Practitioner Survey
What healing modality or modalities do you practice?
Ortho-Bionomy!
Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?
Generally, clients seek my type of work because:
a) they’ve received Ortho-Bionomy somewhere else and want more;
b) they have been told how amazing it is by a friend or family member and that it is exactly what they need; or
c) nothing else they’ve tried (for chronic pain, anxiety, etc) has worked.
Also, with more and more frequency, people are reaching out to me because they have visited my website and are attracted to my approach to healing and self-care.
How did you get interested in doing what you do?
I attended a short talk where an instructor was describing the principles of Ortho-Bionomy and demonstrating the work. From the moment I walked into the room, I knew this work was for me. I was utterly captivated by the way the woman held herself, by the principles (which are both an approach to life as well as to working with people), and by how she monitored both herself and the client at the same time. Her presence was undeniable and there was this incredible sense of freedom and magic in the room. I was hooked.
How long have you been in practice? Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?
I’ve been doing bodywork since 1999; predominantly Ortho-Bionomy since 2002. The principles of Ortho-Bionomy are the foundation for all the work I do with clients, whether bodywork or teaching classes and workshops.
My work is more varied currently than it has been in the past. Previously, I worked exclusively one-on-one in person with clients. Now, I work over Skype with clients and teach self-care and awareness training workshops as well. I’m super excited about the teaching aspect of my work right now because it allows me to bring together all the things I love – awareness skills, Shiva Nata and pattern recognition, self-care, Ortho-Bionomy, and nature skills like Owl Eyes and wandering.
Where and when did you do your training? Was it formal or informal?
To become an Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner you must complete over 500 hours of Ortho-Bionomy training including workshops, documented client session, receiving sessions from more experienced practitioners, and mentorship. It’s a big commitment especially considering there is only one school (the New Mexico Healing Arts Academy) that offers the full program from start to finish. I was fortunate to have a local instructor and began my training with her. I also traveled all over the States so that I could experience Ortho-Bionomy through a number of different instructors and complete all the required workshops. At this point I have nearly 1000 hours of training in Ortho-Bionomy plus close to 10 years experience working with clients.
Is tipping appropriate for your business? Why or why not? How much?
Nope. I set my rates where they feel right to me. Tipping is not necessary or expected.
What are your rates? Do you use a fixed or sliding fee scale? Are taxes included?
Currently, my rates are $125 for a one-hour session. I offer a package of 4 for $415. My scale is fixed at these rates. However, if my schedule allows it and a client seems particularly invested in working with me (and following through on the homework I give them) I will work with their budget.
Are clients clothed or disrobed during your service? What kind of draping can they expect?
Clients remain fully clothed throughout an Ortho-Bionomy session – preferably in comfortable, looser fitting clothes that allow for a bit of movement.
What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?
Often people who have been in a lot of pain for a long time are afraid of the work hurting. The very first principle of Ortho-Bionomy is Comfort. Everything that we do in a session is geared towards helping the client feel more comfortable on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. If what I am doing in a session causes additional discomfort or pain, I expect the client to let me know. I can always adjust how I am working in order to bring in more comfort and less pain.
The second most common fear revolves around being afraid of having some big emotional release that they aren’t ready to have. Some modalities or practitioners do push for the emotional release. I don’t.
Having said that, clients often do end up experiencing a wide range of emotions during a session. However, this only happens when the client feels comfortable enough to go there. I don’t push for it or expect it. And, a big part of my work is helping the client learn how to meet and witness the emotion versus be overwhelmed by it. It is such an honor to be able to work in this way and I am constantly inspired by and in awe of the courage and depth of my clients.
How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?
I offer the 4-session package because I’ve found that 4 sessions within 4-6 weeks typically is what is needed to restore balance and alignment. If not, by the end of 4 sessions, you will have a very clear sense of whether our work together is beneficial and worth continuing or if you need to seek other alternatives.
I also work with some clients on an on-going basis, either monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly. These clients are dedicated to their growth and self-care and have chosen me to support them in that endeavor.
I adore working with clients in both ways – helping someone when they are in pain (whether physical or emotional) and then have them go on in their lives from a better place and being able to develop a deep, on-going relationship with the clients who choose me as one of their mentors.
Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?
My work is about learning how to connect deeply to yourself and how to listen to your body and your own higher guidance. From this perspective, my work tends to be complementary to nearly anything else the client is doing. Through working with me and learning to really listen to yourself, it become clear what other modalities or approaches are actually beneficial and worth continuing.
Modalities that are naturally super complementary include things like tai chi, shiva nata, Non-Violent Communication, talk therapy such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Hakomi, and any other practice that encourages mindfulness, slowing things down, and being gentle and kind with yourself.
How long does a typical session last? Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?
A typical session last an hour. Generally, there is not a reason for doing a longer session. For most people, an hours worth of Ortho-Bionomy is more than enough to integrate. Regarding shorter sessions, yes, a lot can be accomplished in less time – especially if a relationship (with me) has already been established. I personally schedule hour sessions because an hour lends a lot of spaciousness to a session and allows things to unfold at their own pace and in their own timing.
If I don’t live in the same city as you, or if I want to experience your modality while I’m traveling, are there resources for me to easily and safely find a skilled practitioner in other places?
Yep. Check out the practitioner listing at http://www.ortho-bionomy.org. People who are registered practitioners have all completed extensive training and mentorship. In addition, there is both a strong energetic component and a lot of self-care focus to Ortho-Bionomy and I work with clients over Skype when they aren’t available to see me here in Portland.
What kind of licensing do you have? Are there legal standards that apply?
Here in Oregon, I am required to have a license to touch. Right now I operate under a massage license. This means that I have also completed full requirements (500+hours of training) to hold this license on top of all my Ortho-Bionomy training. I never mention that I am a licensed massage therapist because it immediately presents an inaccurate idea of my work. While Ortho-Bionomy is most typically performed with the client on a massage table, it is definitely *not* massage.
Are there any common missteps that clients have made? What should clients know to avoid awkwardness?
Really, it’s hard to make a misstep when it comes to Ortho-Bionomy. Probably the one I’d be the most concerned about is if you did not communicate with me if something I said or did caused you discomfort. The more open and honest we can be with one another, especially when it comes to comfort/discomfort within a session, the greater the potential there is for healing to occur.
What kind of records are kept about clients? Who has access to them?
I am the only person who has access to your intake form and any notes I take from your session.
Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?
Yes. I have an intake form that takes about 10 minutes to fill out. I ask that you download the form from my website and fill it out prior to your session. This way we can jump right into the fun stuff without having to spend time filling out the form in my office.
What kind of products do you use during your sessions?
None!
If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?
Email me. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Do you have a website?
Yes. http://www.larisakoehn.com
How do I book an appointment?
Email me and let me know you are interested in working with me. I strongly suggest you visit my website first to ascertain whether or not we will be a good fit and to educate yourself on my policies and rates. And, of course, feel free to ask me any further questions you may have after reading through my site.
How do you take care of yourself?
Great question! Wallowing, going on adventures both small and large, doing new things and, most importantly, being in nature as much as possible – especially being quiet and listening to the earth, to the water, to the trees, and to the animals.
Journaling, having tea with close friends, doing Shiva Nata, volunteering for organizations doing work I believe in (especially those involved in nature education, preservation and restoration), going for walks, and working out with my pink kettlebell 
are all also part of the mix. What I do daily varies according to my needs. My ultimate intention is to become mindful and present enough that everything I do is self-care.
Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?
Ooh, I’m so happy you asked this question! Yes! I will. Your self-care homework (should you choose to accept it) will vary greatly depending on the particular issue we are working with together. If your issue is mostly physical, I’ll likely suggest a specific self-care exercise or two to help you continue to find relief and comfort in that area of your body. If your thing is more emotional, we’ll discuss skills and practices to meet the emotion or anxiety as it arises and to become stronger and more centered in yourself.
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