Practices + Education
In both my practice as a massage therapist and doula, I seek to practice or center the following:
Anti-oppression: I celebrate the opportunity to care for bodies of any size, race, sexual orientation and gender expression. In my practice and beyond, I seek to create space this is explicitly anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming and supportive of bodies of all abilities (see FAQ for more information about building accessibility.)
Consent+Autonomy: My work, especially when first getting to know you, involves a high level of communication and checking in. Your boundaries and safety are very important to me. The choices you make around your body will be honored.
Curiosity: I seek to show up with a sense of openness and curiosity. I am not here to fix you but to be present and supportive.
Acceptance: In both my bodywork and doula practice, I invite you as your whole self, resting in the trust that I commit myself to mindfully being aware of practicing non-judgement. My practice is poly, kink and fat positive. Your body and desires are good just as they are.
Cultural Humility: In the spirit of staying curious, I also seek to understand how a client’s culture, faith and various orientations affect their relationship to bodywork and parenthood. Humility allows me to examine my biases and privilege.
Patience: I like to work slowly, honoring your body and nervous system. I commit to listening carefully and allowing release to happen when your body is ready.
I am grateful to be informed by the following education:
Body Therapy Institute, 2012
Nurturing the Mother* (Claire Marie Miller), 2015
Cultivating a Mindful Practice (Tracey Moon), 2016
Doula Trainings International, 2018
The Cranial System: Structure+Motion (Ellen Gayle Sovinne), 2018 & 2022
Cranial Sacral+Holistic Modalities: Emotional Release From Trauma (Ellen Gayle Sovinee), 2019
Breath Body+Sound (Cultivating Inner Stillness), 2021
*I acknowledge that “mother” does not include all people who become pregnant and give birth. In my own practice and materials, I use the term “birthing person.”