1. How is Trauma-Informed Bodywork different than Traditional Massage?
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.
Trauma Informed 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). Trauma Informed 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 Trauma Informed 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.
Trauma Informed 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). Trauma Informed 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 Trauma Informed Bodywork: it is Body Psychotherapy.
2. Will my insurance cover sessions?
Perhaps. If I am on your insurance plan, insurance will often cover bodywork if you are presently seeing a counselor, and are struggling with depression, anxiety, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), etc. 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. I am also a Medicare provider in Florida.
Rates:
Trauma Informed 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 ($100 for full second hour). Insurance often applies to the first hour (with your deductible and co-pay) while the second hour will be our-of-pocket.
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3. How did you start this work ?(Therapeutic Bodywork)
I have been a counselor for over two decades. Many years ago, I was exploring my own personal growth with Bodywork. The experience was so life changing, that I decided to return to school and become a licensed massage therapist as well--l so that I could offer Bodywork tailored to the psychological needs of people (Somatic Psychology). Research in this area is expanding rapidly--several psychological and massage/bodywork journals have been 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:
Florida Counseling Association (FCA).
Illinois Counseling Association (ICA).
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP).
6. Whom do you work with?
I specialize in treating 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 safe and nurturing for everyone. Therefore, my 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). Professional 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 during
a session. When men are in a relaxed state, they may experience arousal. Professional Bodyworkers do not assign any
inappropriate meaning nor place undue focus on this response. In order for some men to feel more comfortable, they
may prefer to wear briefs or biker shorts during bodywork sessions.
I utilize professional draping methods IN ALL SESSIONS 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.
I specialize in treating 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 safe and nurturing for everyone. Therefore, my 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). Professional 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 during
a session. When men are in a relaxed state, they may experience arousal. Professional Bodyworkers do not assign any
inappropriate meaning nor place undue focus on this response. In order for some men to feel more comfortable, they
may prefer to wear briefs or biker shorts during bodywork sessions.
I utilize professional draping methods IN ALL SESSIONS 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 Trauma Informed 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.
Sample References:
Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
Shapiro, D. (2006). Your Body Speaks Your Mind: Understanding How Your Emotions and Thoughts affect you Physically. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
Rothschild, B. (2000). The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. New York: Norton.
Timms, R. & Connors, P. (1992). Embodying Healing: Integrating Bodywork and Psychotherapy in Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse. Brandon, VT:
Safer Society Press.
Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
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.
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.
Rosen, M. (2003). Rosen Method Bodywork: Accessing the Unconscious through Touch. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Ryan, T., editor. (2004). Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. New York: Paulist 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.
Sample References:
Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
Shapiro, D. (2006). Your Body Speaks Your Mind: Understanding How Your Emotions and Thoughts affect you Physically. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
Rothschild, B. (2000). The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment. New York: Norton.
Timms, R. & Connors, P. (1992). Embodying Healing: Integrating Bodywork and Psychotherapy in Recovery from Childhood Sexual Abuse. Brandon, VT:
Safer Society Press.
Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
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.
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.
Rosen, M. (2003). Rosen Method Bodywork: Accessing the Unconscious through Touch. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Ryan, T., editor. (2004). Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press.