I'm Dara (they/them), a nonbinary licensed massage therapist. I've been fortunate to work with a variety of clients, each having unique gender and body considerations. As a massage therapist who also receives massage, I know exactly how distressing mainstream massage can be for me. Historically, I have felt invisible to most massage therapists outside of a trusted circle of colleagues. For me, this looks like maintaining some level of filter to manage my own feelings about my care. It can frequently feel like my own personal boundaries are ignored.

I don't want my clients to experience this kind of limiting care. For massage to have full therapeutic potential, it's important that you can ratchet down your nervous system. Trust is critical. If you're having to manage a so-called blind spot/filter around body and gender acceptance, that is a direct barrier to successful care.

Your massage is your massage alone and I want you to be able to relax to encourage muscle and tension release, mind/body integration, and wellness. I am ready to listen and work with you to create the best massage. Your best massage experience can include but is not necessarily limited to:

• Knowing your massage is yours alone. It is my goal that you receive the massage you want.
• Knowing that your consent matters. I will describe the treatment plan before we start and get your verbal consent. If there's a change to that plan, I will get further consent before continuing.
• Knowing your name and pronouns will be respected and used.
• Knowing that body size and shape is not under scrutiny.
• Choosing your level of clothing. I am experienced in providing massage at any level between you being fully clothed to being fully disrobed. Whatever you choose, appropriate draping will be used for both temperature and privacy. If you choose fully clothed massage, it can be helpful to wear comfortable gym/workout style clothing like sweats, yoga pants, leggings, etc.
• Choosing between both massage table and massage chair. If sitting is more comfortable than laying down, that is available to you.
• Controlling parts of the body you would like to be off limits, or that need special consideration, aside from technical massage focus.
• Knowing that body modifications, scars, etc. are your story alone. Unless they create an impediment to care, they don't need comment, unless you feel they do.
• Knowing that any information about you or your body that isn't directly necessary for massage safety is your own business.
• Choosing both your limits and your level of discussion about those limits. I don't need explanation; I will respect your limits as your own. Also, if sharing past experiences and/or fears about why you have those limits is helpful for you, I am happy to listen, within my scope of practice (i.e., I will not attempt to provide advice nor will I pretend to be a counselor or mental health therapist; I will only use that information as a guide for providing the best massage for you).
• Maintaining and guarding your privacy. I will not share any aspect of your massage experience, or any information about your body and care without your explicit and written consent.

Book a MASSAGE!