My Approach
Those of you who have read my bio and this article on my blog may already have an idea of some of the healing modalities I’ve explored over the course of two decades. Though some modalities have made a stronger and more lasting impression, and though some have provided a better framework within which to navigate, as a broad thinker and future-oriented being I struggle to adhere to any one system or paradigm. The reason I consider my approach to be unique is because my many years of exploration combined with my many years of clinical practice, combined with the personal and professional evolution I've experienced as a result, cannot be replicated.
Some of the greatest challenges and greatest treasures of pursuing this line of work have been to grasp the lenses through which my strong empathic abilities operate and from there, to truly grow into my own style of practice. When I first started out, I tried so hard to conform and was horrified to realize that I wasn't like my mentors; I felt unworthy, inferior, and anxious. At the time, I was so concerned with what people thought and with wanting to appear competent, that I didn’t understand the genius of being one’s self and that I wasn’t supposed to be a carbon copy of anyone else. I didn’t understand the value of what my personal style and perspective had to offer and that each practitioner attracts those with whom they are meant to work. It took me a long time, trial and error, and much patience to learn how my empathic gifts show up, how they interface with my knowledge, and how to exercise practical application in a way that has the potential to yield great benefits for my clients. So, when people ask me why I don’t brand myself under a given modality, I look at it like this: when you commission a piece of art are you concerned with the brand of paint the artist used or are you more concerned with the finished product? When you order a cabinet from a cabinetmaker do you care where they purchased their drill or do you care about the end result? That artist and that cabinetmaker have studied and practiced and honed their skills over many years with the help of many tools, and you are trusting in their unique experience and expression to deliver a masterpiece. Just like I can't look at the body in a Cartesian fashion, I can't look at my work that way either. Like you and me and everyone else, this work is multi-faceted, and does not want to be put into a box.
Now that the above has been addressed, I wish to introduce another aspect of my approach. Whether you go see a traditional doctor or specialist or whether you consult with a naturopath, acupuncturist, osteopath or other type of alternative healthcare provider, most often the practitioner will do a thorough intake and will then proceed to diagnose issues and to treat symptoms based on the knowledge and methodology they have garnered from their studies and are expected to carry out. For eons, using a linear, logical approach has been the norm. While this type of approach has its merits, and while I am not here to judge, I just want to highlight where my approach differs. Though people consult with me for various ailments both diagnosed and undiagnosed, treated and untreated, my role is never to diagnose nor to treat. Additionally, although I do a thorough intake and listen carefully to everything my client chooses to share, I will never attach a label to one’s symptoms nor outline a plan of action.
If we cut our finger, most of the time we don’t give it much thought. Nor do we give much thought to the thousands upon thousands of processes our 37.2 trillion cells take care of for us seamlessly when things work as nature intended. However, if we injure ourselves seriously, have chronic pain or are diagnosed with an illness, disorder or disease, we can’t fathom how in the world the body would know what to do. Despite the obvious innate intelligence of the bodymind, when things go wrong we become filled with doubt and seek answers from the outside. Geared to connect with the innate intelligence of the bodymind, my approach does not involve making assumptions from a position of authority, but to OBSERVE what this intelligence REVEALS, together with my client. Both consciously and unconsciously, every individual who chooses to work with me arrives with things that are already ready to change, to shift, to heal - and without forcing anything, the simple OBSERVATION of these things together with my client, as they are REVEALED, is beyond powerful.
Whether I have a client cozy on my bodywork table or am tapping in to work remotely, I adopt a neutral attitude and begin a process whereby I am able to observe a “storyline” revealed by a particular sequence of elements. One of my favourite analogies is that of a tarot reader; while the deck of cards provides a framework of standard symbols, and while anyone can look up the meaning of those symbols, a good reader has the gift of effortlessly and accurately relating the “story” revealed by the particular combination and placement of the cards.
Just like a mathematical equation where the particular grouping and order of elements is paramount, it is amazing to see how the bodymind responds when you respect the grouping and order of what is revealed. If one can manage to observe the revealed sequences and reflect them back to the bodymind with accuracy, symptoms have the potential to collapse like dominoes.
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In terms of the power of observation, I often refer to the Dr.Quantum Double Slit Experiment clip from the movie "What The Bleep Do We Know!?: Down The Rabbit Hole", which illustrates one of the most bizarre premises of quantum theory, demonstrating that by the very act of watching, the observer affects the observed reality. |
While many modalities and methods of treatment start by addressing the physical body in hopes to heal pain and other ailments, my approach, though working with anatomy and physiology as needed (and though working with concepts based in neuroscience, neuropsychology, epigenetics, chiropractic, osteopathy, acupuncture, ayurveda, etc.), is primarily focused on the role of CONSCIOUSNESS. Time and time again, I am shown how observing the interconnectedness of natural, pathological, and general consciousness themes held in various parts of the bodymind creates the potential for healing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. If you are curious to know more about consciousness themes, for now I have started a Body Part Series on my blog and in time, will create further series devoted to other aspects.
Whether working with anatomy and physiology, consciousness themes, or anything else, my approach is effective, non-invasive, and totally safe. Both in-person and via distance, my clients remain fully clothed. Everything is done using energetic techniques designed to:
Lastly, and possibly the most essential aspect of my approach, is regarding how I view the dynamic between myself and my client. Obviously, an individual will reach out to a practitioner because they need help. Essentially, they are looking to connect with someone who holds a key to their healing. Having learned firsthand how toxic it can be to give one’s power away to someone I admire or to whom I feel has a greater level of authority, it is really important to me that my client recognizes, despite having enlisted my assistance on their healing path, that we are equals, that I am as human as they come, and that we hold keys of healing for one another. Whether working one on one, with a group, locally, or remotely, this reverence and mutual respect is the cornerstone of my practice.
Whether working with anatomy and physiology, consciousness themes, or anything else, my approach is effective, non-invasive, and totally safe. Both in-person and via distance, my clients remain fully clothed. Everything is done using energetic techniques designed to:
- Re-establish healthy communication within the various parts of the bodymind
- Re-estabish healthy relationships between the bodymind and relevant environmental factors
- Assist the bodymind in effectively processing and storing changes brought about by the session
Lastly, and possibly the most essential aspect of my approach, is regarding how I view the dynamic between myself and my client. Obviously, an individual will reach out to a practitioner because they need help. Essentially, they are looking to connect with someone who holds a key to their healing. Having learned firsthand how toxic it can be to give one’s power away to someone I admire or to whom I feel has a greater level of authority, it is really important to me that my client recognizes, despite having enlisted my assistance on their healing path, that we are equals, that I am as human as they come, and that we hold keys of healing for one another. Whether working one on one, with a group, locally, or remotely, this reverence and mutual respect is the cornerstone of my practice.
For details as to how sessions unfold, use the drop-down menu on the Offerings tab above. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me HERE
