I strive to maintain an open, professional, and therapeutic space for each client. Whether this is your first massage, or you’ve been to another therapist before, please review the following etiquette before booking so that we both know what to expect.

I'm immunocompromised and/or protecting myself against Covid-19, is your studio equipped with measures to help prevent viral transmission?

It feels of upmost importance to me to make my studio a safe and inviting place to anyone. I am always happy to wear an N95 mask by request and run my two hepa air filters. I also have backup covid tests I can take before your appointment if you like. You may send me an email if you'd like to discuss any ways that I can make my studio feel comfortable and accessible to you. Please visit my Health & Safety page for detailed information about the procedures I have implemented to help mitigate our risk against the coronavirus.

What should I do before and after my massage to get the most out of my experience?

I recommend that you avoid stimulants like coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugar the day of your massage so you can reach your peak relaxation. You should eat and drink something within several hours of your massage to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and hydration, but make sure you’re not so full that your body is spending too much energy digesting or needing frequent trips to the bathroom. After your massage, you’ll want to drink extra fluids to help flush out toxins from your body.

I recently had surgery or I have another medical condition. Is massage indicated for me?

Great question! Please email me how your body is doing if you’re wondering if massage is right for you. In some situations, I may ask for a doctors note that you are cleared for massage, or I may refer you to another health professional such as a physical therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, nutritionist, therapist, etc.

Will the pressure be deep enough?

Short answer is yes. I have training in multiple massage modalities that allow me to use extra pressure and body weight in areas that will optimize tissue release.

Long answer is yes, and oftentimes the old adage “no pain no gain” doesn’t apply to our bodies. Creating deep work can also look like restructuring energy pathways and connective tissue holding patterns through lighter touch therapies. By accessing the abilities of your autonomic nervous system to release and rebalance your body, we can create integrative sessions with lasting results. Sometimes this looks like deep tissue, trigger point and cupping work, and sometimes it feels more subtle through CranioSacral, acupressure, or Swedish massage, but is equally as powerful.

How does clothing/nudity work in a massage session?

Each session is client-centered which means we will always create a space together that respects your boundaries and feels most comfortable to you. You have a few options: You’re welcome to stay fully clothed for your session and I will work with you mainly with CranioSacral therapy, acupressure, trigger point and Thai Massage therapies. I will always avoid any body parts you don’t want to receive work on. Please let me know, and update me if and when your comfort levels change. I’ll do my best to check in with you as well.

You’re also welcome to undress to your level of comfort or be fully nude. The areas of the body that are covered by a two-piece bathing suit will always be covered by the top sheet on the massage table. I’ll also leave the room when your undressing or dressing to give you privacy. When I’m able to work directly on the skin, I will usually use massage oil which helps expand the types of therapies I’ll be able to practice with you. This is also true for the gluteus muscles and whether you choose to keep underwear on or not. Everything is completely up to you!

Do people talk during a massage?

I let the client guide how much talking we do and my default is to be quiet unless someone wants to share something or ask a question. Sometimes I talk and hold presence through an experience you’re having in the session, or I may offer some simple breathing techniques or check in with you about how the session is going. Generally, talking about things not related to your experience aren’t helpful to the therapeutic process. Many people fall asleep during their massage and that’s okay too.

How often is massage recommended?

This is entirely variable depending on your personal bodywork goals, level of stress, and medical history. For people who get massages regularly, it generally ranges between 1 and 6 weeks. My biggest advice to folks is to find a frequency that works best for them and factor the time and cost just like they would for any other health related appointment. It’s nice to know you have a massage waiting for you on your calendar and to treat it as part of your health program of self care.

Can I get a massage when I’m sick?

While massage is wonderful for the immune system as a preventative measure, it can be taxing on it if it’s working to fight off the cold or flu. In such cases, you could leave feeling worse and it could actually slow down your healing process. Please reach out if you’re not feeling well and we can decide together if it would be best to reschedule or simply take it easy during the session. Please be mindful as well that if you may be contagious, I wouldn’t want to put myself or other clients at risk. Cancellation fees will be waived in the case of illness.

Is massage recommended during pregnancy?

Anytime after the first trimester, it’s safe and wonderful to receive massage therapy! Please let me know if you are pregnant when booking, and I may help you find a massage therapist with more training than I have in prenatal massage.

Is your business friendly to the LBGTQ community?

Yes! I identify as gender fluid and queer. I will ask for and respect your personal pronouns and support you in whatever your personal goals are for our session. Please reach out if you have other questions or requests to make our time together a positive and empowering experience.

Is tipping expected?

Unless you are at a spa where the therapist works on a commission, tipping is optional. If you’d like to tip, it’s always appreciated! I never expect tips from students or working artists/musicians. You’re also welcome to share your appreciation by coming back for another visit, emailing me a testimonial for this website, or referring me to a friend. Those gestures all mean the world to me!

May I refer people to you?

Please! If you think they would be a good fit for my practice and respect the client etiquette section of this page, I would love to work with them! Thank you for the referal!

Should I be embarrassed about anything related to my body?

I love working with all types of bodies and people. There is nothing about anyone that requires an apology. My focus is always on allowing each client to feel as much freedom and mobility within themselves and their muscle/nerve/lymph/connective tissues as possible. Therapeutic touch like that found in massage therapy and bodywork can be a wonderful foundation for cultivating safe touch, self acceptance and self love. I would be honored to be a part of that journey with you.

Sometimes I cry, laugh, or vocalize during bodywork. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Our bodies release tension, holding patterns and old trauma in all kinds of ways, and tears, crying, laughter, loud sighs or groaning can be a powerful way to process or let go of emotions, experiences, and holding patterns that are being stored in our bodies. When someone has an emotional release during a session with me, I support them through what’s happening and let them decide what happens next. You can cry as long as you like, share what you’re feeling/talk through it with me, or we can reground and avoid certain triggers if what you’re feeling feels like too much to invite into the session for that day. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns about this topic or want more information. It’s something I have experience and training in and regard with care and understanding.

If I give you feedback will it disrupt the massage?

Nope! I always appreciate when clients tell me what they need to feel comfortable or get the most out of their time with me. We can always adjust temperature, music choice, pressure, positioning, or goals for the massage. Let me know what you need or want, each session is about YOU!

What age groups do you work on?

All of them! I’m trained in infant and child CranioSacral Therapy and Tender Love Care Touch with kids of all ages. These sessions will all be clothed and with a family member in the room who also may be receiving work simultaneously. I also provide geriatric sessions. End of life care is also available for all ages as touch is a wonderful way to access peace and relaxation during the final stage of life.