I became a bodyworker out of a passion for quickly making a big therapeutic change. I was studying sports psychology and physical therapy at a time in my life when I was also recovering from my own catastrophic sports injury. Throughout those experiences, I became a certified massage therapist and eventually a trauma-informed provider. With the trauma-informed movement came the realization that there were not enough neuroscience or psychology-based education standards for us body workers, so I created an entire continuing education platform.
Along my journey, I found my soulmate and better half, Keli. We have lived worldwide teaching bodywork and hatha yoga before settling here in Austin. It has been a non-linear road to get here. Not at all a smooth road. Most notably, I am a survivor of postoperative PTSD, a somewhat hidden cause of the disorder in 20 to 51 percent of patients with orthopedic surgery. Mine catapulted me into learning about the human body, particularly my nervous system. I created the Science of Touch brand to better connect individuals and practitioners in understanding somatic memory and trauma in the body and champion therapeutic touch as a crucial tool in the treatment of and recovery from posttraumatic stress.
At all points, we are breathing and dynamic bodies. Too often, we forget bodywork is as necessary as exercise or hygiene. Regular manual therapy promotes healthy organ feedback, which is important for creating internal safety in the body. I coach massage therapists, fitness professionals, and mental health providers on my protocols to be better informed, collective, and effective practitioners. We live and dream in these bodies and perceive the world around us in our body responses.
When symptoms of pain arise, we must look at the body as the source of inspiration and healing, as often the brain influences behavior. I love how commonly clients come out of treatment brandishing a new perspective on their day, week, or even months β it means that we got the bodywork right. How do you define success? Success, to me, is promoting a sense of safety and the ability to make people feel seen.
I want to consistently meet people where they are on any given day and be as compassionate and attentive to what is happening with them. This is safety in understanding and is key to holding a container where biological changes are happening. People reciprocate this, and it leads to a successful environment for all. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
