What Drew Me to Hellerwork

In my previous Koei Kan Karate training, I was required to climb a rope to get my next rank. Every time I tried to increase my upper body strength to climb the rope, I injured my back. I tried several therapies, but none had a lasting effect. Then I found Hellerwork. After my second session of Hellerwork, I was able to climb that rope, because of structural changes from the bodywork, because I had learned new body mechanics, and most importantly because Hellerwork had made me aware of the limitations I had placed on my life and body.

My Training

I graduated from The Institute of Structural Medicine in August 2001, where I studied with leading Hellerwork practitioners such as Joseph Heller and Donna Bajelis. My continuing education has included bodywork techniques from Rolfing and Visceral Manipulation, movement forms from Continuum and Bartinieff Fundamentals, and also Voice Dialogue work.

What Changes I've Experienced

People are surprised when I describe myself as I was when I worked in the corporate world: uncoordinated, in my head, physically and mentally stiff and inflexible. I was out of touch with my body before, so I believe that anyone can become more fluid and sensual. I also know that the feelings of apprehension that come with learning to listen to the body and move in new ways. I try to help my clients develop compassion, kindness and patience for themselves throughout this journey.

My Practice

My clients are great people who want to live life to the fullest and are open to new things. They are working on their physical issues with a mixture of hope that they can find the answers and frustration that the answer hasn't been easy to find so far. I've helped people from all walks of life and professions, including business owners, retired people, homemakers, salespeople, scientists and construction workers. My youngest client so far was 14 and my oldest 72.

I am a member of the following professional organizations:

American Hellerwork Association (Past-President of American Hellerwork Association)
International Association of Structural Integrators
Guild for Structural Integration

How I Support Myself

I believe that my ability to stay present and whole in my body is a prerequisite to helping my clients become more comfortable in theirs. Therefore self-care is an important part of my life.

Many of my Hellerwork teachers practiced yoga, so I took a class at the Yoga Barn. I could tell immediately that the style of yoga taught there, Vinayoga, supported and enhanced my fluidity. I take classes and workshops from time to time (and also occasional private instruction from Kelly Rush at Two Rivers Yoga) and try to practice yoga at home 3 or more mornings a week. For me, yoga builds strength and flexibility at the same time.

I also took a belly dance class from Aleili. I was hooked after just one class. Belly dance is a dance with a long lineage in which women tell their stories and make their work fun. It is a sisterhood dance. Every woman has physical gifts - parts of the dance that come naturally and easily. And we all have moves that challenge us. I encourage belly dancing because it builds self-esteem and reaches places in the body that no other exercise can.

Recently, I added cardio and strength training with a weekly workout. My goal is to run the 5K Salmon Days run in October.

Personal Life

As great as my practice, yoga and belly dance are, everything in my life takes a back seat to my family, my wonderful husband and teenage boys. We live on Tiger Mountain in the woods amidst the Oregon grape, salal and Devil's club and neighborhood bear and deer.

I am also involved with Rotary International in the Rotary Club of Sammamish. Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians who are members of more than 31,000 Rotary clubs in more than 165 countries.