“In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them. Physical self-awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past.”
-Author of The Body Keeps the Score (2014), Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
About me and my practice!
Welcome to Curated Massage, where I am dedicated to empowering you to personalize your bodywork journey and receive the exceptional care that your mind and body deserve. My philosophy embraces bodywork as a collaborative art form, where we work together to curate a unique, individualized experience that fosters relaxation, healing, and a deeper connection between your mind, body, and spirit.
My journey into massage therapy began while working in the mental health field, where I witnessed the profound impact trauma can have on the body. This observation deepened my understanding of the mind-body-soul connection and highlighted the significance of holistic emotional healing. Recognizing the value of integrating massage therapy with psychological care, my passion for bodywork blossomed. I also have the privilege of practicing at the Family Counseling & Trauma Healing Center in Solvang. This outpatient, retreat-style program brings together a team of highly skilled psychotherapists, somatic therapists, massage therapists, yoga therapists, and other esteemed professionals in the wellness field, offering a comprehensive and integrative approach to healing.
At Curated Massage, I offer a diverse array of massage modalities, including but not limited to: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Massage, Thai Massage, Prenatal Massage, Hot Stones, and Cupping Therapy. Each session is tailored to your specific preferences, desired outcomes, physical considerations, and reasons for seeking massage therapy. By integrating various techniques, I ensure a holistic and personalized experience for every client. For those seeking a deeper mind-body connection, I incorporate energy work (Reiki and Polarity) and Craniosacral Therapy into the treatment, enhancing the therapeutic journey.
As a trauma-informed massage therapist, I prioritize creating an intentional and safe space for everyone. Join me at Curated Massage and embark on a path to relaxation, rejuvenation, and profound inner harmony.
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Services
All of my services are offered in my comfortable office located on North Milpas Street.
Curated Massage
A co-created massage aimed to improve your overall health and wellbeing. We will discuss your intentions and desired outcome(s), whether it be to seek relief from physical discomforts, connect your mind and body, relax your nervous system, and/or to reestablish your relationship to receiving therapeutic touch.
I am practiced in a number of modalities to aid in tailoring a massage for every client, including; Deep Tissue, Swedish, Thai, Connective Tissue/Myofascial Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy (trigger point), CranioSacral, Polarity (energy work). This massage can also include any add-ons you would like with no extra cost: Guided Breathing/Meditation, Hot stones, Cupping, and Aromatherapy.
Pricing:
60 Minutes - $140
75 Minutes - $165
90 Minutes - $185
Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy is a miraculous journey, and it can also be a time of physical and emotional challenges. Prenatal massage offers a natural, therapeutic approach to help expectant mothers navigate these changes.
Prenatal massage can help manage the discomforts, aches or pains that come with these transformational changes, providing relief and relaxation for expectant mothers. Techniques used are both safe and effective for mother and baby.
A Curated Prenatal Massage prioritizes help with overall well-being, relaxation, stress reduction and can help to improve sleep quality and hormone regulation.
Important note: Best practice prenatal massages take place after the first trimester. Therefore, I only work with pregnant individuals after the first trimester.
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Pricing:
60 Minutes - $140
75 Minutes - $165
90 Minutes - $185
Energy Work
Energy work is rooted in the understanding that the body is energetic in its nature and strives to seek balance. Drawing from both ancient healing wisdom and modern techniques, I facilitate the harmonious flow of energy throughout your body. Whether you seek relaxation, relief from stress or physical discomfort, or are seeking emotional balance, each session is tailored to support your unique healing journey by addressing areas of imbalance or blockage.
In my sessions, I integrate Reiki, Polarity, and CranioSacral therapies, with the option of incorporating sound healing or guided meditation/breathwork. Together, these modalities create a nurturing environment where you can experience deep relaxation, enhanced vitality, and comprehensive support for your overall well-being.
Pricing:
60 Minutes - $125
75 Minutes - $150
THAI MASSAGE
Often referred to as "Thai Yoga Massage" combines dynamic-assisted stretching with acupressure techniques to address tension and stiffness in the body. This massage is wonderful for over all mind/body maintenance and well-being as well as assisting in increasing mobility and range of motion of muscles and joints. This is a great massage to receive whether you are highly fit or haven't worked out a day in your life! If you think you are lacking in mobility or are highly mobile, Thai Yoga Massage is wonderful for all.
While receiving a Thai Yoga Massage with me, we will move within your bodies capabilities and make note of your stretching thresholds. Never overstretching but trying to reach a threshold and create new thresholds. I will also simultaneously apply compression and acupressure techniques to help relax and lengthen muscles.
Note: Thai Massage is done fully clothed, please wear clothing appropriate for a yoga class! There is no massage oil used in this treatment.
Pricing:
60 Minutes - $140
75 Minutes - $165
90 Minutes - $185
Mind Body Massage
Carlie's greatest passion in massage is helping people explore and enhance their mind body connection
My journey into massage therapy unfolded while working in the mental health field. Witnessing firsthand how emotional trauma manifests physically sparked a profound curiosity in me. Through my own experiences as a recipient of massage therapy, I discovered the transformative power of therapeutic touch. It became clear to me that embracing the mind-body connection through massage not only alleviates physical pain but also releases deep-seated emotional burdens stored within.
Imagine "muscle memory" extending beyond movement—it encompasses how our muscles and nervous system retain emotional imprints. When we experience certain emotions, our bodies instinctively respond, creating patterns of tension and restriction. These patterns, often unconscious, can lead to discomfort and even impede our overall well-being.
Armed with this understanding, I approach massage therapy by addressing these muscular and fascial holding patterns. My aim is to guide individuals towards a heightened awareness of their own body and emotions. By doing so, I strive to facilitate a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, fostering a profound connection between the body and mind. This holistic approach not only promotes physical relaxation but also cultivates a deeper understanding of oneself, paving the way for a more harmonious and fulfilling life journey.
Practicing or participating in talk therapy?
When approached with intention and sensitivity to trauma, integrating massage therapy into psychotherapy can significantly aid individuals in achieving their therapeutic goals. We know that tension patterns and fascial holding are forms of physical dissociation and through therapeutic touch, symptoms can be brought to the surface so clients can experience them and use that awareness to deepen into their psychotherapy. When talk therapy is combined with touch therapy, often more parts of the story can be accessed. Reach out if you'd like to explore how I can support you or your clients on their healing journey. Click the link below to learn more about how I integrate massage to enhance the psychotherapeutic process at the Family Counseling and Trauma Healing Center.