Bodywork & Massage

My approach to therapeutic touch draws on my studies in:

  • Holistic oil-based Massage

  • Body-Mind Centering® and its multi-faceted approach to hands-on work including cellular touch, organ rocking, approximation of joints, and working with embodied awareness of nervous system states

  • Tui Na and working with the meridian system and acupoints from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective

  • The ‘Parasympathetic Pleasure’ modality including working with ‘parasympathetic breathwork’ and the ‘Spinal Atunement’ Method, working with esoteric anatomy and understanding and sensing into the nervous system for a trauma-informed practice

I bring over two decades of embodied practice to this work. Intuitive tuning in allows me to tailor each treatment to the specific physical and emotional needs of each client.

I also work with verbal guidance or ‘somatisation’ where appropriate, supporting clients to gain greater embodied understanding and to accompany deep dives into nervous system release.

Each treatment focuses on the specific needs of each client on any given day and can be geared towards: relieving tension and pain; stimulating lymph flow; unwinding generalised stress and tension; improving digestion, diaphragm and organ release…

The session is carried out on a raised massage table using natural oils. You may chose to work in loose clothing/without oils if that is preferred.

I enjoy working with a wide range of people: those who seek respite from various musculo-skeletal ailments, those managing chronic/long-term heath conditions and those ‘just’ in need of a space to soften and unwind.

I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space.

The treatment room is a space for deep listening. Each session starts with a short consultation to agree on the intentions of the session - we work together to ensure the best approach. At the end of our time together we can discuss ways to integrate the work.

I work from a quiet and warm treatment room in the Redfield area of Bristol (BS5) - address will be provided on booking.

Bodywork Training & Study:

  • ‘Parasympathetic Pleasure’ with Sigourney Belle - Level 1: Parasympathetic Breathwork & therapeutic tremor (2023) / Level 2: Spinal Attunement (ongoing)

  • Somatic Movement Educator - a multi-year programme of somatic training through the school of Body-Mind Centering® - SOMA (France) & EMA (UK)

  • Tui Na - Body Harmonics Training Centre (2019)

  • Zero Balancing - Bristol School of Massage (2013)

  • Holistic Massage - Beaumont College for Natural Medicine - with distinction (2011)

Other trainings that inform my practice :

  • ‘Trauma-sensitive training for therapeutic helpers weaving attachment, somatics, and justice’ with Carmen Spagnola - level 1: NuMethod Facilitation / 2: Metaskills of trauma-sensitive care / 3: Embodied Attachment

  • Cognitive Hypnotherapy & NLP - Quest Institute (2023-24)

  • Opening & Strengthening our Heart through the Consciousness of Embodiment - Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (current)

  • Moon to Moon - Britten LaRue

  • Ode à la Vie & Jouissance - Béata Agita

  • SENTENTIAE & Pendule - Johanna Awakening

  • Amygdula Retraining Programme for CFS - Ashok Gupta

Prices:

£65 - 60 min treatment

£90 - 90 minute treatment

£180 - 3x 60 minute treatments over the course of a 6 week - paid upfront

Gift Vouchers - valid for a 12 month period

Please arrive at your arranged time and allow a good 5 minutes either side.

Before and after care: It is best to eat light, hydrating foods on the day of your treatment, and to continue to hydrate well afterwards. I would also recommend some time to rest/bathe/walk/ground/spend some time in nature to support the work we will do together.

Cancellation Policy: I operate a 24 hour cancellation policy. Full payment is expected if cancelled within 24 hours, unless due to sudden illness - see below for health measures.

  • 'This isn't massage - this is art.'

    C. A

  • 'This feels like truth.'

    L.H

  • "Laura’s work is attentive. thorough and highly intuitive. She creates a beautiful environment and allows the right time and space for whatever you need from the session. I can’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you Laura, so much, for your help and your magical, healing hands."

    J.W

  • 'I’ve been going to see Laura for more than five years now, and make it a monthly event when we can, which keeps me going. I feel very safe and always come out feeling better. I have various physical problems and Laura is able to focus on what I need each time. It’s really thorough but also very holistic.  There are occasions when I come out feeling profoundly different.'

    A.H

  • 'Laura's bodywork had been an absolute lifeline over the past 5 months. Not only has it helped me establish a dialogue with my body, helping me better understand what it needs but it has also helped me manage the dips and changes of my long covid symptoms. Thank you for all your magic Laura!'

    H.H

  • I’ve been receiving treatments from Laura for years now. What started as a specific need to pay attention to long term chronic pain and other physical manifestations from a traumatic birth and long term stress has evolved into a space of deep healing & intuition. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I’m resistant to use tropes like ‘magic’ hands but it’s hard not to. Laura listens to what the body needs and works expansively, with real care, knowledge and insight. It’s very special. So there is this simultaneous experience of leaving the room feeling alleviated of pain, and also of having spent an hour with a human who helps me to understand the potential of my body. How to hold its vulnerabilities with tenderness, and meet its needs with lightness and bravery.

    K.Y

  • 'Laura has a unique understanding of what the body needs. Her touch connects in deep, meaningful and compassionate ways.'

    L.C

Health Measures:

Please cancel if you are feeling unwell.

I will not charge my canceling fee if you cancel as a result of sudden ill health.

Thank you!