Physical Therapy

I earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 2007. Since then, my practice has taken me all over the US and had allowed me to volunteer in South Africa and Haiti. I have worked in multiple settings including nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools.
My approach
I take a holistic approach, treating clients from a mind/ body/ spirit standpoint. Experience shows time and again that what is happening with my clients is rarely limited to the physical realm, but can also be indicative of emotional imbalance and/or life stressors outside of the body. My physical therapy sessions often start with a lot of talking before moving into physical examination. Treatments include exercise, stretching, bodywork, and lifestyle advice including dietary suggestions, stress relief ideas (e.g., yoga and meditation), sleep habits, etc. Often times, I will be more of a "coach" or guide during these sessions as we work together towards goals. Singular sessions are helpful, however having a series of sessions will be most beneficial towards achieving ultimate and sustained wellness.
What makes me a good choice?
My doctoral degree allows me to see people without a first hand referral from an MD. I see myself as part of a client's wellness team, working in collaboration with other health care professionals. I am able to refer to other healers if I believe what my client needs is outside of my scope of practice or expertise. I also have solid foundation in differential diagnoses, giving me an understanding of disease processes outside of the neuro-musculoskeletal symptoms that may be causing discomfort and require attention of medical doctors or other professionals.
My approach
I take a holistic approach, treating clients from a mind/ body/ spirit standpoint. Experience shows time and again that what is happening with my clients is rarely limited to the physical realm, but can also be indicative of emotional imbalance and/or life stressors outside of the body. My physical therapy sessions often start with a lot of talking before moving into physical examination. Treatments include exercise, stretching, bodywork, and lifestyle advice including dietary suggestions, stress relief ideas (e.g., yoga and meditation), sleep habits, etc. Often times, I will be more of a "coach" or guide during these sessions as we work together towards goals. Singular sessions are helpful, however having a series of sessions will be most beneficial towards achieving ultimate and sustained wellness.
What makes me a good choice?
My doctoral degree allows me to see people without a first hand referral from an MD. I see myself as part of a client's wellness team, working in collaboration with other health care professionals. I am able to refer to other healers if I believe what my client needs is outside of my scope of practice or expertise. I also have solid foundation in differential diagnoses, giving me an understanding of disease processes outside of the neuro-musculoskeletal symptoms that may be causing discomfort and require attention of medical doctors or other professionals.
Music-Based Healing
About This Healing Practice
Music is a tool that can bring people together outside of potential language, cultural and/or lifestyle barriers and differences. I have received extensive Community Leadership In Music training with an organization called Musicians Without Borders. I use my knowledge as another way to help clients achieve cohesion, understanding, joy and lasting peace. The music-based healing I facilitate can be experienced in group or individual sessions. No prior knowledge of, or training in music is necessary for the client(s) to benefit from this type of work. Sessions may include facilitated drum circles, body percussion exploration, song sharing and writing, story creating through music, body movement and other types of fun exploration through music. |
Who can benefit from this type of healing?
These services are far reaching and benefit many different types of populations. They are especially effective with groups or individuals dealing with addiction recovery, mental health complications, disease/sickness recovery, poverty and war, dementia, learning disabilities and early development. They are also useful for businesses and groups wanting to create more cohesion and cooperation among their personnel. How can the benefits extend beyond facilitated sessions? I am a “trainer of trainers,” meaning I can train individuals to take these music related-skills to other groups/individuals with the intention of training them. I am also able to include more traditional lectures of conflict management/ transformation into my music sessions if requested. |
Yoga and Yoga Therapy
As a physical therapist, I am able to educate individuals on safe ways to perform basic-to-intermediate yoga postures without causing harm or injury. I am also able to work with individuals who are already injured and wish to become further involved in the practice of yoga.
I have training in Integrated Movement Therapy, an approach which uses yoga as a catalyst for transformation. This type of therapy does not only look at yoga postures (asanas), but weaves the concepts of yogic self study, meditation, practice of mindfulness and gratitude, physical and emotional development, and language development into a broad approach to a healthier life. Individuals of all ages, abilities and skill levels can benefit from this form of therapy. |
Lifestyle Coaching
I am fortunate to carry with me a varied and eclectic set of experiences that inform my life as an individual and a healer. It is my privilege to translate many of those experiences into coaching sessions for individuals who are seeking unique offerings of perspective and wisdom.
I am able to advise on the following in one-on-one settings as well as through larger group discussion and motivational speaking engagements:
I am also able to provide basic advice and skill training for individuals interested in becoming involved with camping, hiking, rock climbing, as well as general strength and conditioning. |
Reiki & Energy Work
I am level 2 Shamanic Reiki certified. I used Reiki as a way of balancing energies within the bodies of clients to bring forth peace, relaxation and often times relief from pain, fatigue or emotional stress.
Often times illness can have an energetic/spiritual component. Reiki can address issues that may not be touched by clinical/medical professionals, which can therefore support the healing process and give the client a deeper and better sense of wellbeing throughout their healing journeys. |