FAQs

What is Integrative Bodywork?

Integrative Bodywork helps you move from stress and overwhelm to re-discovering balance --- building on your own natural resilience.    

Integrative Bodywork is body-centered, "whole-person" therapy, working in relationship to elicit the organismic healing response. 

How do you do that?

Individual therapy sessions are scheduled in my private office in Claremont.    With a somatic (body/mind) approach, my hands-on work will vary as appropriate to you.  I don't just apply a formula or technique but integrate what's most effective for you.  The umbrella term, bodywork, includes massage therapy, movement, and somatic education.

• Somatic Experiencing helps re-regulating the body's natural protective responses.  Contact may be a gentle support, or facilitated movement.  This work does not include massage and clients remain fully clothed.
• Massage therapy sessions may include Neuromuscular Therapy (St John), using deep-tissue massage for structural balancing and strength; and Craniosacral Therapy, gently easing the body's natural movement.

What if I just want a massage?

Many clients know me as a massage therapist (licensed since 1991), and prefer to receive massage therapy. 

When you schedule your appointment, just let me know it's for massage therapy.  We'll tailor the pressure, the area treated, the length of session, to suit your needs.  With 18 years experience, including several at a local athletic facility, I have provided professional massage for people from 8 to 88 --- from the high school cross country team to moms, dads, and grandparents.  And I'm happy to coordinate my therapeutic approach with your fitness training, physical therapy, psychotherapy, or other care.

How often should I schedule therapy sessions?

I usually recommend a week or ten days between the first few sessions.  We'll work with your schedule, to meet your goals!  If your goals include changing a long-held pattern, our regular contact helps to keep the new physiological balance on course.  Your body can use the time between sessions to integrate.

Do you accept insurance?

Although I do not bill, I can provide itemized receipts that you may submit for insurance reimbursement.  

What ethical guidelines do you follow?

A national level professional organization,  Assoc. Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals, publishes ethical guidelines at abmp.com.  I have been a member since 1991.  

As a professional therapist offering skilled touch, I respect client boundaries.  For example, with new clients, I may begin our first session by stating that touch is optional in my practice.  Clients may always remain fully clothed.  Clients requesting massage will be draped as needed.  Sexual contact is not a part of professional massage therapy.  

What advice might you have for someone new to bodywork?

Be curious. As you try something new, how do you know when something feels better? 

Look beyond the technique or modality, to the healing context provided by our relationships.