Massage Therapy

During Times of Grief, Loss, burnout, and Life Change

Sanctuary Within Bodywork offers support for your body during life's hardest challenges.

I specialize in offering massage to individuals who are experiencing the heavy weight of grief, loss, stress, burnout, significant life changes, or simply needing to honor difficult emotions that are part of being human. During hard times, you can show up as you are, with no mask of being “okay” and you will receive acceptance and nurtured massage therapy support.

A common experience for individuals who are experiencing hardships, stress, major life changes, grief, or loss is the pressure to feel better, to move on as quickly as possible, to be positive and grateful, to get over it….etc. During hard times we often have to put aside our struggles just to get through our work days, to keep the bills paid and a roof over our heads, and to be there for our families, friends, and community. Sanctuary Within Bodywork understands the need for spaces that recognize grief, loss, stress, burnout, and the unique physical effects of these experiences. You are welcome to come to these sessions just as you truly are, and you will find a place of rest and solace for your body, mind, and heart.

Times of stress, grief, loss, burnout, and life change

have physical impacts, and massage therapy can help.

Grief and loss, burnout, and times of great hardship and stress physically impact our bodies, and massage that focuses on relaxation and nervous system regulation has been shown to help provide relief. It is important to consult with a doctor regarding any new

  • Chronic Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion, regardless of sleep duration, is a common experience for the grieving, those experiencing burnout due to stressful jobs or caregiving, and during times of life change or challenge.

  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns can result from stress and grief, leading to even more chronic fatigue.

  • Shallow Breathing: Shallow breathing often emerges as a common symptom during experiences of grief, loss, burnout, and periods of heightened stress. Shallow breathing can lead to increased tension in the muscles, reduced oxygen supply to vital organs, and heightened feelings of anxiety.

  • Headaches: Headaches due to muscular tension often manifest as a physical symptom of grief, loss, burnout, and stress.

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms such as stomachaches, nausea, or changes in appetite can arise, often linked to stress or anxiety.

  • Changes in Appetite: Changes in appetite during grief, loss, major stress, and burnout can manifest as either a significant decrease or an increase in food intake, reflecting the complex emotional and physical responses individuals experience in these challenging times.

  • Muscle Tension and Pain: Increased muscle tightness, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back, can result from physical stress, posture, and prolonged periods of readiness.

  • Increased Heart Rate: A constant state of heightened arousal may lead to a racing heart or palpitations, indicating the body’s stress response.

  • Frequent Illness: A weakened immune system can result in more frequent colds, infections, and other illnesses, as chronic stress affects overall health. Research shows that massage therapy boosts immune system function.

  • Changes in Weight: Significant fluctuations in weight, either gain or loss, may occur due to altered eating habits and lifestyle adjustments in response to stress. While massage therapy does not directly influence weight loss or gain, it can help indirectly by helping to regulate sleep, support better digestion, decrease muscle tension, and support the nervous system in its responses to life’s stressors.

  • Skin Issues: Times of stress and loss can trigger or exacerbate skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis, visible markers of internal distress. While massage does not heal skin conditions, it does help to support better sleep, nervous system regulation to stress which can help to alleviate skin issues.

Is this type of massage different from other types of massage?

Yes. Sanctuary Within Bodywork focuses on providing comfort during difficult times and easing physical symptoms associated with stress, grief, loss, and burnout.

Massage therapy provides “assisted relaxation” during times when relaxation isn’t easy to find.

Sanctuary Within Bodywork massage is specifically designed to address the physical manifestations of stress, grief, loss, and burnout. I understand how these experiences can manifest in the body. The techniques employed are often gentler and more nurturing, and emphasize comfort and support. This approach not only facilitates a sense of connection to the body during difficult times, but also honors the unique journey of healing that comes with grief, setting it apart from more conventional massage practices.

This type of massage focuses on the face, scalp, neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, lower legs, and feet, and you can always choose to remain fully clothed or choose traditional massage draping to ensure modesty and privacy. For those who don’t feel comfortable on a massage table, the massage can also be provided in a massage chair.

The work I offer is comforting and deeply relaxing, it helps with releasing muscular tension and pain, improving sleep quality, aiding digestion and appetite, and supporting overall wellness and emotional and mental well-being.

Sanctuary Within Bodywork does not provide deep-tissue massage and is not focused on treating chronic musculoskeletal issues or acute injuries. While there are many amazing massage therapists in the Asheville area who focus on treating chronic musculoskeletal issues and/or acute injuries, there are very few who focus their practice on providing massage during times of extreme stress, hardship, grief, and loss.

What if I cry? What if I don’t cry?

Times of major life change, stress, grief, and loss bring up all kinds of emotions. It is a common occurrence that Sanctuary Within Bodywork massage clients will cry, not cry, laugh, sob, experience unexpected emotions, be silent, or share — but there is never any expectation or push for any emotional release.

It is normal and completely okay for emotions of all kinds to surface or not to surface at all. I will help you stay aware of your body and breath as any emotions surface, ensuring that the experience remains gentle to your nervous system. Before the session ends, we will take time to make sure you are feeling calm and centered, and able to return to the world with a little more of a sense of peace and readiness. 

There is no expectation that you verbally share with me about what you are going through; however, I am here to listen if you do want to share. I do not provide counseling — therefore, I will not offer my opinions, analysis, or advice. I simply offer my warm heart and hands, a compassionate ear, professional bodywork skills, and a safe space to be with your feelings. This massage experience does not replace mental health counseling.

Massage can lower your emotional barriers, which may not be appropriate for some individuals and under some circumstances. If there are any concerns regarding your readiness for this type of massage session, I am always happy to work collaboratively with your doctor or therapist. I do maintain and provide a list of local grief counselors, support groups, and important hotline numbers to all of my clients — just in case the need for extra support arises after our sessions.

Trauma-Informed Massage

Sanctuary Within Bodywork acknowledges the impact of trauma on clients' lives and is committed to fostering and maintaining an environment that prioritizes safety, well-being, healing, and empowerment.

My approach understands the unique needs of clients with trauma and aims to reduce the risk of causing further harm. I am dedicated to clear communication, consent-based practices, and honoring your bodily autonomy.

I know that trauma makes times of stress, grief, loss, and life change even more challenging. Taking time and space to slow down and allow yourself to just be can be really difficult. If you would like to receive massage therapy support but aren’t sure if it is right for you, I’m here to talk with you about your concerns, and we can figure out if what Sanctuary Within Bodywork offers is a good fit. I’m always open to working in conjunction with your mental health care provider, or other members of your care team.

It is important to note that Sanctuary Within Bodywork does not offer trauma release or trauma processing - I offer massage therapy that is supportive during times of stress, grief, loss, burnout, and life change. If you specifically want to work through the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts of traumatic events on your life, I can offer referrals to local counselors and trained body workers who can support you in that sacred work.

Who is Sanctuary Within Bodywork Massage for?

For Regular People Navigating Grief and Life Challenges

At the heart of Sanctuary Within Bodywork is massage support for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. I know this is unimaginably hard. Sanctuary Within Bodywork is here for you in the early days, weeks, and months of your grief. But, I’m also here for the long haul, continuing to offer a space of nurtured physical support during loss anniversaries, holidays, or certain times of year that may cause grief to resurface.

  • Diagnosis of a serious illness for yourself or a loved one is an incredibly stressful event that can be isolating

  • The loss of a beloved pet

  • Moving, changing careers, switching jobs

  • Loss of a friendship or friend circle

  • Loss of a personal dream

Sanctuary Within Bodywork offers unique support during times of collective grief from natural disasters, ecological disasters, climate change, and incidents of mass violence.

For Caregivers, Care Providers & First Responders

Your well-being directly impacts your ability to support others as a caregiver, care provider, or first responder. Sanctuary Within Bodywork offers a supportive environment to help cope with the cumulative impacts of stress and trauma through physical touch and emotional validation. Massage helps to release tension, regulate the nervous system, provide support during times of grief, and can help alleviate anxiety and depression.

  • Provides stress reduction by lowering cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, which is often elevated in first responders, caregivers, and care providers.. 

  • A safe space to express emotions without judgment, allowing them to begin to heal. 

  • Physical relaxation:

    The physical touch of massage can help release muscle tension and physical discomfort that may be associated with stress and trauma, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. 

    Studies have shown that massage therapy can be a powerful healing tool for First Responders. Research shows that integrative therapies can help veterans found that those who received massage therapy reported significant reductions in physical pain, anxiety/depression, tension, and irritability. Massage therapy sessions can also provide First Responders with self-care strategies to help prolong the positive effects achieved by teaching them safe and effective ways of stress management

Stress reduction:

Massage therapy can effectively lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, which is often elevated in first responders due to their high-stress jobs. 

  • Physical relaxation:

    The physical touch of massage can help release muscle tension and physical discomfort that may be associated with stress and trauma, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being. 

  • Validation of experience:

    A grief massage therapist can acknowledge the unique challenges faced by first responders, validating their experiences and providing a sense of understanding. 

  • Improved coping mechanisms:

    By facilitating a sense of calm and grounding, massage can help first responders develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and grief. 

Your wellbeing directly impacts your ability to support others.

What Can I Expect?

  • Sanctuary Within Bodywork makes the scheduling process as easy as possible. Just reach out via email or phone or the contact form on the website. I’ll reach back out you within 24-hours to set up a quick phone call so that we can discuss your needs. Once we have had the opportunity to connect over the phone, the remainder of the intake process can be done online, or I can help you with it over the phone. Returning clients can easily book online.

  • Sanctuary Within Bodywork is located on the second floor of a mixed-use business building 10 minutes South-West of Asheville. You can park in front of the building and take the stairs or the elevator to the second floor. I’ll meet you when you arrive and help you get settled in with a cup of water or tea until it is time for your massage.

    Please feel free to use the restroom while waiting for your appointment. It is located through our yoga/movement space beyond the waiting room.

  • You can absolutely stay clothed during your massage if that is what you prefer

    You are welcome to undress in the privacy of your own space before the massage begins. This allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your experience.

    Some individuals choose to undress to their own personal comfort level, and in that case, we will provide you with a sheet and blanket for added coverage and warmth. I will step out of the room to give you ample privacy while you undress and settle in comfortably on the table. I will be sure to knock gently before returning to ensure that your privacy is respected and maintained throughout the process.

  • Before each massage, I take time to connect about your current needs and your medical history. There is absolutely no expectation that you share with me about your grief or the hardships you are facing in your life; however, I am here to listen if you would like to share.

    Together, we come up with a plan for your massage session that feels comfortable to you. I will periodically check in with you verbally during the massage to ensure you are comfortable with the treatment. You are welcome to stop or change the course of treatment at any time during your massage.

  • I remain present and responsive to your needs before, during, and after your massage session. I encourage you to remain connected with your breathing and body. Before the session ends, we will work together to make sure you feel calm and safely embodied.

    After each session, there is plenty of time to address any questions or needs you might have. You are welcome to utilize the movement space, make a cup of tea, and take your time moving back out into the world. You don’t need to hurry. When you are ready, I will walk you down to the ground floor of the building.