BODY

MASSAGE THERAPY
In therapeutic massage, you are invited to articulate what it is you feel your body needs: relaxation, stress or pain relief, greater range of motion, healing touch, release, integration, etc. As your massage therapist, I will listen both to what you share and to what your body indicates, crafting a massage session that responds to and moves with the felt sense of your body and of your experience.
 
People often ask, “What kind of massage do you do?” That is, often massage studios will ask you to book for a specific kind of massage: Relaxation, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pre-natal, Sports, Clinical, Trigger Point, Myofascial, etc.
 
My massage therapy training included course and practice work in a variety of forms, including those listed above. I have additional training as an infant massage instructor and in massage for cancer, life altering illnesses, and hospice. I have also provided partner, family, and group sessions on how to give massage to others, as a form of self and communal care.
 
When you see me for massage, you simply book for your time. I do not believe in asking you to sign-up for just one “massage type” because when I listen to your body, it may “ask for” a variety of approaches to help it find release and integration. I prefer to have the freedom to respond to your body accordingly, with your verbal feedback as well, rather than limit us to a specific type of pre-determined work. I suppose if I had to give my work a name, I would call it “intuitive massage,” but I also realize that can sound kind of floofy, so I stick with the more standard, general label of “Therapeutic Massage.” I work according to your needs and have the capacity to be both gentle and to work very deeply, to address areas of attention both generally (a region of the body) and specifically (a small point of tension or “stuckness”) that often affects a region beyond that specific point.

To inquire about massage therapy and book an appointment,
please visit the Contact Page.

TESTIMONIALS

"Bernardine is very well trained. She worked on everything we discussed and also worked on other spots she identified. It could only be improved by being longer. Best massage I have ever had. Thank you!" -R.T.
"Bernardine provided valuable knowledge prior to, during and after the session. Bernardine is skilled and thorough. What a blessing and gift in her hands of healing--Thank you." -D.H.
"I had pulled something in my back just prior to arrival. Bernardine had helped to loosen this and increase range of motion. Very consistent pressure. Gave a great sense of relaxation. MANY THANKS!" -E.G.
"Bernardine discussed possible ways to relieve knots, stretch better and relieve muscle groups. She always ensured my comfort throughout the session. She was able to pinpoint the exact amount of pressure needed. Thank you."-N.S.
INFANT MASSAGE "I enjoyed learning to connect [with my baby] through massage, the interactions with other moms, and group discussions." -Parent and baby boy, age: 3 months
PARTNERS MASSAGE "We loved our appointment. I feel more relaxed and closer to [my partner]. It was educational, instructive, and practical."
COMMUNITY OUTREACH "I didn't realize how guarded my arms were until you put your hands on them and brought my attention to them. It was so relaxing, and all the noise out there just faded into the background. I am more aware about how tightly I hold my arms and hands. I learned something new today." -Guest at a shelter for women
AUTHENTIC MOVEMENT
I engage in a somatic practice called Authentic Movement, having studied the form through a summer intensive and year-long programs. It can be done in individual or group sessions and can also be intertwined with spiritual direction and massage therapy.
Movement as spiritual practice, artistic resource, and psychological narrative
What is Contemplative Dance? 
It is a simple yet profound practice of moving meditation, also known as Authentic Movement. It works with the innate intelligence of the body, psyche and imagination, and their drive for wholeness and integration. We pay attention to the body and invite it to lead into movement or stillness, suspending self-criticism and cultivating awareness. We may move, or be moved, into deeper streams of consciousness. As we practice, the artificial boundaries between body, psyche and spirit begin to dissolve and we discover aspects of our selves and our lives from fresh perspectives. As we practice with others, we develop an appreciation for the diversity of human experience.

Source: www.contemplativedance.org

To inquire about how you can practice authentic movement as its own form or integrated with other offerings, please visit the Contact Page.

 

EMBODIED PRAYER

We experience the world through the totality of our human experience – body, mind, soul. Hence, incorporating attention to and consideration of our bodies through awareness, gestures and movement, can enrich the experience of contemplation, prayer, and exploration. Forms of embodied prayer can be incorporated into retreats, workshops, and spiritual direction.

Liturgical dance is specific form of embodied prayer that is used in the setting of a worship or prayer service and can also be appreciated in a workshop format.

Visit the Contact Page to inquire about how embodied prayer can be utilized with your exploration, work, or group.  For liturgical dance, Bernardine can offer liturgical dance at a service as a soloist or can teach groups about liturgical dance, as a form of prayer and expression and/or in preparation for use in a worship service.