After going back to University to complete my BA, I graduated with honours from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in 2013.
Having completed the RMT program, I realized my desire to help people recover more effectively from chronic and acute pain and/or injury, and started learning techniques that promote structural integration.
To compliment my knowledge and clinical practice, I completed a three year mentorship program with an advanced rolfer, where I learned effective fascial techniques that promote your body's natural alignment or structural integration.
I also have training in Visceral Manipulation (VM), which is used to locate and solve problems throughout the body. VM encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of organs, dissipate the negative effects of stress, enhance mobility of the musculoskeletal system through the connective tissue attachments, and influence general metabolism. VM also assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body, while increasing proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby relieving symptoms of pain, disfunction, and poor posture.
Neural Manipulation (NM) examines the mechanical relationships between the cranium and spine to the dura and neural elements. It provides assessment and treatment to address restrictions of the dural and neural components of the body not commonly focused on with musculoskeletal symptoms. Local fixations in these structures can create global dysfunctional patterns in the body. Treatment of the neural system is gentle and precise; freeing the nerve, membranes, and surrounding tissue throughout the system while helping to restore proper signalling to the compromised structure it innervates and therefore improving the function of this structure- muscle, organ or fascia.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch CST releases restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve function of the musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is an elegant way of working with the body-mind to help release emotional issues or memories within its tissues. SER provides is a framework and toolkit for working with the body tissues (‘somata’) at the same time as with the emotions, to work towards a ‘release’ of any retained trauma. This can occur in a myriad of ways and is frequently gentle and creative, as we listen to and learn from both mind and body. SER facilitates personal growth, helps us move from illness, unresolved issues and lack of potential, towards health and fulfilment, and is an ingenious tool for sorting out our lives and redesigning our futures.
I utilize a wide variety of techniques during treatments, including dynamic myofascial release, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises to promote structural integration. I have experience in both pre- and post-natal massage and treating patients with various orthopaedic concerns, such as headaches, whiplash, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel, piriformis syndrome and sciatica, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, scar tissue, tendinitis, sprains, strains, frozen shoulder, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), and other acute and chronic pain related conditions and injuries.
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I absolutely love being in nature, so when I'm not in clinic you'll usually find me playing outside, rock climbing, standup paddling, hiking, skiing or out exploring the world!
