What do we mean by “Energy”?

Yes. Healing Touch and Somatic Experiencing (SE) were both developed by medical professionals. The Chakra system is part of the ancient Ayurvedic and Celtic medical traditions which go back hundreds of years. Conscious breathing and guided visualization have been used for decades in psychology and medicine for the purposes of stress reduction, relief from depression and anxiety, pain relief, increased self-esteem, and an enhanced general sense of well being.

Positive benefits can include: Relaxation, stress reduction, decreased anxiety and depression, enhanced sense of well being, clarity of thought, insight into and regulation of feelings, greater felt-sense relationship with our bodies, generalized and localized pain relief, release of painful patterns of thought and behavior, and increased spiritual awareness.

No, energy work is not associated with any particular religion or faith tradition. However, I do consider this work to be sacred because through it, we experience our oneness of not only body, mind and emotions, but also with spirit. All of who we are is part of the Divine, and all healing ultimately comes from this sacred source of life. I am just serving as a facilitator, helping you to tap into your own inherent wisdom and healing.

Here’s the thing – you don’t have to know. We’ll always start by discussing what’s going on in your life – any emotional or physical discomfort you are having. I listen for emotional and spiritual content and distress, and I will often ask where you sense the discomfort or upset in your body. As we talk, I discern which modalities I believe would be most effective for you. If you think that sounds right, that becomes our plan. You may find that after you’ve experienced a few sessions, you have a sense of what works best for you for certain issues, and we’ll include that in our work. Remember! It’s a collaboration.

While physical touch is often included, many of these modalities can be utilized at the level of your energy field without it. This involves the hands being held and moved above the surface of your body. I find that what works best is a combination of hands-on with hands-off, but I will only do what you’re comfortable with, and I will always get your permission to use touch.

Because energy moves through our bodies and not just around it, engaging with it can produce heat, coolness, pressure, a sense of expansiveness, and sometimes even soreness afterwards. But there is no massage, deep tissue touch or manual manipulation of your limbs. In all the energy work I’ve experienced myself over the years, I have experienced sensations but never pain. Rarely have I been a little sore afterwards, but this always passes within a day or two.

I allow at least an hour to an hour and a half. However, we can always schedule an extended session if desired. The cost for this is pro-rated on my set sliding scale.

Because my approach is collaborative, I think it is best for us to engage in energy work as a team. I combine silence with gentle guidance so you can participate, and I’ve found that most people like this. Participating in the session helps you learn how to be alert and yet relaxed at the same time as well as how to listen to your body – both necessary for living in the world with greater self-awareness. It is also a way for you to learn some techniques for engaging with this healing on your own.

First, we talk a little so I know what you’re experiencing and can get a sense of what you need. I share what I think would be beneficial with you before we actually get started. (Please see the above question: “How do I know which modalities I need?” for more information about this.)

After you are settled on the table, I get myself grounded. Next, if needed, I guide you into relaxation through bodily awareness and breathing. I invite you to set an intention or say a prayer for our session, either aloud or to yourself. Sometimes my clients and I offer a prayer we both know together, and this is your choice. Then I say a prayer of my own to ask for guidance from my Divine Source. This sounds like a lot, but it actually only takes a few minutes. Next, I move into the actual healing modalities. During the session, I may ask you to breathe into a particular place in your body, visualize colors or healing light, speak aloud what you are experiencing or possibly repeat affirmations after me.

When the session is complete, I let you rest a few minutes for integration. Afterwards, we talk about the session and what you experienced, and I also share with you what I sensed and experienced. I may also teach you some skills you can use on your own and suggest “homework” which is designed to keep the healing work moving along between sessions.

Sound healing research has shown that appropriate sound enhances relaxation and helps quiet our busy minds. I offer the use of music or tones, but this is always up to you. Some people do prefer silence, and that’s just fine. We can experiment with it both ways to see which is better for you.

No, all energy work is done with you fully dressed. However, most folks do take off their shoes and sometimes their socks but even that is not necessary. Clothing does not stop the flow of energy.

Energy work can be done with a person sitting, laying on a massage table, or even standing. Almost everyone chooses to lie on the table. Whatever you’re most comfortable with is what we’ll do.