep or dream-like states.
Sometimes we talk during the session about what you are noticing in your body, or I will suggest some imagery or focused attention to support and enhance the process.
Massage Therapy:
If massage therapy will be part of your session, you will be given privacy to disrobe to your level of comfort. If disrobed, your body will be draped to cover all but the area on which I am working.
You will lay on a comfortable padded massage table, with pillows, sheets, blankets for comfort. You may lay on your side (especially if pregnant), back, and/or tummy. You may sit or stand if you cannot lay down.
Massage is done as it is called for and fits into the flow of the session. It may be a "separate"/distinct part of the session, or blended in with the craniosacral holds. It may be all that you want, or need that day. That is fine, too.
As with craniosacral sessions, to begin I center myself, then make gentle, comfortable contact with your feet, back, shoulders, or head so that our systems can "get aquainted" with each other, and we both begin to settle in.
Swedish relaxation massage is the foundation of my massage work. I offer a supportive opportunity to change, vs. imposing an agenda for change on the body, using only the pressure needed to feel the tissue, support change, and/or to meet client's needs and preferences. Too much pressure can override those self-corrective mechanisms, be painful, create counter-productive inflammation, and/or exacerbate injury. There is no need for uncomfortable pain during treatment. Tension = compression. Pressure = more compression. It is time to de-compress, and expand.
You will be draped at all times for your comfort and mine, in accordance with the Law. Only the area on which I am working will be revealed at the time.
Generally, part of the massage is done while you are laying on your back, and part is done while you are laying on your tummy. However, you can also lay on your side (especially if pregnant), or in one position the whole time depending on your needs and goals.
My massage medium is a blend of non-allergenic jojoba, a trace of grapeseed oil, flower essences, and a trace of lavender essential oil. I begin with gentle contact to the area being worked. The muscles and soft tissues are stroked, stretched, and kneaded to assess the area, and help encourage relaxation, release of scar tissue, and movement of fluids.
Completing Bodywork Sessions:
You will be guided to bring your attention fully back into the present, into your body, and grounded at the end of your session. You will be given privacy to dress and compose yourself.
We will finish with a brief discussion about how you are feeling, and anything that you wish to share or question regarding your session. We also will discuss strategies for your self-care until your next session, and you will be encouraged to ease back into your day.
The " real work" begins after your session. A session actually starts a process which will continue over the next day, or even a couple of weeks. The changes you note may be profound, or subtle. They may be physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual. Some people notice an increase in energy, a decrease in pain, an increase in flexibility or mobility. Some notice a change in their mood. Some notice they are more emotional. Some may become aware of themselves in new ways. They begin to relate to themselves, their lives, and other people in new ways. Some sleep better.
Some people experience pain they haven't had before, or no reduction in the pain for which they are seeking help. This generally isn't cause for alarm. This is a process, and a journey. Changes in holding patterns and tension patterns can shift awareness, attention, and pressure to new areas. And, not everything resolves on one fell swoop - that could be quite overwhelming. It may take up to 3 sessions in about 6 weeks to notice a change. The pace is determined naturally by your system, not my intellect.
Beyond Bodywork Sessions:
Your response to each session will be as unique as you are. Though I have no control over how you will respond, I CAN help you adapt to any effects you experience afterward if you are having discomfort. The most common reason for post-session discomfort is lack of adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water afterward helps keep your tissues hydrated and healthy.
If you have "negative" effects, and aren't comfortable with how you are responding or feeling, it is vital that you contact me. This is part of your participation in your process. This is part of what you are paying for - partnership and support. I can help you understand, and deal with, what is happening.
Most people notice improvement in how they feel as a result of a session. Most people notice that not only does their physical discomfort lessen, but they notice improvement in other areas of their Being, of their lives, as well.
Because I come from a place of High Service, I emphasize this is process work, not one-time symptomatic relief. Healing is a process. You are investing in yourself, in your health and wellbeing, in your life. This is an opportunity to let your Inner Light shine, and allow the rest of us to bask in your glow, Blessing us with you being your Best True Self.
Transformational Life Coaching:
How you care for and support yourself during this growth and healing journey will affect your outcome. Depending on where you are in your process, and what your goals are, I suggest tools, tips, and resources to help support you. These are things we will discuss during your session, and are part of the service I provide.
Some clients find they need a help, strategic approach to creating meaningful lasting changes in their lives to fully support and reach their goals, improving their health and decreasing their stress. They may even need help discovering what their goals are. I provide Transformational Life Coaching to take them to that next level.
Transformational Coaching is done over a period of time agreed upon in advance, by phone and email, separately from bodywork sessions. It involves various relaxation techniques, imagery and meditative processes, written exercises in self inquiry, and brainstorming. Sessions are recorded so that you may listen to them again and again, re-using the processes to deepen your work and experiences.
And, bodywork helps embody the changes you choose for yourself through the coaching process.
Bodywork and coaching combined together give the most complete experience, and enhanced results. Please see Transformational Coaching, Is it Right for You? for more information.