Holding A Space of Healing Presence to Support You on Your Journey

Welcome!      

My name is Therese Malischke, and I am a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist. The term "Bodywork" refers to various kinds of body-centered therapies used to improve health and well-being. They may include therapeutic touch, energy healing, breath-work, or manipulative work on the tissues of the body.

I am trained in holistic and integrative methods, incorporating both eastern and western medicine. I use therapeutic touch to support people in their healing journeys, incorporating holistic and integrative eastern and western techniques as well as energy work. I bring a mindful and compassionate presence to support healing, along with an intention to attune to the needs of your unique life journey.

I approach bodywork therapy not only as a means of addressing physical pain or discomfort , but also as a means of touching the human heart and spirit with supportive presence and healing intention.       

My Mission

My mission is to provide integrative bodywork techniques and therapeutic touch in a space of deep presence to support the body's own natural processes of healing and innate wholeness. I focus my intention on approaching clients with sensitivity and compassion in support of their personal connection with body, mind and spirit.   

What are my sessions like?

My sessions are focused on setting intention on to the needs of the mind, body and spirit of each client. The client usually remains fully clothed, laying down on a comfortable massage table. I use Reiki energy healing, acupressure points and elements of therapeutic massage influenced by Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage). 

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese word which means universal life force energy, which is the energy that is all around us and within us. It is energy that is faster than the speed of light. The practice of reiki is a method of natural healing where the practitioner sets the intention for this energy to be transferred through their hands to the client, to aid in restoring physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. Everyone has the ability to transfer reiki energy, all it takes in making the intention to do so. A student of reiki goes through an attunement process to become more fine-tuned to sensing this energy. Reiki energy work is done only if desired by the client and with their permission. 

Acupressure

Acupressure is another element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which involves applying manual pressure (using fingertips or thumbs) to specific points on the body. These are the same points that are used in acupuncture, without using needles. Acupressure points lie on the meridians, which are invisible lines of energy flow on the body. There are 12 major meridians in the body which correspond to different organs and body systems. In TCM theory, illnesses and health conditions are caused when energy or "chi" becomes blocked along the meridians. It is believed that the key to health is a harmonious and balanced functioning of body, mind and spirit, with the unobstructed flow of chi or “life energy” through the body, along the meridian pathways. Applying pressure and manipulating acupressure points helps to promote blood circulation and chi.  

Tuina

TuiNa (pronounced "twee nah") is a form of Chinese medical massage that is over 2,000 years old. It harmonizes the flow of vital life force energy (also called chi or Qi), helping to balance the physical and emotional systems. Techniques include stimulating acupressure points, rhythmic compression, kneading, rolling, rubbing, pressing, gentle shaking, assisted stretching, and range of motion. TuiNa brings relaxation to the muscular and nervous system to promote self-healing and create a sense of vitality and emotional well-being. It can aid both acute and chronic conditions. Benefits may include easing headaches, insomnia, TMJ and nausea, calming anxiety and depression, releasing muscle tension, boosting the immune system and preventing acute illness, providing support for menstrual issues, and aiding with digestion and elimination. TuiNa massage traditionally uses no or very little lotion or oil and can be done with or without clothing on. 

Who May Benefit From A Session?

Anyone may benefit from a therapeutic touch session. All human beings need touch, and it is sometimes a deficient need in Western culture. People who are experiencing physical or emotional pain or challenge may find comfort, peacefulness and grounding in the compassionate support of therapeutic touch and energy healing. Techniques can be especially helpful for people with chronic conditions, anxiety or depression, working through illness, or at the stages of end-of-life.

I am able to do home, hospice, hospital or nursing home visits for people who are ill or in end-of-life stage.  

• A Holistic Approach for Body, Mind & Spirit

I focus on the body as a whole and honor the inseparable connection of body, mind & spirit. Therapeutic touch is used traditionally in cultures all over the world in various forms. My intention is to support clients in their unique journey using the scope of bodywork therapy. I practice techniques which aid in promoting energy flow throughout the body and support emotional uplift-ment, peaceful centering, groundedness, and physical and emotional ease and release. 

(Bodywork is a broad term used by practitioners for many different kinds of therapeutic touch, including massage, acupressure, energy medicine, breathwork, and other methods of manual therapy).   

• Integrated Eastern & Western Styles                                                                   

I am trained in Swedish style massage as well as Chinese Medical Massage (TuiNa) and Acupressure. This combination can be both calming as well as uplifting and invigorating. Tuina & Acupressure are elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine which promote the flow of vital energy (chi) in the body, aid the natural process of balancing body systems, promote relaxation of the nervous system, and promote a feeling of emotional well-being. They may provide support for chronic conditions such as migraines, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and TMJ.  

• Healing Presence                                                                                                                   

To me, "healing presence" means bringing a heart of compassion and a focused intention to the work that I do. I am deeply mindful of holding a space to honor the innate wholeness of each client and to focus on the intention of supporting their utmost well-being. Healing presence also means acting as a supportive witness to provide acceptance and safety for each person as they are in the moment and as their healing processes unfold. 

• Soulful Rhythm

I am a student of dance, and bodywork is in a sense a form of dance for me, flowing with the unique rhythm of each client's body. Rather than forcing or pressuring, I seek to listen to the body, be present and support. In addition, Chinese Medical Massage, or Tuina, is a more rhythmic style of bodywork, which focuses on breaking up areas of stuck energy or chi and circulating this life force freely throughout the body. Rather than digging deeply into muscles, it encourages muscle tissue to learn what it feels like to relax and to release patterns of tension. The music I use also becomes a rhythmic tool in my work.

• Client-Centered

It is very important to me that clients feel safe and that they know they may speak their needs at any time. Since the body holds emotion and past traumas, I support clients in advising me at any time if something feels uncomfortable to them. I honor your wisdom about your body. This is also a safe space and honoring space for emotions which may arise.

• Integration of Mindfulness & Spiritual Studies  

I incorporate aspects of my study of mindfulness, intuitive and shamanic studies, bringing insight and intuition from these practices to my sessions. I am also trained in Reiki healing and am able to incorporate this energy work into sessions if a client so desires. I place focused intention on energetic grounding, energy flow and energy clearing, and holding mindful positive regard and compassion.

• A Welcoming Space for Diverse Bodies and Ages

I strive to support individual needs and provide a welcoming environment for people of all ages, body types, gender identities and people with disabilities and chronic conditions. I am open to the learning process of how I can continually do this better. My office is disability accessible and I am happy to make necessary accommodations. Sessions can be performed with all clothing on or with some removed, depending on a client's needs. I also provide services in Spanish. Note: I do not currently provide pregnancy massage, but I am happy to refer you to excellent therapists who do!   

• Encouragement of Client Participation       

As a massage therapist, I consider myself a partner and supporter of your healing, and I honor you as fully empowered and as the wisest steward of your own body. I encourage clients to participate in the session through deep breathing, practicing body awareness and learning to release muscle tension. When we learn what it feels like to release tension on our own, this empowers us in our relationship to our bodies. 

• Sensitivity to Your Individual Needs  

I am able to use variations in pressure and style depending on your needs. Human beings need touch and sometimes gentle touch can be very healing. I am also able to provide deeper pressure and more vigorous techniques. The goal is to assess your individual needs and how to best provide relief and relaxation.

If financial limitations are a significant barrier to your being able to schedule a session, please ask me about sliding scale options. 

Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be a part of your journey! 

I look forward to supporting you! 

Photo credits: Maura Crowley

Therese Malischke, LMBT, LLC