Grief Massage
“To love is to accept the rites of grief.” -Francis Weller
Being human is to know the deep valleys of grief. Being human now is to navigate those valleys in a culture that values overcoming and dominating grief rather than experiencing, and supporting one another, along its wild edge.
I am here for you. Grief Massage is my offering of support: A validating space for your grief, a safe space for you to rest, a place where you are held and allowed to be, in your tenderness and rawness. This table is for you to collapse upon. It is an alter to the depths of your humanity.
Is Grief Massage for me?
Grief Massage is right for you if you are feeling called to explore it.
Grief is a wide and deep sea, and experiences of grief cannot be ranked. I do not judge your grief. As such, this work is not limited to bereavement or any one type of grief. Life brims with the waters of grief: The death of a loved one or someone close, a beloved animal’s passing, an ended relationship, the loss of childhood, aching memories of times past, nature’s haunting, shifting cycles. What is grief to you is welcomed in my safe space.
How is Grief Massage different than regular massage?
There is nothing easy about grief. Grief is work and it is stressful, and so we experience grief not only emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, but also physically. In understanding that grief might restructure your life, massage therapy can be restructured for the grieving body. Grief Massage exists to provide support and offer comfort to your physical symptoms of grieving.
It is important to understand that Grief Massage does not aim to “fix” or “heal” your grief or your physical symptoms. However, Grief Massage can offer a supportive reprieve from the hard work your grieving body is doing, and be an affirming space to hold your vulnerable heart-wound.
The physical aspect of Grief Massage includes calming, slow, and nurturing techniques and movements that communicate to your body a message of safety and support. There will be intentional time prior to the hands-on session where together we will discuss focusing the massage around safe areas of the body (arms and hands, lower legs and feet, back, head), and perhaps gradually adding on more vulnerable and sensitive areas (upper leg, hips, chest) with respect to your needs and comfort level. We might consider special positioning of your body - if you would like to be supported by pillows and bolsters in a safe fetal position, or if you are comfortable with more traditional supine (lying on your back) and prone (lying on your stomach) positioning.
How can I schedule a Grief Massage appointment?
30 minutes/$45
60 minutes/$75
75 minutes/$90
90 minutes/$105
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Grief is a personal and unique experience for each of us. To offer you and your grief a personalized experience, I ask that potential Grief Massage clients schedule a phone call with me prior to booking an appointment. To do so, please send an email to heartwoodlmt@gmail.com with the subject, "Grief Massage". I will respond to your email within 24 hours and together, we will find the best time to schedule a phone call. Phone calls typically last for around 20 minutes and serve as an opportunity to connect prior to scheduling a massage therapy appointment, and establish a sense of trust and safety.
Rates for Grief Massage reflect regular therapeutic massage rates: