A gentler approach to therapeutic bodywork.
Individualized care for chronic pain, stress, and lymphatic support.
Each session is shaped around what your body needs that day.
Sometimes that means slow, focused work with an area of pain, tension, or restricted movement. Other times, it means something more soothing and restorative, using techniques such as Swedish massage. When appropriate, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) may be used for more specialized support, using light, rhythmic touch to encourage the body’s natural lymphatic flow.
The goal is never to force change, but to meet your body where it is.
About
I’m a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) based in Los Angeles, California.
Before becoming a massage therapist, I spent over a decade working in graphic design and illustration. Years behind a computer left me with a growing appreciation for how deeply stress, posture, and daily habits can affect the body. Massage first became something I sought out for myself, then something I felt called to study more deeply.
What ultimately led me to change careers was helping someone close to me, who was living with chronic illness, find genuine relief through touch. It reminded me that I wanted my work to have a more direct and meaningful impact on people's lives. That experience is part of what led me to complete my certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a specialized and gentle approach that can be appropriate for certain types of swelling and for people living with chronic pain or other health challenges. It has also deepened my interest in working with people who may need a gentler, more responsive approach to hands-on care.
Services
All sessions are grounded in the same philosophy. Slow, attentive work that responds to your body’s needs and supports a more regulated nervous system.
My therapeutic bodywork is integrative, drawing from multiple massage and manual therapy techniques rather than relying on a single modality. Depending on what you’re experiencing and what you’d like to work on, different techniques may be used individually or combined within a session.
Myofascial Release (MFR) works with the body’s fascial system, a continuous, web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every structure throughout the body. The work uses slow, sustained contact and is typically performed without oil or lotion, with the practitioner often staying on an area for several minutes rather than moving continuously from one stroke to the next. The approach can feel more like hands-on physical therapy than traditional massage, and may incorporate active movement or participation when appropriate.
Deep tissue massage is a more focused approach that uses slow, concentrated pressure to address areas of persistent tension and muscular restriction. Rather than continuous broad strokes, the work may focus on specific areas to access deeper layers of tissue.
Swedish massage uses flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and rhythmic movement to ease everyday tension and encourage relaxation. It offers a more soothing and restorative approach for those looking to slow down, unwind, and support overall well-being.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, therapeutic form of soft-tissue mobilization that uses very light, precise, rhythmic movements to support lymphatic function and encourage healthy lymph flow. It may be beneficial following certain surgeries or injuries, when swelling is present, or as a gentle supportive therapy for conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Techniques, pressure, pace, and positioning are adapted to what is most appropriate for you rather than following a predetermined sequence.
Session Rates
Sessions are currently offered at a professional treatment space in the Los Angeles area.
Availability varies from week to week. Your specific day, time, and location will be confirmed when your session is scheduled. Longer sessions can allow more time for focused work, multiple areas of concern, or a slower pace when appropriate.
Therapeutic Bodywork
A personalized, integrative session drawing from massage and manual therapy techniques to address areas of pain, tension, restricted movement, or general stress. Techniques may include myofascial release (MFR), deep tissue, and Swedish massage.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
A specialized, gentle session using light, precise, rhythmic techniques to support lymphatic function and healthy lymph flow. MLD may be beneficial following certain surgeries or injuries, when swelling is present, or when a very gentle form of hands-on care is appropriate.
What to Expect
A few things to know before your session.
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All sessions begin with an appointment request. Choose your preferred session, date, and time and provide the requested information about what you'd like to focus on.
New clients will complete a health history intake and client agreement before their first session. Returning clients will complete a brief health and session update so I can stay informed about any changes in their health, symptoms, or areas of focus.
I personally review each appointment request before confirming it. This allows me to review the information you've provided, make sure the requested session and location are a good fit, and follow up if I have any questions.
Your session is not finalized until I’ve reviewed the details and sent you a confirmation.
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Therapeutic bodywork is an integrative approach to massage and manual therapy that draws from multiple massage and manual therapy techniques rather than relying on a single modality. Depending on what you're experiencing and what you'd like to work on, different approaches may be used individually or combined within a session.
Myofascial Release (MFR) works with the fascial system, a continuous, web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds, supports, and connects every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ throughout the body. When you experience physical injury, stress, or poor posture, this tissue can tighten, contract, and stick together, creating restricted "tight spots" that pull your body out of alignment and cause chronic pain. MFR uses slow, sustained pressure, holding specific areas for several minutes at a time without oil or lotion, allowing the bound-up, restricted tissue to warm, soften, and slowly release. Because fascia is a three-dimensional, uninterrupted sheet of tissue that connects the entire body, MFR takes a more whole-body perspective rather than treating areas in isolation. Releasing tension in one area often alleviates pain elsewhere.
Deep tissue massage is a more targeted modality that can be helpful for breaking down persistent knots and releasing chronic tension stored in the deeper layers of muscle. Instead of broad, relaxing strokes, it uses slow, concentrated pressure applied across the grain of deep muscle fibers, targeting specific problem areas and adhesions.
Swedish massage is a relaxing modality designed to ease everyday tension, boost circulation, and calm the nervous system. It typically uses long, gliding strokes and gentle kneading, working on the top layers of muscle tissue. It is best for people who are new to bodywork or just want a more soothing and restorative experience to improve overall wellness.
Depending on the approach, a session may also include active movement or stretching, changes in positioning, or sustained contact rather than continuous massage strokes.
The techniques used, along with the pressure, pace, and positioning, are adapted to what is most appropriate for the session rather than following a predetermined sequence.
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, therapeutic form of soft-tissue mobilization that uses light, rhythmic movements to activate the lymphatic system and promote the movement of lymph fluid. Unlike conventional massage, MLD does not use deep pressure or vigorous rubbing. The technique is precise and follows the body's natural lymphatic pathways.
MLD may be appropriate for certain types of swelling, including some post-surgical or post-traumatic swelling, as well as for people who are sensitive to deeper pressure and prefer a very gentle approach.
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Your first session begins with a conversation about your health history, current concerns, and goals for your session. This helps me understand how to best support you and tailor your therapeutic bodywork approach.
Please complete all required intake forms before your first appointment so I can review important health information and prepare for your session.
Throughout your appointment, communication is encouraged. You are always welcome to ask questions, request adjustments, or share feedback about your comfort level.
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Please arrive clean and ready for hands-on care. A shower or bath before your session is appreciated, particularly after exercise, work, or other activities that may result in sweat or strong odors.
If your session includes Myofascial Release (MFR), please arrive with clean, dry skin free of body oils or lotions. MFR requires direct skin contact, and clean, dry skin provides the traction needed for slow, sustained work with the tissues. For other massage techniques, please avoid applying oils, lotions, or strongly scented products immediately before your session, as they can affect the work and the session environment.
You’re welcome to eat and drink normally before your session, but staying reasonably hydrated and allowing yourself a little time to arrive and settle in can help you get the most from your session.
For in-home sessions, please also have a clean, comfortable space ready for the session and secure pets in another area unless we’ve discussed otherwise.
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In-home sessions are offered on a limited basis for established clients and by referral only. Rates reflect the additional travel time, mileage, equipment transport, and setup required for in-home sessions. Availability depends on location, accessibility, and whether the space is suitable for a professional bodywork session. Please contact me to inquire.
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My approach generally focuses on medium pressure, but pressure is always individualized. If you prefer lighter pressure or are more comfortable with a gentler approach, I will respect that and adjust the session accordingly.
I don't believe that more pressure necessarily means more effective work. When pressure is applied too quickly or aggressively, it can increase discomfort and cause the body to guard or resist. Instead, I use pressure gradually and intentionally, allowing the tissues time to respond rather than forcing them.
Certain techniques may involve firmer, more sustained pressure when appropriate. For example, Myofascial Release (MFR) and deep tissue massage are often performed slowly, allowing me to sense how the tissues respond and adjust the pressure and pace accordingly.
The goal is not to overpower the body, but to work with it. Your comfort and response guide the depth, pressure, and pace of the session, and adjustments can be made at any time.
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Only to your level of comfort. What you wear or remove depends on the techniques being used during your session.
For Myofascial Release (MFR), wear a sports bra or tank top and athletic shorts, and arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotion or oils. MFR requires direct skin contact and does not use draping.
For massage techniques that involve direct work to the skin, professional draping is used, with only the area being worked on uncovered. If you prefer to remain more fully clothed, we can discuss approaches that may be appropriate for your goals.
You are always welcome to ask questions or request adjustments to clothing, draping, positioning, or the areas being worked on.
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Therapeutic bodywork is a professional service, and a respectful environment is expected for both client and practitioner.
Clear communication, mutual respect, and appropriate professional boundaries are expected throughout the session. You may ask questions, communicate your preferences, request changes, or ask to pause or stop the session at any time.
Sexual harassment, sexual or suggestive comments, sexual requests, innuendo, inappropriate touching, intimidation, discrimination, threats, or other behavior that compromises safety or professional boundaries are not permitted.
If professional boundaries are violated, the session may be ended immediately. Payment for the scheduled session may still be required, and future appointments may be declined.
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Some techniques may feel intense or create a strong sensation in the moment, and that can be a normal part of therapeutic work. What matters is that the sensation remains within a level you can comfortably tolerate.
There is a difference between something feeling intense and becoming too much. If a sensation feels painful, overwhelming, or simply doesn't feel right, please let me know. Pressure, pace, positioning, technique, or the area being addressed can be adjusted at any time. You can also ask to pause or stop the session at any point.
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Yes.
Please provide complete and accurate information about your health history, current conditions, medications, injuries, surgeries, and any other factors that may affect your session.
This information helps me provide safe, appropriate care. Therapeutic bodywork is not a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment, and you may be advised to consult with a healthcare provider when appropriate.
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Everyone responds differently. Many people feel relaxed, lighter, or more at ease after a session, and you may notice changes in body awareness, mobility, or areas of tension.
Some people experience temporary soreness, tenderness, fatigue, or changes in how they feel, particularly after more focused or unfamiliar work. These responses are generally temporary and may change over the following day or two.
A stronger response does not necessarily mean a more effective session. I aim to work at a level that provides therapeutic input without overwhelming your system. If you experience anything that concerns you after a session, you're welcome to reach out.
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Appointments are reserved specifically for each client. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible.
Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to the full session fee. Missed appointments may be charged the full session fee.
Exceptions may be considered in cases of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
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If you arrive late, your session may need to be shortened in order to accommodate the remainder of your reserved appointment time.
The full session fee will still apply, and arriving late does not extend the scheduled appointment time.
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Payment is due at the completion of your session unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
A valid payment is required to reserve your appointment.
Scheduling a Session
Start by sharing what you're looking for.
Submit your preferred session, date, and time, along with a little information about what you'd like to focus on. I’ll review your request, confirm availability, and follow up with the next steps.
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to learn more?
Whether you’d like to learn more about my approach, discuss your goals, or simply ask a few questions before getting started, I’d be happy to hear from you. Reach out anytime and I’ll help you determine the best next step.