Harnessing the power of touch to reclaim original purpose & the authentic self

The coaching approaches I utilize at Encore Touch originated from my personal experiences, working with other practitioners, and from a variety of workshops and retreats. I also continuously study new methodologies to expand my offerings, including formal training and education programs. I frequently draw upon techniques related to “shadow work,” stemming from the field of Jungian psychology, as well as practical exercises and tools, such as the “Wheel of Consent” developed by Dr. Betty Martin.

The “set and setting” in coaching sessions (homebase) is co-created with and tailored to each client, and the process is deeply tied to their intentions and insights—within each session, as well as through their lived experiences between sessions. Clients are encouraged to experiment with qualities of touch—pressure, speed, rhythm, location, friction—to not only identify what is and isn’t wanted, but also to practice verbalizing: yes, no, not sure, more, less, what about this instead, etc. As simple as it sounds, it’s powerful to hear yourself say out loud what you do and don’t want. Active participation and continuous communication are key, just as is often the case in life.

And the meaning behind the name—Encore Touch? The word “encore” has always been a favorite of mine, representing to me the sweetest part of an artistic experience: the time that is neither obligated nor transacted, and marked by an unmistakable energy of mutual appreciation.

Policies

  • Scheduling: Massage Therapy Clients

    Appointments may be routinely booked for either 75 minutes or 1 hour and 45 minutes, between Monday-Saturday, beginning as early as 8:30am, and as late as 5pm. I recommend clients anticipate being here an extra 15 minutes (in addition to the minutes booked), to allow sufficient time to arrive, get settled, choose amenities, as well as gather personal effects before departing—all without a need for rushing. Appointment requests can be made using the Appointment link at the top of the page.

    Established massage therapy clients desiring longer or shorter sessions, or sessions outside of the listed days/times, may make such requests in advance, so that we may discuss feasibility and cost.

    Scheduling: Embodied Coaching Clients – Not currently accepting new coaching clients (join waitlist using Connect option above)

    Appointments may be routinely booked for 90 minutes, between Monday-Saturday, beginning as early as 8:30am, and as late as 5pm. Out of the 90 minutes of active coaching engagement, the amount of time on the table generally ranges from 60-75 minutes, and can be tailored. I recommend clients anticipate being here an extra 15 minutes (in addition to the minutes booked), to allow sufficient time to arrive, get settled, choose amenities, as well as gather personal effects before departing—all without a need for rushing. Appointment requests can be made using the Appointment link at the top of the page.

    Established coaching clients desiring longer or shorter sessions, or sessions outside of the listed days/times, may make such requests in advance, so that we may discuss feasibility and cost.

    Services

    All clients may choose from a variety of amenities to enhance their experience. For our work on the table, I have a dedicated, private room (as depicted in the photos) with its own attached bathroom/walk-in shower, towels and robe, all exclusively for your use. I also have an assortment of aromatherapies, types of linens, and hot steamed towels and compresses. The table may be heated to your level of comfort. I use hypoallergenic lotions and oils, but you’re welcome to bring your own, if preferred. I typically play music from playlists I’ve created, but you may also bring your own. Sparkling and still water options are available, as well as herbal teas. Other special requests are welcome.

    I provide notebooks and pens/pencils for coaching components that require written exercises, and any other coaching-related materials that you may need while you’re here.

  • Fees: Massage Therapy

    75-minute session:  $135

    1 hour & 45-minute session:  $180

    Fees: Embodied Coaching

    90-minute session: $155

    If the fees are prohibitive for economic reasons, you may request special accommodation, in case we may determine an alternative arrangement. Fees are subject to change.

    Deposits

    A deposit of $100 is required at the time of booking; the remaining balance is due at the time services are provided. Deposits are non-refundable.

    Payments

    The online booking system accepts most major credit cards as forms of payment. Any remaining balance at the time of actual appointment may be paid in cash, by Venmo or through the online booking system.

  • If you need to cancel a scheduled appointment, please do so using the online booking system. Deposits are non-refundable, though a portion of the deposit may be credited to a future booking, depending upon the timing of cancellation, as follows:

    • For appointments cancelled > 72 hours before the scheduled appointment start time, 100% of the deposit may be applied to a future booking.

    • For appointments cancelled 24-72 hours before the scheduled appointment start time, 50% of the deposit may be applied to a future booking (the remaining 50% of the deposit is forfeited).

    • There is no refund of any portion of the deposit for appointments cancelled < 24 hours before the scheduled appointment start time (100% is forfeited).

  • Massage therapy is safe for most people. However, massage therapy is contraindicated (not appropriate) or needs to be adapted for clients with certain medical conditions and/or using specific medications. Written approval from a licensed healthcare provider is necessary in a limited number of instances before services may be rendered. All clients are required to provide informed consent before each session begins, indicating they understand the contraindications and are suitable to receive services, or that we’ve discussed their health condition(s)/use of medication(s) and have agreed on adaptations. The touch provided as part of somatic-based coaching services, while for different purposes than those of massage therapy, carries similar contraindications and considerations.   

    You may find a copy of the informed consent form for massage therapy here, and for somatic-based coaching here. Please review the appropriate form before booking your appointment, to ensure you’re aware of the contraindications and considerations for each.

  • Confidentiality

    All information collected and exchanged in sessions is confidential. I do not share any details or disclose patronage with others, unless justified by medical emergency or required by law to do so. You may request copies of records for your own use, as you see fit. All documentation is secured in a locked filing cabinet.

    Privacy

    Draping is used during clients’ time on the table, for both massage therapy and the touch components of somatic-based coaching sessions, to ensure respect for your privacy.

  • Scope of Services

    Neither massage therapy nor somatic-based coaching is a substitute for medical care, physical therapy, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, use of prescription or other medicines, or any other clinical care or diagnostic testing provided by a licensed practitioner. Those in need of medical care for illness or diagnosis should obtain it from an appropriate source of such care of their choice. All clients with medical questions will be directed to their health care provider. Though I have medical education and related degrees, I am not a practicing physician, do not maintain a medical license, and do not provide medical or clinical services of any kind.

    While I believe sexual wellness is an important aspect of holistic health—and touch may inadvertently elicit physiological or emotional responses of an erotic nature—the purpose of my services is not sexual fulfillment. As with other sensitive topics that may arise, communication is key. Sexuality is unfortunately often shrouded in shame, and I try to ensure clients feel comfortable asking relevant questions or for clarifications and to respond with sensitivity and respect.

Curious to learn more?

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, or simply want more information, I’d be happy to hear from you. Let’s start the conversation.