Functional Integration® Lessons
in•teg•ri•ty 3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness (Miriam Webster)
I’ve always loved the words “radical integrity.” For me this means permission to trust myself on a basic level. That I have an instinct for health and wholeness. I believe that every injury and pain comes from our wholeness, and in our work together I will help you bring to your wholeness so you can trust yourself, trust your body, and trust your choices.
It's perfectly fitting, then, that this work is called “Functional Integration.” My goal for you is that you are so connected to yourself and feel so supported, that you are free to move in any direction you want, without hesitation. This is the state in which your true life’s work can flow out of you, effortlessly.
Each 1-hour lesson is tailored to your particular needs, in the moment. As you lie on a padded table, I will help you re-organize yourself with gentle hands-on movement guidance and, at times, verbal instruction. Functional Integration has all the benefits of Group Classes and more, delivered in a fraction of the time. Even better is to practice both Awareness Through Movement in a group class, so you can come to the table for new information, and further absorb what you learn on the floor.
“I can’t even describe how much this helps and how unbelievable it is to me cognitively. Better to just not think about it!!” (After two hands-on sessions for chronic pain.)
-- Jeanette Michalak, RN MSN, Vice President, Planetree Consultation Services
FAQ's
Is what you do more than instruction on motion?
Yes. I do hands-on work involving some tissue work and gentle movement in the private sessions. I may include instructions on movement to do on your own at the end, but most of the session is hands-on. The approach is gentler than most massage and tissue therapies, however, because it is aimed at re-training your nervous system. Therefore, it may feel like vey little is happening at the time, but in the end is treating the root of the problem, by introducing new, more effective movement patterns and releasing deeply-held tensions.
What does a private session entail?
In a private sessions there is a brief interview where I ask the client what they want to improve and ask questions about their experience with this issue. I usually ask you to walk or do a few simple movements so I can observe you in movement. I then ask you to lie on a low table, fully-clothed, usually on your back or side, (but I also work with people sitting, standing, on their belly, etc.) and begin to explore through gentle movement how to release the "stuck" parts and include more of yourself in movement. I often begin quite far from the local problem and work my way there, as injury/pain isn't usually the origin of the problem. Everything is done well within what is comfortable and easy, expanding the range of possibilities from a very safe place.
How many sessions will it take?
It depends on how longstanding the injury/condition/habit is and also your ability to tune in to your body. I generally recommend a minimum of 3 sessions to see if this approach will work for you. What sometimes happens is relief for a few days, then habitual patterns (often postural) reappear. This is a natural part of the learning process. I try and engage you as much as you're able in noticing differences before and after, which is the key to retaining the changes. Subsequent appointments might approach the issue from a different angle, giving your nervous system new ways to access the movement patterns that will most support you. Over time, the new patterns become more reliable and accessible to you. Once you "own" the changes there is very little maintenance work to do.
What are the expectations someone should have going to you for the first time?
The first session you will experience gentle movement and touch, and will most likely feel quite relaxed and relieved of tension, in ways you might not expect. I will direct your attention to differences, e.g., to how your body touches the table one side and the other, how your arms and shoulders feel before and after being worked on. I may have you do a "test movement" and show you differences in how to organize yourself for better movement. It is not unusual, however, to find the changes so subtle to be almost imperceptible. Developing your kinesthetic sense, or body awareness, can take some time, but the payoff in increased comfort and skill is well worth it.
Scheduling: email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 734-395-8486
Location: 2684 Fernwood Ave, Ann Arbor 48104 Map
Payment: Pay here In Advance or by Cash or Check at time of appointment (you do not need a Paypal account)
New client rates increase to $85 beginning September 1. To lock in the current rate for the next 12 months, schedule now.
Note--If unable to keep your appointment, kindly give 24 hours notice. Otherwise payment is required:
