1. How is Therapeutic Bodywork different than Traditional Massage?
Therapeutic Bodywork (see tab above for more detail) focuses on the integration of the emotional and somatic
aspects of a person (i.e. enhancing the mind-body connection). Therapeutic Bodywork is based on Somatic
Psychology--the powerful interface between the body and the mind/emotions and the somatoemotional benefits are
the primary focus of Therapeutic Bodywork: it is Body Psychotherapy.
Traditional Massage is the clinical application of touch to change the tone of muscle/soft tissue, decrease stress,
and improve circulation. Massage has many proven benefits: increases circulation, enhances the effectiveness of your
immune system, facilitates healthy skin, increases muscle tone, decreases anxiety and tension, reduce blood pressure,
and may improve your quality of sleep (to name a few). For a more detailed list, see the www.abmp.org website.
Therapeutic Bodywork (see tab above for more detail) focuses on the integration of the emotional and somatic
aspects of a person (i.e. enhancing the mind-body connection). Therapeutic Bodywork is based on Somatic
Psychology--the powerful interface between the body and the mind/emotions and the somatoemotional benefits are
the primary focus of Therapeutic Bodywork: it is Body Psychotherapy.
Traditional Massage is the clinical application of touch to change the tone of muscle/soft tissue, decrease stress,
and improve circulation. Massage has many proven benefits: increases circulation, enhances the effectiveness of your
immune system, facilitates healthy skin, increases muscle tone, decreases anxiety and tension, reduce blood pressure,
and may improve your quality of sleep (to name a few). For a more detailed list, see the www.abmp.org website.
2. Will my insurance cover sessions?
Perhaps. Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO policies will often cover sessions if you are presently seeing a counselor,
and are struggling with Depression, Anxiety, an Eating Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), etc.
Unfortunately, I am not a Medicare or Medicaid provider. At present, I am a provider only for BCBS of IL
(PPO). Other insurance companies will consider me an "out of network provider" and you will need to pay
out of pocket, and then seek to be reimbursed according to their policy rates. Some insurance plans will cover
Traditional Massage as part of their Wellness Benefits; you will need to consult your specific policy.
Rates:
Therapeutic Bodywork sessions are approximately 2 hours long. Therefore, I charge $140. for the first hour, then
charge on a pro-rated amount the time you actually use of the second hour ($80 for full second hour).
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3. How did you start this work ?(Therapeutic Bodywork)
I have been a counselor for over a decade. Several years ago, I was exploring my own personal growth with Bodywork.
The experience was so transformative, that I decided to return to school and become a licensed massage therapist as
well so that I could offer Bodywork tailored to the psychological needs of people (Somatic Psychology). Research in this
area is exploding--several psychological and massage/bodywork journals are
publishing these studies.
4. What is your education/training?
2012 New School of Massage Bodywork & Healing , Chicago, IL(600 hours)
2003 PsyD Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA
1999 MA Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA
1992 BS Houghton College (Religion and Philosophy)
1990 ELIM Bible Institute (3 year Program)
2012 New School of Massage Bodywork & Healing , Chicago, IL(600 hours)
2003 PsyD Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA
1999 MA Fuller Graduate School of Psychology, Pasadena, CA
1992 BS Houghton College (Religion and Philosophy)
1990 ELIM Bible Institute (3 year Program)
5. What professional organizations are you a member of?
I am a registered member of the following professional organizations:
Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP).
6. Do you work with both Women and Men?
Yes. I specialize in treating all individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma (physical, emotional, sexual), and body
image issues by means of various therapeutic bodywork modalities (Cranio Sacral Work, Shiatsu, Bodywork Awareness
etc.). In my work, I desire to create an environment that feels both safe and nurturing. Therefore, my main focus is to
deliver the best care possible. I feel honored to serve each individual.
Women are often afraid or embarrassed about how a therapist may view their body (e.g., size, shape, weight,
injuries, scaring, etc). But, Therapeutic Bodyworkers respect and care for all types, sizes and shapes of bodies without
judgment or criticism. Men are often are concerned that they might experience physical arousal (an erection) during
a session. It is important for men to know that when they are in a relaxed state, they may experience arousal, since it
is a normal parasympathetic response. Professional Bodyworkers know this and do not assign any inappropriate
meaning nor place undue focus on this response. Nonetheless, in order for some men to feel more comfortable,
some prefer to wear briefs or biker shorts during sessions.
In all sessions, I utilize professional draping methods to maintain your privacy at all times. Clients are also more than
welcome to attend sessions fully clothed--yoga pants, sweatpants, and T-shirts are fine if it adds to your comfort.
Yes. I specialize in treating all individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma (physical, emotional, sexual), and body
image issues by means of various therapeutic bodywork modalities (Cranio Sacral Work, Shiatsu, Bodywork Awareness
etc.). In my work, I desire to create an environment that feels both safe and nurturing. Therefore, my main focus is to
deliver the best care possible. I feel honored to serve each individual.
Women are often afraid or embarrassed about how a therapist may view their body (e.g., size, shape, weight,
injuries, scaring, etc). But, Therapeutic Bodyworkers respect and care for all types, sizes and shapes of bodies without
judgment or criticism. Men are often are concerned that they might experience physical arousal (an erection) during
a session. It is important for men to know that when they are in a relaxed state, they may experience arousal, since it
is a normal parasympathetic response. Professional Bodyworkers know this and do not assign any inappropriate
meaning nor place undue focus on this response. Nonetheless, in order for some men to feel more comfortable,
some prefer to wear briefs or biker shorts during sessions.
In all sessions, I utilize professional draping methods to maintain your privacy at all times. Clients are also more than
welcome to attend sessions fully clothed--yoga pants, sweatpants, and T-shirts are fine if it adds to your comfort.
7. What are some resources/research regarding Therapeutic Bodywork/Somatic Psychology?
The following resources present a sample of theoretical, clinical, and spiritual approaches to Somatic Psychology. It is a field that is rapidly growing
due to the acknowledgement of the mind-body connection. This has been fueled in the West by the advances in neuroscience which are confirming
the practices and effectiveness of mind/body integration modalities. A sampling of integrative texts:
Conger, J. 1994). The Body in Recovery: Somatic Psychotherapy and the Self. Berkeley CA: Frog Books.
Field, T. (1998). Massage Therapy Effects. American Psychologist. Vol. 53(12) 1270-1281. (Especially related to treatment of Autism, ADHD, PTSD,
Eating Disorders, Depression).
Johnson, D. & Grand, I. (1998). The Body in Psychotherapy: Inquiries in Somatic Psychology. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Levine, P. (197). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
McNeely, D. (1987). Touching: Body Therapy and Depth Psychology. Toronto, CA: Inner City Books.
Montagu, A. (1986). Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin. New York: Harper.
Mount-Shoop, M. (2010). Let the Bones Dance: Embodiment and the Body of Christ. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press.
Pausell, S. (2002). Honoring the Body: Meditations on a Christian Practice. San Francisco: CA: Jossey-Bass.
Rosen, M. (2003). Rosen Method Bodywork: Accessing the Unconscious through Touch. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Rothschild, B. (2000). The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. New York: Norton.
Ryan, T., editor. (2004). Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press.
Timms, R. & Connors, P. (1992). Embodying Healing: Integrating Bodywork and Psychotherapy in Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse. Brandon, VT:
Safer Society Press.
The following resources present a sample of theoretical, clinical, and spiritual approaches to Somatic Psychology. It is a field that is rapidly growing
due to the acknowledgement of the mind-body connection. This has been fueled in the West by the advances in neuroscience which are confirming
the practices and effectiveness of mind/body integration modalities. A sampling of integrative texts:
Conger, J. 1994). The Body in Recovery: Somatic Psychotherapy and the Self. Berkeley CA: Frog Books.
Field, T. (1998). Massage Therapy Effects. American Psychologist. Vol. 53(12) 1270-1281. (Especially related to treatment of Autism, ADHD, PTSD,
Eating Disorders, Depression).
Johnson, D. & Grand, I. (1998). The Body in Psychotherapy: Inquiries in Somatic Psychology. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Levine, P. (197). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
McNeely, D. (1987). Touching: Body Therapy and Depth Psychology. Toronto, CA: Inner City Books.
Montagu, A. (1986). Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin. New York: Harper.
Mount-Shoop, M. (2010). Let the Bones Dance: Embodiment and the Body of Christ. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press.
Pausell, S. (2002). Honoring the Body: Meditations on a Christian Practice. San Francisco: CA: Jossey-Bass.
Rosen, M. (2003). Rosen Method Bodywork: Accessing the Unconscious through Touch. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Rothschild, B. (2000). The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. New York: Norton.
Ryan, T., editor. (2004). Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press.
Timms, R. & Connors, P. (1992). Embodying Healing: Integrating Bodywork and Psychotherapy in Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse. Brandon, VT:
Safer Society Press.