Focused, Quiet, Present: My Approach to Sessions

When you book a session with me at Breathing Space Bodywork, one of the first things you may notice is how quiet it feels once you’re settled on the table. Unlike many Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs), who often talk to their patients throughout a session, I choose not to carry on conversation while I’m working.

This isn’t about being unfriendly—it’s about creating the best possible experience for you.

Concentration and Attunement

Bodywork is a deeply intuitive practice. In order to offer you my full presence, I need to concentrate, listen, and tune in to the subtle cues your body is giving me. This level of attention simply isn’t possible if my focus is divided between a conversation and the work I’m doing with my hands. Silence allows me to notice where your body is holding tension, how it responds to each technique, and what adjustments will best support you.

A Fuller Experience for You

Talking engages the analytical part of the brain. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it can pull you out of the embodied, restful state that bodywork is designed to support. My goal is for you to feel the work—not just think about it. When you allow yourself to drop into the quiet, you can notice the shifts happening in your body, experience the release more fully, and leave the session with a deeper sense of relaxation.

Time and Presence

Many clients have told me that when sessions are filled with chatter, the time seems to pass more quickly—almost as if the bodywork itself takes a backseat. I believe that silence allows the session to feel more spacious, giving you the chance to settle into presence, rather than rushing through an hour that suddenly feels short.

What Clients Are Saying

Here’s one review that beautifully captures the experience of a quiet, attentive session:

“I really enjoyed my 60 minute massage with Tanya, and felt refreshed and relaxed afterwards. She was attentive, present, thoughtful, and quiet throughout. I love just sinking into quietude when being massaged! She has the perfect massage hands, something you can’t learn, a therapist just has, and she does! I highly recommend her.”

Her words capture the essence of why I choose silence: it allows me to stay deeply attentive, and it gives you the space to truly sink in and receive.

Your Comfort Comes First

That being said, you’re always welcome to speak if you need something adjusted—whether that’s pressure, temperature, or to ask a question. My quiet approach is about creating space for you, not about enforcing silence.

At Breathing Space Bodywork, the invitation is simple: relax, breathe, let go. By choosing quiet, I can give you my undivided attention, and you can receive the full benefit of the session.

The Comfort of Warmth: Why Heat and Support Matter During Bodywork

One of the most overlooked—but deeply important—elements of a bodywork session is simple: comfort. Not just in the skilled hands of the practitioner or the awareness of breath, but in the warmth of the table, the weight of a blanket, and the thoughtful support placed under the ankles, knees, or head. These details may seem small, but they can be the difference between a good session and a truly transformative one.

Why Heat Matters

During bodywork, the body often shifts into a state of deep relaxation—sometimes even sleep. As the nervous system downregulates and blood flow changes, it’s common for people to feel chilled. Muscles that were previously engaged in subtle tension begin to let go, and core body temperature can drop slightly. Being cold on the table is not just uncomfortable—it can interfere with your ability to fully relax.

In my practice, I often say: It's easier to cool someone down than it is to warm someone up. That’s why I err on the side of offering a warm table, blankets, and hot towels and a heating pad. When your body feels safe, supported, and warm, your system can truly settle. And when you’re able to relax more deeply, the benefits of the bodywork reach further.

The Role of Support

Alongside warmth, physical support is essential. Bolsters, pillows, and cushions help your body feel held. A lumbar cushion under the knees, for example, can take pressure off the lower back. A bolster under the ankles or pillow under the shoulders can relieve strain that you didn’t even realize was there. These subtle adjustments allow your muscles to rest fully, without needing to brace or hold.

This kind of comfort isn’t indulgent—it’s foundational. When your body feels physically supported and warm, it stops scanning for threat. The nervous system gets the message: You’re safe here. This is the doorway to true restoration.

Comfort and the Stress Response

Stress lives in the body. Even when we think we’re managing well, our muscles may still be gripping, our breath held just below the collarbones. One of the goals of bodywork is to help interrupt that cycle—to show the body how it feels to relax, breathe, and to let go. But this can only happen if the environment is right.

Being warm and supported isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. A chilled body or awkward positioning can keep you just on the edge of release, never quite letting the nervous system drop into parasympathetic mode, where healing and repair happen.

A Thoughtful Invitation to Rest

At Breathing Space Bodywork, every session is designed with your comfort in mind. I take the time to ensure you’re warm enough, that you feel supported, and that small adjustments are made when needed. Whether it’s a changing the face-rest cushion, repositioning a pillow or bolster, placing a heating pad on your stomach or, wrapping your feet a warm towel, these are invitations to let your body trust the space it’s in.

Relaxation isn’t just about pressure or technique—it’s about creating a sensory environment that signals you can rest now. And when you do, the real work begins.

Emotional Release During Bodywork: Why It Happens and How We Hold Space

Bodywork is often sought for physical relief — to ease tense shoulders, soothe an aching back, or offer relief to a nervous system on overdrive. But for many people, a session can go deeper than muscle or fascia. It can open a door to emotions stored in the body — ones we may or may not realize we carry.

These emotional releases are not uncommon, and they’re nothing to fear. In fact, they can be profoundly healing.

Why Emotions May Surface During Bodywork

Our bodies remember. Even long after our minds have moved on, physical tissues can hold the memory of stress, grief, fear, or trauma. When a skilled practitioner works with the body — especially with intention, care, and presence — these stored patterns can begin to shift. As the body unwinds, emotions may rise to the surface, asking to be felt, witnessed, and released.

You might find yourself unexpectedly tearful, overcome with a wave of sadness or joy, or feeling sensations like shaking, heat, or a sudden urge to speak, sigh, or breathe deeply. Sometimes the release is clear and cathartic; other times it’s subtle — a shift you only recognize later, when something feels a bit lighter.

What You Might Experience

Each emotional release is unique, but common responses can include:

• Crying or laughing without a clear “reason”

• Memories or images coming to mind

• Shifts in breath or body temperature

• A sense of spaciousness or relief

• Numbness giving way to sensation

• Feeling vulnerable, exposed, or disoriented

• Needing to pause, talk, or move differently

These are all valid. There’s no “right” way to experience release — and no expectation that it must happen at all. But when it does, it helps to be in the hands of a practitioner who understands what’s unfolding.

Trauma-Informed Support Makes a Difference

A trauma-informed bodywork practitioner won’t push you into a release. Instead, they listen — not just with their hands, but with their presence. They attune to your breath, your body language, and your comfort level. They ask consent before adjusting techniques or working near sensitive areas. And above all, they create an atmosphere of safety and choice.

If emotion arises during your session, you’ll never be judged or rushed. You’ll be offered grounding support — a tissue, a pause to breathe, or the option to change positions or simply be quiet. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s okay. You’re in control of your experience.

You Are Welcome, However You Show Up

Emotional release is a natural expression of the body’s intelligence. It’s not a problem to fix — it’s a gift of the healing process. At Breathing Space Bodywork, you're invited to relax, breathe, and let go — in whatever way your body needs.

Whether you come for rest, relief, or renewal, you’ll be held with care. There’s room for your full self here.

Understanding Trauma-informed Care

At Breathing Space Bodywork, I aim to create an environment where every client feels safe, supported, and cared for. One of the ways I do this is by embracing a trauma-informed approach in my practice. You may have heard the term before, but what exactly does it mean, and how does it relate to bodywork?

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands how it can affect a person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves creating a space that prioritizes safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment while being sensitive to the unique needs of individuals who may have experienced trauma.

Trauma can result from a variety of life experiences, including abuse, accidents, illness, loss, or any event that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope. Its effects often linger in the body, contributing to chronic tension, pain, or other physical issues. Trauma-informed care acknowledges this mind-body connection and approaches clients with a deep sense of respect and compassion.

How Trauma-Informed Care Relates to Bodywork

Bodywork, by its very nature, involves touch and physical connection. For some, this can be deeply healing; for others, it may bring up vulnerability or discomfort. A trauma-informed approach ensures that the experience is always supportive and never overwhelming. Here’s how this philosophy is integrated into sessions at Breathing Space Bodywork:

1. Creating a Safe Environment

Safety is foundational in trauma-informed care. I maintain a clean, inviting, and calm space where clients can relax and feel at ease. The studio is designed to be a sanctuary, free from distractions and stressors.

2. Empowering Clients

Each session begins with a conversation to understand your preferences, boundaries, and goals. You are always in control—whether it’s choosing the level of pressure during bodywork, deciding which areas to focus on, or even opting out of certain techniques or areas to be addressed. Your comfort is my priority.

3. Recognizing the Body-Mind Connection

Trauma can manifest in the body as muscle tension, restricted movement, or chronic pain. Through Integrative Bodywork, I help clients release these patterns in a way that feels safe and gradual. Modalities like Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Reiki, and Joint Release are tailored to your unique needs, fostering both physical relief and emotional balance.

4. Sensitivity to Individual Needs

Every client’s experience is different. A trauma-informed approach avoids assumptions and instead meets each person where they are. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or emotional grounding, the session is adapted to your specific needs and comfort level.

5. Fostering Trust and Collaboration

Communication is key in trauma-informed care. I encourage clients to share feedback throughout their session, and I also check in to ensure they’re feeling comfortable. This collaborative approach builds trust and ensures the experience is positive and restorative.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

For those who have experienced trauma, even everyday interactions can feel overwhelming. Trauma-informed care acknowledges this reality and works to create a space where clients feel truly seen and respected. In the context of bodywork, this approach allows for deeper healing by addressing both physical and emotional needs in an integrated way.

At Breathing Space Bodywork, I believe that everyone deserves a place where they can relax, breathe, and let go. By incorporating trauma-informed principles into every session, I strive to provide that refuge—a space where you can feel safe, supported, and empowered on your journey to well-being.

If you’re curious about how trauma-informed bodywork could support your health and healing, I’d love to connect. Schedule a session tailored to your needs.

What is Bodywork?: Discover the Benefits of Bodywork for Holistic Wellness

When most people think of relaxation and relief, a classic massage often comes to mind. While massages have undeniable benefits, bodywork takes a more integrative approach to wellness. At Breathing Space Bodywork, we’re passionate about guiding our clients toward the profound physical and emotional healing that bodywork offers—a process that goes beyond the soothing touch of a standard massage.

In this post, we’ll explore the differences between traditional massage and bodywork, revealing why bodywork might be the more enriching option for those seeking a truly transformative experience.

The Core Difference: Bodywork vs. Massage

Traditional massage often focuses on relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation through structured techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, or sports massage. These methods, while effective, primarily address the body’s surface layers.

Bodywork, on the other hand, is a more holistic practice that considers the body, mind, and spirit. While it also incorporates soothing touch, bodywork emphasizes restoring the body’s natural flow of energy, releasing deeply held tensions, and fostering overall wellness. At Breathing Space Bodywork, we believe that bodywork is not just a treatment—it’s an experience that encourages self-awareness, helping clients connect more fully with their bodies.

Why Choose Bodywork Over a Traditional Massage?

1. Holistic Healing

Bodywork is a powerful tool for holistic wellness, aiming to balance the body’s energy and address underlying issues that may be contributing to physical discomfort or emotional stress. Where massage may work out the “knots,” bodywork seeks to release stored tension that has built up over time, potentially rooted in emotional or psychological experiences. This approach allows for a deeper, more comprehensive form of healing.

2. Mind-Body Connection

Unlike a typical massage session, bodywork often integrates mindfulness practices, encouraging clients to remain aware of sensations and emotions that arise throughout the session. This focus on the mind-body connection creates a space for personal insight and transformation, helping clients to access a state of deep relaxation and self-discovery.

3. Long-Lasting Benefits

While traditional massage can offer immediate relief, bodywork aims to create lasting changes. Many clients report feeling more balanced, grounded, and aware of their bodies long after a bodywork session. This enduring sense of wellness is one of the many reasons bodywork is increasingly recognized as a valuable therapeutic practice.

4. Emotional Release

Bodywork not only targets the physical body but also encourages the release of stored emotions. It’s common for clients to experience a profound emotional release during or after a session, leaving them feeling lighter and more at ease. This emotional dimension is often missing in traditional massage therapy, making bodywork a more complete approach to healing.

What to Expect During a Bodywork Session at Breathing Space Bodywork

Our skilled practitioners approach each bodywork session with care and intention, tailoring the experience to meet each client’s unique needs. Sessions may incorporate gentle touch, guided breathing, and energy-balancing techniques, all within a calm and supportive environment. Whether you are new to bodywork or have experienced it before, our goal is to help you connect more deeply with your body, releasing old patterns of tension and inviting in a sense of renewed vitality.

Experience the Healing Power of Bodywork Today

If you’re ready to experience a form of body-centered healing that goes beyond the traditional benefits of massage, we invite you to explore the deeply restorative practice of bodywork at Breathing Space Bodywork. Our compassionate practitioners are here to support you on your journey to greater physical and emotional balance.

Discover how bodywork can help you reconnect with yourself on a deeper level. See our services here.