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Archive for the ‘Practitioner Survey’ Category

P.S. — Gayle Burdick

Posted in Practitioner Survey, tagged , , , , , , on August 14, 2012 | 1 Comment »

What healing modality or modalities do you practice?

Biodynamic CranioSacral Therapy, Bruno Chikly’s Brain Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, Somatic Processing (using the techniques of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy), Yoga

Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?

Because I use a wide variety of modalities, there is a wide variety of reasons that clients seek the work:  PTSD, exploring emotional issues through the body, physical injuries, overuse, general structural maintenance, fine-tuning a yoga practice, chronic soft-tissue discomfort (MS, fibromyalgia, etc.)

How did you get interested in doing what you do?

I suffered a debilitating injury of unknown cause and was helped by massage therapy and other complementary care modalities.

How long have you been in practice?  Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?

I graduated from massage school in 1988 and began by doing full-body Swedish massage.  Then I became certified in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy and began studying CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation.  In 1995 I completed a two-year training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which included how to work with developmental emotional issues as well as with the results of trauma.

Where and when did you do your training?  Was it formal or informal?

Most of my training was through formal bodywork organizations, and I’ve added in whatever seems useful along the way.

Is tipping appropriate for your business?  Why or why not?  How much?

I don’t consider tipping appropriate.  What I do is health care.  If you don’t tip your doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, or counselor, then you shouldn’t tip me.

What are your rates?  Do you use a fixed or sliding fee scale?  Are taxes included?  What forms of payment do you accept?

My rate is currently $75 / hour.  Occasionally I  offer a lower fee if circumstances warrant.  I add taxes on to my fee.  I believe that clients need to know that the State of Minnesota makes us collect sales tax even though we are health care providers.  I accept cash and checks.

Are clients clothed or disrobed during your service?  What kind of draping can they expect?

Clients might be clothed or disrobed, depending on what kind of work we’re doing.  If they are disrobed, they can expect professional, appropriate draping that protects their modesty.

What ages can you treat, and in that range, what ages have you comfortably treated?

My youngest client was four years old, and my oldest client was in her 90s.

What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?

This is so individual to each client; I always ask a client if he or she has any questions they’d like to ask before we get started.

How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?

There is no typical treatment plan.

Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?

Of course.  Many, many.

How long does a typical session last?  Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?

My sessions last one hour.  Very, very rarely longer or shorter.

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?

If people ask for this, I tell them about websites where they can find practitioners.

What kind of licensing do you have?  Are there legal standards that apply?

I am licensed by the City of Saint Paul as a Massage Therapist.  The State of Minnesota does not currently license massage therapy.  I practice Somatic Processing legally under Minnesota statutes that allow for unlicensed mental health care.

What kind of records are kept about clients?  Who has access to them?

Standard SOAP notes.  Only I have access to them, or the client if requested.

Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?

My intake paperwork usually takes only 5-10 minutes.

What kind of products do you use during your sessions?

Almost none most of the time.  Occasionally a beeswax-based lubricant for gliding strokes.

What kind of sanitation practices do you adhere to?

Standard handwashing, table cleaning, and linen laundering.

If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?

Ask any time.

Do you have a website?

Yes:  bodywork through the Barral Institute (IAHP.org) and LaurelYogaStudio.com.

How do I book an appointment?

Telephone, email, or before leaving a session.

How do you take care of yourself?

I schedule a half-hour between clients, I do not add in more client appointments than I know I can physically/mentally/emotionally tolerate in a day or a week, I take vacations regularly, I eat well and exercise and get sufficient sleep, I receive bodywork regularly.

How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?

That would have to be discussed in the context of an appointment, it’s so different from client to client.

Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?

If that’s what you wish to do.

If I want to explore this more on my own, what books or other resources would you recommend?

Again, that’s so individual, depending on the client and the modality.

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P.S. — Rhiannon Laurie

Posted in Practitioner Survey, tagged , , , on March 22, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

What healing modality or modalities do you practice?

I teach Shiva Nata, which is a highly unusual type of moving meditation.

It is quite possibly the only movement practice where “getting things wrong” is not only allowed, but encouraged. The more you flail, the more your brain rewires itself.

Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?

People use Shiva Nata in almost every area of their life.

Athletes use it to improve their athletic performance. Musicians use it to help with their music. Artists and other creators use it to keep ideas flowing. People interested in personal growth can use it to rewrite patterns of anxiety, overeating, procrastination, and more.

I work with students to help their practice fit them better. We use Shiva Nata to examine their relationship to Shiva Nata itself. That way they return to their home practice with insights into what makes Shiva Nata fun and sustainable for them so they can keep getting the benefits.

How did you get interested in doing what you do?

I first read about Shiva Nata on the Fluent Self website run by Havi Brooks (the #2 World Expert in Shiva Nata). It sounded amazing but I waited to start until I could learn from someone in person.

Eventually I traveled to Portland to do a Rally with Havi and got to study with her there. Immediately I knew that this was going to be a huge part of my life, and that’s exactly what it became.

Where and when did you do your training?  Was it formal or informal?  

After spending a few days learning with Havi, I bought the Starter Kit and began an insane version of study. Seriously, don’t do what I did. Unless you need to change pretty much every thing  in your life, which is what happened.

Anyways, I spent several hours a day working on Shiva Nata and within a few months had mastered Levels 1 and 2 with both arms and legs and many variations thereof. That initial work was absolutely pivotal in helping me transform my life from a miserable college student to a very happy entrepreneur. I also credit it with preparing me to meet my fiance.

In February 2011, I attended an in-depth teacher training with Havi and became a certified teacher. I began teaching via videos over the internet that very month and in person some months later.

How long have you been teaching?  Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?

Right now I’m in the very exciting process of creating the online Academy of Shiva Nata, which will eventually offer private lessons, group classes, and DIY courses in many different aspects and applications of Shiva Nata.

I’m starting with private lessons over Skype, which are currently available only to people on my Sneaky Peeks Discount List. I’ll open it up to the public sometime in late March or April, but getting on that list is the cheapest way to work with me from anywhere in the world.

I also teach in person to children and adults in several places around Portland, OR.

What ages can you work with, and in that range, what ages have you comfortably worked with?

Shiva Nata is appropriate for all ages. I teach an after school class to six-year-olds, and I know some Shivanauts who flail with their children as young as two years old.

This can also be wonderful for older adults. If mobility is a concern, positions can be modified to make them easier, or Shiva Nata can be used as a purely mental process. As long as you’re engaged, even watching Shiva Nata has powerful effects.

What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?

Most people have some amount of fear and pain about movement practices. We’ve all been the slow learner in a dance class…

Shiva Nata really is different. The point is not to get it right. The point is to engage with your patterns.

In my teaching environments, the focus is not on you. I won’t even look at you much. I’m offering you an opportunity to interact with Shiva Nata in your own way. I might correct your hand positions at the beginning but otherwise you are in a criticism-free zone.

How frequently and for how long do you recommend practicing Shiva Nata for the typical person?

Each person will find their own relationship with Shiva Nata and that relationship will shift as time goes forward. But generally people think they need to practice a lot more than they do.

There is not guilt; there is no should. If you need to take six months off, you can. Practicing five minutes a day can be more than enough. All of it is just information about you and your patterns.

If you stop getting epiphanies, then do make sure you’re truly flailing (getting it wrong).

Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?

Shiva Nata is especially well-matched to yoga, but is a lovely companion to almost any self-work process.

By crossing the midline of the brain with targeted movements, you are teaching your brain to rewire itself. It makes everything else easier.

Do you have a website?

Yes I do! It’s http://rhiannonlaurie.com/

How do you take care of yourself?

I use the mirror method of teaching. Which means that my students get to mirror me as a form of learning, but also that I let Shiva Nata do the teaching. I’m just holding up the mirror.

By holding healthy boundaries, my students can face their “stuff” from their own strength instead of believing they need me to do it for them. And we’re all safer.

How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?

For anyone with questions about a Shiva Nata practice, I recommend asking Shiva Nata. Do some Shiva Nata as best you know how and then journal about it.

That is how my sessions are set up. I expose you to a variety of variations on Shiva Nata and possibly answer some questions, but the most valuable part is that you get to connect to your own insights and wisdom.

If I want to explore this more on my own, what books or other resources would you recommend?

There are a lot of great free websites with information on Shiva Nata. My favorites are Havi’s Shiva Nata website: http://shivanata.com and also the free variations and videos Beth at Fan the Ember shares on her blog.

Or hang out on twitter: #shivanauts #shivanata

For insights into the science of neuroplasticity (changing your brain, even as an adult), I recommend the book: Train Your Mind, Change Your Brian by Sharon Begley.

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P.S. — Simone Seol

Posted in Practitioner Survey, tagged , , , on February 11, 2012 | 1 Comment »

What healing modality or modalities do you practice?
I am a practitioner of HipGnosis, an integrative approach to all sorts of magical transformation. A lot of it is based on structures and insights of classical hypnosis but combines elements of NLP, energy medicine, play and brain-training yoga.

Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?
Many clients want change but have exhausted all other options and think, “hey, it doesn’t help to try another thing.” Luckily, I am often the last stop :) . Others come with a specific curiosity about what hypnosis can accomplish for them.

How did you get interested in doing what you do?
My father is actually a leading expert of hypnotherapy in South Korea. I grew up being his guinea pig but I always dismissed it as ‘weird’ and ‘woo-woo’ in the way that kids can be reflexively defiant of their parents. And then… well, as I like to say, I saw the light, and became infatuated with the power and possibility of hypnosis and other types of change work. Although my most recent 9-to-5 profession was in public health research, as a religion major and seminary drop-out, I have always been preoccupied with understanding the nature of consciousness and transformation. I am so passionate about it and I can hardly believe that I am now building a business around it!

How long have you been in practice?  Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?
I became a certified clinical hypnotist last year and am actively building up my practice in 2012. I am looking to incorporate more elements of play and mind-body training into my approach this year.

Where and when did you do your training?  Was it formal or informal?  
I trained with an award-winning master teacher of hypnosis, Melissa Tiers, at the Center for Integrative Hypnosis which she founded. I went through her formal certification program (certification granted by the National Guilt of Hypnotists) which involves not only theory but a lot of clinical training. Additionally, I recently also received certification as an integrative life coach by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists. My coaching training builds on a foundation of hypnosis & other change work skills.

Is tipping appropriate for your business?  Why or why not?  How much?
I am not sure what other hypnotists do, but neither I nor any hypnotist I know takes tips.

What are your rates?  Do you use a fixed or sliding fee scale?  Are taxes included?  What forms of payment do you accept?
My rate is $125 an hour. My clients have so far paid me through paypal or sent checks through snail mail.

Are clients clothed or disrobed during your service?  What kind of draping can they expect?
My clients are and remain fully clothed during the session. :)
Though there was this one client with a fear of nudity… KIDDING!

What ages can you treat, and in that range, what ages have you comfortably treated?
HipGnosis is great for any age because it is just a set of techniques for working with your mind, though of course my approach will be different for a given age group. As I am starting out, I have so far worked with clients whose ages range from the teens to mid-forties.

What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?
1. There is no such thing as ‘not hypnotizable’! This is a myth propagated by early practitioners who did not understand that people vary and that a flexible approach to induction is crucial. If you are open to the experience and are capable of following directions (and are working with a good practitioner), you can be hypnotized.
2. There is actually nothing “woo” about the basic principle of HipGnosis. We usually don’t have access to the vast majority of our brain functions because they take place “behind the scenes”. Hypnotic techniques help you relax and lower your conscious barriers to make it easier to access your inner world and make change. Neuroscience!

How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?
The beauty of HipGnosis is that change can be, er, disorientingly quick. Unless I have an ongoing coaching relationship with a client, a stuck situation or desired pattern change (whether it is changing a habit or dissolving a phobia) can be resolved in between 1 to 3 sessions. I have had more than one client who dissolved decades of stuff in one hour.

Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?
I think any mind-body healing modalities that is noninvasive, open, compassionate and client-centered can complement hypnosis beautifully.

How long does a typical session last?  Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?
A session involves me teaching a client a range of techniques which can be used with or without inducing a deep trance and typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours. If change is achieved quickly (which does happen) then there is no reason to continue for much longer except to reinforce and seal in the change that has been made. Sometimes, deep change requires a bit more time and a deeper trance. It all depends!

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?
HipGnosis by Skype can be just as effective as an in-person session. All that matters is that you have a webcam and good internet connection so we can see each other clearly. It is very important that I be able to read your body language and be able to teach you techniques that engage the body. I will answer the other part of this question in the next question…

What kind of licensing do you have?  Are there legal standards that apply?
HipGnosis is not a legally regulated field. Even though organizations like the National Guild of Hypnotists (the largest and most prestigious international organization that I am certified by) works hard to upkeep certain professional standards in the industry, technically anyone can claim to be a hypnotist. For this reason, I am hesitant to recommend anyone’s work that I am not familiar with. The first thing I would advise is to go based on referrals and recommendations of other people — that way, you can be assured that you are entering into a healing relationship with someone with true skills who will create a safe space for you.

Are there any common missteps that clients have made?  What should clients know to avoid awkwardness?
Not much potential for awkwardness with HipGnosis. :)
The only thing my clients need to know is that there is no such thing as doing it ‘wrong’. There’s no ‘right’ way to be hipgnotized and this will immediately become very clear to whoever is working with me.

What kind of records are kept about clients?  Who has access to them?
No records whatsoever, unless the client requests a recorded session.

Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?
I usually ask a couple of questions about what the client would like to work on beforehand, but nothing extensive or formal.

If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?
Email me! I love email.

Do you have a website?
Yes! http://www.houseofhipgnosis.com

How do I book an appointment?
Through my website or by emailing me.

How do you take care of yourself?
I use all HipGnosis techniques on myself! I have to walk the walk because life is so much better with HipGnosis than without.

How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?
HipGnosis sessions are less like therapy and more like a personalized course on self-hipgnosis techniques. My goal is to teach them to you and let you know how you can use them during our session so that you can take advantage of them for the rest of your life. I love the process of becoming totally unnecessary to my clients! :)

Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?
If I am in a coaching relationship with you, yes, this is built into the process.

If I want to explore this more on my own, what books or other resources would you recommend?
My teacher, Melissa Tiers, is a genius and models the kind of integrative, endlessly curious approach to hypnosis that I aim to emulate. I would highly recommend her books.

Havi Brooks’ work in propagating Shiva Nata and bringing the spirit of mindfulness and play to transformative processes has been a huge influence and resource for me. In addition, I am a big fan of Donna Eden’s work; her contribution to energy medicine (in conjunction with her husband Dr. Feinstein) is intelligent, inspiring and unparalleled.

And as I always say, if you can find a good teacher, it never hurts to learn some NLP. Ever!

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P.S. — Eric Christopher

Posted in Practitioner Survey on January 11, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

What healing modality or modalities do you practice?

Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, Past Life Regression, Life-Between-Lives Regression Therapy

Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?

For two reasons: (1) They want to place attention on an emotional issue that is holding them back in some way, thereby discovering the subconscious thoughts and beliefs that hold them back. When these are uncovered, they can be released and the client will experience freedom from whatever thoughts or emotions that limit them in any way. They can then create the next grandest version of themselves. They can experience this freedom because ultimately this freedom is their own deep, true nature beneath any negative, limiting feeling, and the client fully realizes and experiences this truth by the end of the session.  (2) They are interested in overcoming an issue or experiencing their soul self using either past life regression or life-between-lives regression.

How did you get interested in doing what you do?

I read a book called Journey of Souls by Michael Newton. I realized that using the highly focused trance state of hypnotherapy could help people discover a higher, wiser aspect of themselves that exists without fears – the eternal and indestructible soul part of themselves. When people begin to become aware of their own true soul nature, they can more easily live a life that is governed by love and not subtle fears that limit us. People’s issues and problems can dissolve into solutions from this change of perspective, which ultimately is seeing life from a “truer” and “more real” aspect of oneself. There really is great truth in the saying, “The truth will set you free.”

How long have you been in practice?  Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?

12 years. Although I mostly do the same work, my practice evolves and the sessions become more effective as I continue to evolve and grow as a person. Self-realization, or growing in spiritual truth, or “God”, has been my goal for many years. I can more effectively help my clients “wake up” as I become “more awake” myself. The wisdom and freedom of the truths I am discovering I can more easily help my clients directly experience for themselves.

Where and when did you do your training? Was it formal or informal?

I received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from UW-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin in 2000. After that I did approximately 35 trainings in various modalities of hypnotherapy, beginning in being certified in Hypnotherapy, Past Life Regression, Life-Between-Lives Regression, EFT, and all kinds of other emotional healing modalities that mostly utilize hypnosis.

Is tipping appropriate for your business?  Why or why not?  How much?

No, there is a set fee. On rare occasions, someone decides to pay more money in appreciation, but that is not the norm.

What ages can you treat, and in that range, what ages have you comfortably treated?

I have treated as young as 9, but that is rare. Usually the mid-teens are the earliest I could do an effective session with. The key is that the client themselves must be able to identify what they want to gain from the session and want to do the session.

What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?

Most people fear hypnosis if they’ve never done it, because it is so misunderstood. Unlike the myths about hypnosis that stage hypnotists and movies portray, clients are very much awake, aware and in control. When you are drawn into a movie at a theater, that is a fairly deep state of hypnosis, yet you are awake and can get up at anytime if you wanted. It is the same with hypnotherapy.

Also, some people are afraid that they might go to a scary scene in a past life and they might “get stuck.” This is impossible. If you ever did go to a “scary scene”, you could easily move to when the past scene was over, or get a sense of witnessing the scene from above. Your inner mind would only show that to you because it was somehow still affecting your present state, and it wanted to be cleared so that it no longer negatively impacts you. Usually you only see scenes that will benefit you as a person or to see because it involves your growth, healing or evolution.

How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?

Often one session is all it takes to really feel a shift in your life emotionally. When you start to tune into the soul aspect of yourself, you know and experience your truest self to be without fears and whole and complete. Often that has a huge trickle down effect in releasing subconscious fears that you have. Sometimes, the emotional issue is a bit more “sticky” and the client may want to come back 1 or 2 more times for a “reinforcer” session, or to heal the next layer of the emotional onion.

I usually tell clients that they can see me on an “as needed” basis. There is not an emotional issue that cannot be healed, because every person is far more than their emotional issue. It’s a matter of tuning into the part of themselves that transcends their problem. Anyone can do this.

Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?

Any type of body work or energy work would be complementary. Reading any book regarding spiritual growth would also be complementary.

How long does a typical session last?  Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?

About 2 hours. Life-Between-Life sessions last 4 hours. I do 1-hour informational sessions also to discuss past life regression if the client prefers, or to help process a prior session that they had.

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?

Yes, you could go to one of 3 websites: 1) iarrt.org for past life regression therapists; 2) newtoninstitute.org for life-between-lives regression; or 3) ibrt.org to get a list of credentialed and certified general regression therapists.

What kind of licensing do you have?  Are there legal standards that apply?

I used to be licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy, but I let that drop because I was no longer doing that type of therapy, but rather Hypnotherapy. With Hypnotherapy, there is only certification.

Are there any common missteps that clients have made?  What should clients know to avoid awkwardness?

There is nothing a client needs to do prior to the session other than coming with a goal in mind, or else with an idea of the emotional issue that they most want to resolve or gain insight into.

What kind of records are kept about clients?  Who has access to them?

I keep records of sessions. Clients can have them if they want. No one would have access to these records other than the client.

Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?

No paperwork to fill out.

What kind of products do you use during your sessions?

No products, just some sound in the form of a Tibetan healing bowl, and a crystal healing bowl.

What kind of sanitation practices do you adhere to?

I do an energy clearing after every session.

If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?

Either call or email me with any questions. I do offer a one-hour informational session also to get lots of questions answered.

Do you have a website?

Yes, www.ericjchristopher.com

How do I book an appointment?

I have an on-line booking service now. Just go to my website. You could also just call or email me with some days and times that work well for you.

How do you take care of yourself?

My highest priority is to grow and deepen spiritually in my life and my marriage. This is the same thing as “awakening”. I also exercise and eat nutritional, whole, real foods for my body’s fuel. My wife is a Holistic Nutrition Counselor, so that helps me stay healthy.

How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?

Being awake to the present moment…reading any books that you find inspiring or enlightening.

Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?

I now have a handout that I send clients home with that details what to expect after the session and how to maintain the wisdom and insights that they received during their session.

If I want to explore this more on my own, what books or other resources would you recommend?

Michael Newton’s Journey of Souls, or any of Brian Weiss’ books for past life regression. Any of Eckhart Tolle’s books are helpful for gaining wisdom, or spiritual awakening. Also, Leonard Jacobson’s book, Journey Into Now will accelerate your spiritual growth. Also, any of Neile Walsch’s books will do the same.

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P.S. — Aaron Fryman

Posted in Practitioner Survey, tagged , , , on December 28, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

What healing modality or modalities do you practice?

I was trained at CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic. There I was trained in mostly Western therapies, including Swedish, Rehabilitative, and Sports massage. I consider myself a therapeutic massage practitioner.
Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?
I’m currently working at Lifespa in St. Louis Park which is operated by Lifetime fitness and work with mostly sports minded individuals. Most of my clients seek my style of work because they are looking for thorough muscle work, which I provide in a deep/therapeutic, but non-invasive, manner.
How did you get interested in doing what you do?
I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world and knew that massage would provide me with the means to change people’s lives.How long have you been in practice?
Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?
I’ve been practicing since 2005/2006. My practice has developed over time to what it is now and say this because as a massage therapist I believe one’s technique develops over time. At this point in my career I feel that I’m giving some of the best work I’ve administered, but I’m still learning and can only become better.
Where and when did you do your training?  Was it formal or informal?
CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School and Clinic and it was formal.
I’ve been practicing since 2005/2006. My practice has developed over time to what it is now and say this because as a massage therapist I believe one’s technique develops over time. At this point in my career I feel that I’m giving some of the best work I’ve administered, but I’m still learning and can only become better.
Is tipping appropriate for your business?  Why or why not?  How much?
The service industry standard is to tip and I believe it shows appreciation to the therapist.

I feel that 20% is about average.

What are your rates?  Do you use a fixed or sliding fee scale?  Are taxes included?  What forms of payment do you accept?

Currently my rates are $68.00 plus tax for a 60 min and $103.00  plus tax for a 90 min. All forms of payment are accepted.

Are clients clothed or disrobed during your service?  What kind of draping can they expect?

Clients will be disrobed to their comfort level during my services and will be draped accordingly.

What ages can you treat, and in that range, what ages have you comfortably treated?

I’ve seen a wide range of ages and feel the comfortable treating any age. I like treating athletes the best.

What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?

I feel that being a male in the massage industry has been the largest issue for me and would tell any new client that they have nothing to worry about and that I’m strictly professional. If some how the client slipped through the appointment booking process without finding out that I’m a male then I would give them the option of re-booking. If they decide to work with me I try to comfort any hesitation on intake and make sure to clearly communicate to ease the client into deep relaxation.

How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?
Depending on where the client is in terms of muscle tension, etc, I would recommend a treatment plan. I feel that for most clients it’s more about what they can afford rather than what I can recommend them. I usually tell clients to do what they can afford, but urge them to try and see me at least every other month, if not monthly.

Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?

I feel that yoga is the best self-care and recommend almost all of my clients to do it. I believe almost every modality could complement my work, but find myself recommending acupuncture, Thai bodywork, and cranio-sacral work most often.

How long does a typical session last?  Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?

I’m a firm believer in a good intake and outtake, so my sessions are usually a bit longer than what are bookable. As for reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions, I feel that to receive my best work that isn’t rushed an hour and a half would be optimal. I’ve also been one to recommend a shorter session to work around a client’s needs.

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?

Yes, I believe you can look up licensed practitioners through AMTA on the web. I feel it would be a good thing to have a referral.

What kind of licensing do you have?  Are there legal standards that apply?

I work in the city of St. Louis Park which requires me possess a Massage Practitioner’s license. The license needs to be updated annually. The city wants to make sure a practitioner is legit and has a clean background. Each city in Minnesota has similar requirements to St. Louis Park, asking for a driver’s license, school certification, and sometimes insurance.

Are there any common missteps that clients have made?  What should clients know to avoid awkwardness?

Thinking back over my many years in the industry, I feel that as long as there is a clear line of communication the client is in good hands and will avoid awkwardness. With that being said, I believe an intake should specify what a clients role is during the massage. e.g. If the client is new to massage, make sure you go over the massage table with them: “The table has sheets like a bed, you (client) will be getting underneath them like you would in a bed. The face cradle will hold your face while you (client) are face down. You (client) will disrobe/ undress to your comfort level after I leave the room and start face down in the cradle, etc”. One of the most important things that I can impart on a client is that they should feel comfortable in communicating what they need. If a therapist is working too deep communicate that with them. If you want focused work, ask for it, and so on.

What kind of records are kept about clients?  Who has access to them?

Practitioners keep SOAP notes on their clients. SOAP is an acronym which stand for subjective, objective, assessment, and plan. A practitioner uses them to keep track of their client’s history. At Lifetime we use a computer system which keep our notes orderly. All therapists have access to them, as well as the manager.

Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?

At Lifetime we use very little paperwork and which would only take a minute or two to fill out.

What kind of products do you use during your sessions?

I use hot towels in every massage that aid in the relaxation process. I also use towels as tools for aiding in stretching. I work with a hypoallergenic massage gel which is scentless, Biofreeze, and essential oils.

What kind of sanitation practices do you adhere to?

I’m very particular about this subject and feel that I’m somewhat of a neat freak. At Lifetime we have policies for just about everything that we must adhere to.If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?

Just ask; if I don’t have answers for you, I usually can set you in the right direction.

Do you have a website?
http://lifetimefitness.mylt.com/community/lifespa-and-salon
http://lifetimefitness.mylt.com/community/club-locations/mn-minneapolis-stpaul/st-louis-park/lifespa-and-salon

How do I book an appointment?
Call in and ask for me. Aaron Fryman
952-541-7124

How do you take care of yourself?
Oh man, I thought this question was coming. Haha. I do as much yoga as I can, it truly is such an amazing thing for self help. I tell all of my clients to do it, so that I don’t have to work so hard on them. Haha. I bicycle (mostly through commuting or bike touring) and rock climb among many other things. I also receive bodywork as much as I can.

How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?

Self-care! Self-care! Self-care!
Stretch, be active, eat well, live a healthy balanced life.

Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?

I do. I feel a good therapist will provide you (client) the tools you need to better take care of yourself. If all else fails…YOGA!

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P.S. — Larisa Koehn

Posted in Practitioner Survey, tagged , , , on December 6, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

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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P.S. — Erin Busby

Posted in Practitioner Survey, tagged , , , , on November 11, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Practitioner Survey:  Erin Busby
What healing modality or modalities do you practice?
I primarily do a rehabilitative style of massage, based on neuromuscular theory (but I’m not an NMT), incorporated into Swedish (because I work in a spa).  I have strong training in pre-and-postnatal massage.  I also do CranioSacral (CST) and reiki, and I have training in several styles of shiatsu, as well as in cupping and moxibustion.  I do hot stone massage and body treatments occasionally.
Why do clients typically seek your particular style of work?
Clients typically seek rehab work when they have specific muscular complaints that they want addressed, when they want to relax their tissues and to retrain them to follow healthier and more comfortable patterns of movement, and when they have trigger point referrals.  I also see people who want areas of their bodies addressed that aren’t typically touched during a standard Swedish massage, like the anterior neck muscles, the deep abdominal muscles, or any of the other small muscles that tend to be forgotten about, but which I have found to be fairly crucial in fully relieving common tension patterns.  For CST, the majority of people I’ve seen have a history of pain or discomfort with their heads — headaches, TMJD, tinnitus, vertigo, etc.

How did you get interested in doing what you do?
I fit the profile of the “wounded healer” archetype.  I started randomly losing my vision when I was 14, for brief spells of a couple seconds to a couple minutes at a time.  I spent many years trying to figure out what was happening through traditional medical care, but it was finally a massage therapist who suggested it might be a structural problem involving my occiput, atlas, and occipital muscles, and a craniosacral therapist who relieved my symptoms completely.  I believe that both traditional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine have a great deal to offer, and I want to contribute to the dialogue between the two.

Additionally, massage was something I taught myself for fun starting in high school.  I was a cheerleader who worked on wrestlers on bus rides home from meets, and in college, I worked on castmates during breaks from theater rehearsals.  When I graduated, I wanted to follow some kind of career training that would be supplementary to and supportive of my artistic pursuits, and I thought bodywork would be a good match.  Once I started school, I fell completely in love with human anatomy and physiology — it’s entirely impossible to know everything there is to know, so there’s never a chance to get bored!

I truly believe that being able to follow this career path and to interact with clients is the greatest honor I could receive — I love that people come to me when they want to celebrate, when they need to grieve, and when they want to shed stress and pain.  Being present to support any and all of those processes amazes me every day, teaches me so much, and inspires me to keep learning so that I can do so more and more effectively.  To anyone I’ve touched who may be reading this, thank you for giving me such a valuable opportunity!

How long have you been in practice?  Has your practice always looked like this, or have there been variations?
I started school in the spring of 2005, right after I received my BA in Theatre Arts.  I started practicing professionally in 2007.  I’ve since worked in several spas, a chiropractic clinic, and traveled for a basketball player.  There have been really wonderful things about all of them, and downsides, as well, but I’m happy with the practice I’m currently in.

Where and when did you do your training?  Was it formal or informal?
I went to CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu School and Clinic from 2005-2006 (formal).  I was in the last class of the Comprehensive Integrative program, before the school changed its curriculum.  CI is roughly equivalent to what is now called the East/West program.

Is tipping appropriate for your business?  Why or why not?  How much?
It is.  Tipping is a deeply appreciated expression of gratitude, and for practitioners who are employed by someone else, provide a significant part of one’s income.  It’s never required, but typically, 15-25% of the service total is what is left for gratuity, similar to other service professions.  Your generosity is always greatly appreciated.

What are your rates?  Do you use a fixed or sliding fee scale?  Are taxes included?
The rates of the services I provide are determined by the spa at which I work, and are not based on a sliding scale.  They can be found at http://www.phreshspasalon.com/body-minneapolis-stpaul-salon-spa.html.  Massage is a taxable service.

Are clients clothed or disrobed during your service?  What kind of draping can they expect?
It entirely depends upon the service provided.  For massage, clients disrobe to their level of comfort — sometimes fully, sometimes leaving underwear on — and are draped with a sheet and blanket at all times, providing for modesty and warmth.  During CST or reiki sessions, clients are clothed, wearing something loose and comfortable, like gym clothes (pants and shirt).

What are common fears you have encountered in new clients that you’d like to allay?
I don’t care about cellulite, unshaved legs or armpits, or light sweat.  I have worked with a wide range of body types, and my main concern is to support yours in the best way possible for you.  Also, many of the things people find potentially embarrassing during massage are actually signs of relaxation — flatulence, tummy gurgling, erections, snoring, sighing, twitching — unless you make them an issue, I won’t worry about them.

How frequently and for how long do you recommend receiving treatment within a typical treatment plan?
It depends entirely upon your personal goals for the work.  If you’re trying to address a specific complaint, more frequent sessions will be more effective — after about 7-10 days, the body forgets the lesson, and whatever it learns is essentially new, starting over.  Typically, I ask for six weeks of consistent work before we reevaluate, to allow for the full healing process to take place.  During that time, you may hit plateaus, there might be healing crises, and there might be a sense of being totally healthy, but seeing it through to the end is the best way to ensure that the tissues retain the experience.  For maintenance, every four weeks is sufficient to allow the body to relax, but it’s not likely to change major habitual tension patterns.

Are there other modalities you would consider complementary to your work?
Absolutely, which is a huge part of why I’m doing this blog.  I think that everyone has different wiring and that many things will be helpful, and that some things will be more helpful than others, and that it depends entirely upon who you are and what you want to accomplish.

How long does a typical session last?  Are there reasons for doing longer or shorter sessions?
The most common session lengths for me are 60 and 90 minutes.  There are shorter sessions, 30 and 45 minutes, which are really good for specific, focused work.  Longer sessions allow enough time to either commit to a specific area of the body and address contributing muscles from a variety of angles in a very specific way or to address the full body.  The longest session I’ve ever done is 2.5 or 3 hours, but that is highly unusual and was for a very tall, muscular person who wanted specific work throughout their body.  60-90 minutes is usually sufficient in a spa setting.

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?
There are websites like www.iahp.com, www.massagegps.com, www.amta.com — all great resources.

What kind of licensing do you have?  Are there legal standards that apply?
I have licensure in the city where I live, but I work in an unlicensed state.  I am insured through the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association).  In Minnesota, the CAM law applies — MN Statute 146A.
Are there any common missteps that clients have made?  What should clients know to avoid awkwardness?
Anyone who’s sincerely worried about awkwardness probably isn’t going to cross any major boundaries, but to set minds at ease:  don’t make sexual advances toward me, don’t come to your session intoxicated, don’t come if you have a fever, and don’t come if you have a contagious illness or skin condition.  Wait six weeks after surgery or any other major procedures.

What kind of records are kept about clients?  Who has access to them?
New clients fill out a client intake form, which is filed in a locked filing cabinet.  After each sessions, notes are made in a computer databank.  Practitioners only have easy access to these records within a few days of your appointment, without searching through months of records to find yours specifically.  Administrative and front desk staff are able to search for your information for the purposes of confirming appointments and mailing correspondence.

Is there paperwork to fill out, and if so, how much time does it typically take to complete?
New clients are advised to arrive to appointments ten to fifteen minutes before their scheduled appointment time to complete intake forms for body and skin care (depending on service).

What kind of products do you use during your sessions?
I use Dual-Purpose Massage Creme from Biotone during the majority of my massage sessions, but never on the face.  I occasionally also locally apply Biofreeze as an analgesic gel for particularly sore or reactive tissues, but I always give clients the option to not use it.  During hot stone massages, I use a Mimosa Champagne body oil by Eminence Organics.  During CST and reiki, I use no products.

What kind of sanitation practices do you adhere to?
Sheets and towels are washed after every session with detergent and bleach.  Surfaces are cleaned with disinfectant solutions such as Lysol.  In the case of hot stone, the rocks are cleaned individually with antibacterial soap.

If I have questions before/after my session, what’s the best way to get them answered?
Call the spa directly at 651-288-4040.  The receptionist may have an answer for you, but if that isn’t satisfactory, do request to speak to a practitioner.  You may request me specifically, but I may have to call you back if I am otherwise engaged.

Do you have a website?
The spa website is http://www.phreshspasalon.com, and my personal bodywork blog is dancingbeeadventures.com.

How do I book an appointment?
Call the spa directly at 651-288-4040.  Have an idea of the service you’re interested in receiving, but do ask any questions you may have.

How do you take care of yourself?
I have long weekends.  I spend time with friends, and I also make sure to have enough time for myself.  I have this blog, which ensures that I’m getting bodywork on a regular basis.  I also occasionally do Shiva Nata, yoga, and other forms of stretching and meditation, but I’m not as regular with any of them as I could be.  I write a lot, and I read.  I draw.  I sleep.  Sometimes I get acupuncture.  I also just tried Past Life Regression not too long ago, and found that helpful.  Sometimes I do ecstatic dance in the privacy of my own home.  Also, I travel as frequently as I can — having a trip scheduled is the best tactic I know for keeping upbeat and engaged in the rest of my life.

How can I continue the work we’ve begun here in my daily life?
Hopefully, by experiencing your body hands-on, you will feel more connected to it and find yourself able to listen to its signals more effectively.  That’s the biggest thing, I think — providing yourself with a new level of attention and intention, respecting the work you demand from your body and supplying it with the resources it needs to perform it and recover from it.

Will you provide me with specific self-care homework to help me take this work deeper?
I don’t follow homework very well myself, and I won’t hold you accountable, but we’ll discuss ways of supporting your body’s specific needs, and I will suggest things for you to do in order to integrate the work in the way that is easiest for your body to handle.

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