Holistic Bodywork – Barbara Gosselin

My approach to healing is a whole-body approach that uses very light touch, gentle, hands-on energy healing techniques that help activate your own internal healing forces to decrease pain and help you feel better on every level. Since it recognizes the interconnectedness of all parts of the body, mind, emotions and spirit, I refer to it as Holistic Bodywork. It seeks to uncover and resolve the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. I also rely on my training and experience as a Physical Therapist to inform my work, which gives me a deep and thorough understanding of the body, and helps bridge the worlds of conventional medicine and holistic healing.

Benefits of Holistic Bodywork

Your pain will likely decrease and you will feel a greater sense of ease in your body.

You will feel more relaxed and less stressed. One client recently told me after one of our healing sessions that she felt like she had been away on vacation because she felt so relaxed and rejuvenated.

You will be able to enjoy many of your favorite activities again.

You will have more energy available to focus on areas of your life that really matter to you.

You will have greater understanding about your pain and more trust in your body, which will help you know what to do to take care of yourself, preventing more problems in the future.

You will likely find some resolution of psychological or emotional issues that are linked with your physical pain that have been holding you back.

Who Benefits from Holistic Bodywork?

People who are either looking for or are open to a holistic approach to healing for their physical pain. Often these are people who may not have found relief with conventional physical therapy or other treatments and want to try a non conventional energy healing approach.

People actively involved in a personal healing and growth process who want to work with their physical and/or emotional symptoms in the context of that healing process.

This approach to Holistic Bodywork is based on 2 philosophical premises:

Within each of us is a healing force or core energy that moves toward wholeness. Disease, pain or other dysfunction occurs when we, for any reason, become disconnected from this healing force, or resist its flow within us. This disconnection or resistance from our own healing force can occur for many reasons, such as prolonged stress, physical trauma (such as car accidents, major medical procedures, sports injures) and unresolved emotional trauma (such as major losses, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, unmet needs). When we live our lives disconnected from our core, symptoms of some sort are bound to show up eventually and typically these symptoms manifest on a physical level.It is possible to reconnect to our inner healing force and allow it to guide the healing process, resulting in pain relief and deep healing on every level.

All parts of us are interconnected and interdependent. This means that all parts of your body are connected to and influenced by all other parts, and your body is connected to and influenced by all other parts of your life, including your emotions, beliefs, life experiences, lifestyle, etc. Since everything is connected to and influenced by everything else, the actual cause of a physical symptom could be seemingly unrelated, such as a headache that's true cause is actually a restriction in the low back, or ongoing digestive problems that are due to an unresolved emotional issue such as a trauma that occurred when you were a child. By being open to all possibilities during a healing session, the true cause of the symptom can be revealed, understood and resolved, resulting in lasting pain relief and freedom from suffering.

My approach to healing acknowledges that the body is a powerful medium. If we follow its symptoms, it will reliably lead us to the places within us that need to heal in order to live a full, boundless, joyful life. Viewing symptoms in this way allows us to open to them, befriend them, and learn from them. When we do this, our bodies no longer need to hold onto restriction patterns. We can then more easily let them go and achieve deep and lasting healing. This powerful process teaches us that we can trust our bodies, and frees us to truly live the life we were meant to live.

Depending on your needs and circumstances, my integrative healing approach combines any of the following healing methods:

Fascial Mobilization

Fascial Mobilization seeks to find and address restrictions within the fascial system. Fascia is a continuous, three-dimensional matrix of connective tissue that extends throughout the entire body. Every structure in the body, including muscles, nerves, bones, organs, blood vessels and lymph nodes, is embedded within the fascia, which binds, supports, nourishes and connects them.

Restrictions in the fascial system are common and can be caused by many things, including physical trauma, prolonged stress, surgical scars, emotional trauma, and repeated stressful postures. It is not unusual for a symptom in one part of the body to actually be caused by a fascial restriction in a distant part of the body.

Since it is a continuous, three-dimensional web, fascial restrictions distort the whole fascial matrix, resulting in abnormal strain patterns throughout the entire fascial system. These strain patterns put stress on the tissues embedded in the fascia that fall within the path of the restriction, potentially causing pain and dysfunction.

Often, problems that don't respond to conventional therapies, which typically do not address the entire fascial system, or that improve only temporarily, have a fascial component that has not been addressed. In these cases, releasing the fascial restrictions typically leads to lasting relief.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy seeks to find and release restrictions within the Craniosacral System, which is composed of the bones of the skull, face, spine and pelvis, the cranial membranes that connect them, and the fluid contained within the membrane system. These cranial membranes are considered the deepest layer of the fascial system described earlier as they connect directly to the fascial system, creating one large integrated system.

The craniosacral system provides the environment for the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), cushioning, protecting and nourishing it, which is vital because the central nervous system controls all conscious and unconscious physiological processes in the body.

Restrictions in the Craniosacral System are common and can be caused by many of the same things that cause fascial restrictions, as well as by birth trauma or head trauma. Craniosacral restrictions can have far reaching implications throughout the body.

Many chronic problems have an underlying craniosacral restriction, and conventional therapies that do not address these restrictions will be either ineffective, or only partially or temporarily effective. In these cases, Craniosacral Therapy can create lasting improvement.

Energy Healing

Energy Healing seeks to restore balance and flow within the human energy field that surrounds, interpenetrates and is continuous with the tissues of the body. Problems in the body, such as pain or weakness, are typically reflected in the energy field, and can be felt as a disturbance or weakness in the energy flow in that area.

The form of Energy Healing that I practice is an intuitive and free flowing process. Using light touch, I assess the quality of energy flow in your body and if I find an area with altered flow, I place my hands there and support the flow of energy with my hands, helping it strengthen and balance.

A balanced energy field enables our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits to function as efficiently and fluidly as possible, reducing pain and promoting healing on every level.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is the practice of using physical agents (e.g. heat, cold), manual manipulation techniques (e.g. stretching, manual joint mobilization and soft tissue release techniques), and utilizing specific exercises and education to reduce pain and restore and promote physical function.

Although I don't utilize heat or cold treatments in my bodywork sessions, the other techniques can be effective at helping the body recover from pain and dysfunction. However I have found that these physical therapy techniques alone often fall short because they don't treat the fascial or craniosacral systems, and they don't take into account the holistic nature of pain and dysfunction.

My experience and knowledge of traditional physical therapy techniques enables me to include them as part of a comprehensive program which combines both conventional and holistic healing techniques to bring you the best of both worlds.

Although these four healing methods are described as individual and different techniques, in practice I combine them into an integrated healing approach that is able to find the restrictions and holding patterns in your energy, fascial and craniosacral systems and release them, with your inner healing force guiding the whole process.

The result is that the abnormal strain patterns in your body are alleviated, resulting in relief from pain and a more aligned, balanced, and mobile body and energy field.

What does a Holistic Bodywork Session Look and Feel Like?

The Session Structure Holistic Bodywork sessions are typically one hour long, but can be longer or shorter depending on what is right for you. We will begin by sitting and talking about how you are feeling and what is going on for you. We will then move to the tablework portion of the session. You will lie comfortably, fully clothed, on your back on a massage table. We will use pillows, blankets, and bolsters so you can be completely relaxed and comfortable. If you are uncomfortable lying on your back, sessions can be done in many other positions, including sitting, or lying on your side or stomach.

The Process I typically begin at your feet, and use my ability to assess the subtle tissue movements in your body as well as my intuition to feel restrictions in your soft tissue mobility and energy flow. When I find an area of restriction, I will lightly place my hands there and tune into the subtle movements of your fascia and energy. These movements reveal restriction patterns in your tissues. I will follow these movement patterns with my hands, which assists the tissues to release, resulting in decreased strain on the structures of your body, allowing for decreased pain. Clients usually report feeling gradually more and more relaxed as the session progresses.

Sessions can be as quiet or as interactive as you would like. Many people like to let themselves sink deeply into a quiet space, allowing the body to relax and release old holding patterns. Others like to actively engage with the sensations in their body. For these clients, I use imagery and dialogue to access, explore and resolve the powerful connections between their body, emotions and beliefs. In this process, I will gently guide you to bring awareness to the sensations in your body, and to open to any images, thoughts, beliefs, or feelings that might come up as you connect to that part of your body. Entering into this process with open curiosity, compassion, and complete non judgment can allow any unresolved issues that are being held in the tissues of the body to come to the surface and be released, which then allows the tissues to return to a relaxed, balanced state, resulting in pain relief.

There are many different levels on which healing work can occur, from the physical to the more subtle. While I will make recommendations on how we work together, it is your preference that dictates the type of work that occurs during a session. However, if the tissues are "stuck" or are just not responding to the bodywork, then it may be that your body requires your conscious awareness of some other aspect of yourself before the tissues are able to release. If I sense that, then I will talk with you about what I'm noticing, and together we'll decide the best way to proceed.

In all cases, the session is tailored to your specific needs and desires. My job is to be fully present for you and your experience, and to use my skills and knowledge to assist you in your healing journey. My goal is to connect with your inherent healing impulse and allow it to guide the session. This involves slowing down and deeply listening to you and your body. I have found that by following the body in this way, we are always led to a place of healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your bodywork approach so effective?

That's a great question! The work is so gentle and subtle, that my clients are often amazed that it can be as effective as it is.

I think the reason it works is because rather than trying to "figure out what is wrong with your body and fix it", my approach takes the time to connect to the inherent healing impulse within your body that is always moving toward wellness, and support it to do what it needs to do to heal. The wisdom of your body is far more knowledgeable about what you need to heal than any person outside of you.

I find that the body in pain can often act like a young child. If you try to tell it what to do, it just digs its heels in and doesn't move. But if you sit and listen to it, it will then often be willing to let go.

I am always amazed that the process of acknowledging a restriction, no matter how long standing it is, and just being with it without expectation or judgment, usually leads to that restriction softening and letting go.

What should I wear to my bodywork session?

How long is a bodywork session?

Sessions are typically 60 minutes long. But depending on the situation, I offer shorter (30 or 45 minute) or longer (90 minute) sessions.

Session length is determined by a number of considerations, including age of the client (children generally don't need, nor tolerate, a full 60 minute session), as well as financial considerations.

For the initial session, I like to schedule 90 minutes, although this is not always necessary.

Are these Holistic Bodywork sessions like a massage?

How much does it cost?

The initial session is 75 to 90 minutes long and consists of an assessment and treatment; the cost for this is $215.

Follow-up sessions are typically one hour long, and cost $155.

Depending on the situation, shorter and longer appointments are also available:

30 minute sessions (which are often appropriate for a child) are $85.00,

45 minute sessions are $125.00,

90 minute sessions are $215.00.

In all cases, I will work with you to try to come up with a treatment plan and budget that works for you.

Will my insurance pay for it?

This is a complicated question to answer because the insurance industry is a huge, complex, continually changing system. So it's impossible to predict with confidence how they will process your claim. It depends on several factors including the type of insurance you have, and the type of work we are doing together.

If you have an HMO, then unfortunately they will not pay for my Bodywork services as I am not a provider for any HMOs. If, however, you have a non HMO insurance plan that has an "out of network" benefit, then they may pay for a portion of my services.

Insurance companies generally do not cover Craniosacral Therapy specifically, but any portion of our work together that can be classified as physical therapy may be covered for a certain amount of time.

I do not direct bill insurance companies; rather, you will pay me at the time of our session, and I will provide you with a receipt that you can send to your insurance company to get reimbursed. I will help you with this process as needed.

If you would like to discuss this further, please call me at 781-507-4226 and we can talk about it.

How often will I need a bodywork session?

Frequency of sessions can vary, and ranges anywhere from twice a week to monthly, or even less frequently. Most typical is once a week.

Often, at the beginning of our work together, weekly sessions are appropriate and then as your symptoms lessen, we may find that decreasing frequency is appropriate. We will be in communication about this as your treatment progresses, and adjust session frequency in a way that is right for you.

How will I know if these bodywork sessions will help me?

I find that most people tend to know by about the 3rd or 4th session if this work is helping them, and if they want to continue. That's why I offer a "Starter Pak" to new clients, which consists of the Initial session plus the next 3 sessions at a discount off my regular rates.

Some people know after the first session that it is not what they are looking for, and others know right away that it is exactly what they have been looking for.

What is important is that you trust yourself regarding whether the work feels right and beneficial for you, and that we communicate honestly with each other about it.

I've had Physical Therapy before and it didn't help. Why do you think your work will help me?

The answer to this question depends largely on the type of Physical Therapy you've received. If it consisted primarily of exercise, with something like heat or cold or electrical stimulation before or after the exercise, then the work I do is completely different.

I spend the entire session one-on-one with you, hands on, assessing the unique restriction patterns in your body and working to correct them. This approach can resolve problems that exercise and other traditional Physical Therapy techniques used alone often haven't.

If the Physical Therapy you received involved a lot of hands on work, then the work I do is most likely quite different than the work the previous therapist did since it is very gentle and addresses the whole body as well as the connection between your body and other aspects of your life.

Another consideration is the "match" between client and therapist. This can be very important. A therapist that is effective with one person might not be with another.

Yet another consideration is that each therapist is very different in their approach and their effectiveness. Not all Physical Therapy is created equal! If past Physical Therapy has not worked for you, then my approach may still be helpful. The only way to know is to try it!

Is it okay for me to be working with other practitioners at the same time as I see you?

Definitely! I find that the type of work I do dovetails very nicely with pretty much all other types of treatments including chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and even conventional physical therapy.

In fact, the work I do supports other treatments, for example helping chiropractic adjustments hold better, and helping massage therapists be able to access deeper layers of tissue. So I find it an effective strategy to work with different practitioners.

However, some other practitioners prefer that their clients do not receive this type of bodywork at the same time, so be sure to check with any providers you are currently working with before scheduling a session with me.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see you?

Are you sure this will help me?

Although I can't guarantee that you will get better, in my experience most people (I would estimate approx 90%) benefit from this work to some degree. We will typically know within 3 or 4 sessions whether this approach is right for you.

I promise that I will be honest with you if I think the work won't be beneficial for you, and I promise to work with you to come up with other options regarding what might help you. I will not give up on you.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

This is a difficult question to answer, because it depends on a lot of variables, some of which are mysterious! Typically, the longer a problem has been around, the longer it will take to improve. Also, the more problem areas there are, the longer it may take to address them all.

In general, I find that people tend to feel significant improvement after the first 4 or 5 sessions, but quite often people notice a significant change after even the first session! These early improvements are often short lived, since the body tends to go back to the way it is used to being, so it can take some time to help the body achieve a new balance point so that the treatments "hold" long term.

Again, this may depend on how long the problem has existed. In general, people tend to get substantial improvement after a few months, but many continue coming for Bodywork longer than that to either work on other issues they have, or because it makes them feel so good!

If you are ready to heal from the physical and emotional pain you are experiencing, let's get started. Contact me at 781-507-4226 for a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss whether my work might be right for you.