Integrative body/mind therapy is a combination of body therapies and psychotherapy that allows the physical body to release and repair strain and tension patterns in the body resulting from accidents, injury or life incidents such as trauma and abuse, emotional pain, work strain, grief or other life changes.

Body work is a general term for some very specific therapies which are:

This is a gentle non-invasive, hands- on therapy, which works at rebalancing and releasing tension patterns in the central nervous system and the musculature. It originates from the osteopathic tradition and involves the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid from the cranium to the sacrum, which bathes the nervous system and the brain, restoring homeostasis between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. During a treatment a client experiences a deep state of relaxation, similar to meditation. This is sometimes called “the core of the unbound self”. It is in this deeply relaxed state that the body wisdom is able to communicate its vital needs to the trained therapist who works either silently or with dialogue to release old patterns of pain, emotion or strain in the body. In this way the client is able to “let-go “ intrinsically into optimal wellness. CranioSacral therapy is especially useful for children with congenital, birth-related injury or health problems.

Positional release is also known as “Counterstrain”, an Osteopathic technique. An inner yoga for the connective tissues, It involves a therapist moving the body into positions of ease so that muscles that are in strain patterns or spasms can gently unwind the myofascial restrictions and allow oxygen, energy and nutrition to return to the muscle cell body. The therapist locates points of pain or tension in the body and uses them to discover the key areas of pain in the body. By following the problem to its source, the therapist gently palpates the tender point while holding the client’s body in a posture/position of neutral relaxation until the congestion in the muscle is released and the body can reorganize and restructure into a more fluid and balanced state of comfort and mobility. Patterns of chronic strain or tension are released, the connective tissue is re-educated and cells are nourished.

This is an integrated style of massage therapy that is based on Swedish massage techniques, deep muscle therapy, myofascial release, accupressure/shiatsu and intuitive massage which supports and balances the whole body into a more functional and relaxed state of being

This is based on “Zone therapy’ whereby there is a specific point on the foot/ or hand that refers to a specific place on the body. The foot is a mirror for the whole body and by working on the foot you can relax the entire body. Reflexology can be given as a complete one hour treatment or in combination with any other body therapy. By releasing the 7,000 nerve endings on the foot, one can restore circulation, cleanse the body of unhealthy toxins and rebalance the meridian system thereby returning the body to homeostasis.

These courses are for parents and caregivers of babies and small children. Either individual instruction or a 4 session class which teaches the simple strokes for massaging babies and children are offered. Courses include special strokes and routines for colic, sleeplessness and how to aid in reducing fevers or offering comfort during illness. Techniques and awareness for babies with special needs such as premature, hearing or visually impaired or cerebral palsy, are also taught, along with how to develop massage for the growing child.

Sometimes it is important to explore tissue memory and the history of the body, Dialogue and imagery allows the client to enter into a light trance state of relaxation, to access the body’s cellular memory. The body remembers what the mind forgets and in this way significant events may hold the key to the reparative powers of the body. Therapist and client work together to co-create and discover what the person most needs on their healing journey.

This is a form of group or individual therapy that works with deep action methods and the expressive arts to assist a client or group in making life changes and addressing conflict or challenging life situations. This is done through enacting the stories of their life and finding, new resources, healthier responses, making behavioural changes and preparing for future events through role play and group interventions. The focus is on healing relationships within the individual, family or community with whom the person is connected. This highly creative process encourages people to become more actively involved in making healthier choices and directing themselves into more purposeful and meaningful relationships and life pursuits.

Each of these techniques and therapies may be combined to create what is most helpful for each client. It is a unique process and each person receives what suits their needs best. Integrating the body /mind is a process of learning to listen and care for our bodies, forming and maintaining healthy communicative and positive relationships while being connected to community and one’s spiritual belief system. Rebecca works to develop a therapy session that best suits each individual needs and personal goals.

Dr. Rebecca M. Ridge PhD, TEP, L.M.T. is a registered psychologist, certified CranioSacral therapist and Educator with the Upledger Institute. She is also a Trainer in Psychodrama, Sociometry and Group Psychotherapy and is a licensed Massage therapist. She has been practicing as an integrative body/mind therapist for 25 years. She teaches courses in Positional Release, Reflexology, Infant Massage and Somato-Emotional Release Internationally including the U.S., Canada, India, Mexico, South America , Australia and New Zealand.

To make an appointment, Phone Rebecca at (02) 9181 1531 or
email rebeccamridge@aol.com
(1 hour or 1 ½ hour session)