Massage & Somatic Therapist

Welcome to my website.  You'll find descriptions of my massage and somatic therapy
work, testimonials from previous client's and a blog where I'll be sharing reflections and resources that many have found useful.  I'm also available to speak, teach and facilitate workshops.  I hope you find something for yourself.  
Enjoy, and please be in touch!  ~ Kristen

"...one hip in particular was so painful that it interfered with my daily activities, not to mention hampered sports and dancing. I am a cautious believer in 'alternative therapies,' but thought I’d give Kristen a try.  She pretty much worked a miracle, as the pain disappeared entirely.  She is very knowledgable and listens carefully. She absolutely worked for me, and I would recommend her to anyone."  
M.T., western MA, May 2011

Watch Video Here

DEFINITIONS:

Somatic Therapy, Bodywork or Body-Centered Psychotherapy are different names used to describe a category of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices that involve working with the human mind-body connection to improve quality of life and promote healing.  The ‘Soma’ in Somatic Therapy is a term that refers to the unified 'mind-body' whole that cannot be separated into parts.

Techniques vary greatly and may focus on assessing and improving posture, promoting awareness of the mind-body connection, working with the breath, movement and vocalization, tracking nervous system activation for working with trauma or cathartic release of emotions.

Massage is a ‘hands-on’ treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well-being.  Varieties of massage range from gentle movement of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world.  It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness.  Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.¹