The Path Less Traveled
A few months ago, I wrote here about issues I was having in my hands that necessitated a pause in my massage practice. I certainly wouldn't have chosen this, but the hiatus gifted me the space to ask important questions: What kind of healing work really resonates? What supports meaningful change and health? How is the work sustainable?
I didn't go looking for these questions, but my hands (ba dum bum) were forced. Turns out, the body doesn't traffic in subtle metaphors.
But the body also has its own wisdom. Those questions led me to a more expansive and nourishing approach to practice, and what's emerging feels rich and deeply exciting. While my core focus is the same, I'm calling on a wider set of tools:
Neuromuscular therapy to help with areas of muscular discomfort
Zero Balancing to open foundational joints with gentle traction
Craniosacral work to amplify overall health and ground the nervous system
Because I'm listening for what kind of approach will be most supportive, no session looks quite the same. What is consistent, however, is what clients take with them: more ease, movement, and new choices. It's a bit like massage, only fully clothed and with longer-lasting effects.
"I was unsure of what to expect from my first [Root Therapy] session with Jones. Ultimately, I left the session feeling deeply empowered as an active participant in my experience on the table. Jones' presence is supportive and wise; in her hands I could feel my body opening to it's fullest potential of wellness. I experienced great relief of two specific injuries, and continue to enjoy a lingering sense of integrated, aligned embodiment." K.W., Portland
Who is this work for? Most everyone! But it may speak especially to those who:
experience muscular pain and seek relief
are flummoxed by Big Questions and want support to feel at ease
crave nourishment and clearer purpose
need resources to help manage anxiety and stress
want a greater sense of their own bodies
My sessions still address tissue (sometimes the shoulders do need massage!), but we lean into a larger vocabulary - wider and more subtle - for meeting the body and offering support. Because we treat both energy and physical structure, a different depth of healing becomes available.
“I came into my session with Jones in a real state of sorrow, feeling very unsettled and vulnerable. She held space for all of my feelings and my story with such non-judgement and compassion that it felt like anything was permissible in the session. We talked, and then on the table, with her gentle energy guiding me, my body let go into acceptance of the void and the rawness. I left the session feeling considerably grounded and fully witnessed. Jones is a gifted healer who creates deeply safe space just by her presence.” — C.M., Portland
I hope that I'll be able to offer full massage again soon, and I'm excited to share these modalities as a powerful alternative.And speaking of exciting changes! A few more updates to share:
I have a new cozy office that is bright and peaceful and right downtown with easy parking. I've also expanded my hours to accommodate more schedules.
I'm returning to some of my teaching roots by offering workshops in embodied writing. The first workshop is full, but I'll be scheduling more in January!
Yours in health, joy, and the path less travelled,
Jones
