Q: What can I expect when I come for an in-person session?
A: When you come in for an in-person session, you will first be asked to sign a waiver. Our waiver simply outlines our cancellation policy and reminds clients that all of the modalities listed offered are NOT diagnostic in any way and are not meant as a substitution for medical care. Fully clothed, you will lie comfortably on a massage table. If you’re unable to lie down, not to worry! Each session is catered to what will make you comfortable. I will sit at your side and ask your body questions by using a muscle checking technique with your forearm. From there, your body's innate wisdom will guide me to which modality is best suited for the session. Sessions will vary from person to person; however, the session is always a safe place to ask questions, release any emotions or movements that may feel necessary. Each person will experience a session differently. Common experiences are a sense of well-being and calmness. It’s not unusual for the 24 hours following a session for the person to release the blocks identified, whether that’s emotionally or through bodily functions (such as stomach gurgles, belching, etc.).
Q: What can I expect from a distance session?
A: Distance sessions are very similar to in-person sessions. Since there are a few different ways to approach a distance session, there are a few different answers. For sessions done via video calling (FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype), or over the phone, specific details regarding that will be discussed at the time of booking. For sessions that are not done face to face, a detailed email will be sent after the session explaining everything that came up. If previously discussed, there can be time set aside (usually around 15 minutes) for a question/answer period following the session. As for the session, the practitioner will sit either at the computer, or on the phone and perform the session the same way you would in person. If you are present, you are encouraged to find a comfort
Q: What can be expected following a session, and how often should I come?
A: Following a session, typical emotional triggers can feel less intense and more manageable, if not eliminated completely! If experiencing chronic pain, these symptoms may subside or be eliminated as well. A common response from clients is that they feel more at ease, and more balanced. When we shift frequencies and energies during a session, physical (frequent urination, yawning, stomach gurgles, or bowel movements) or emotional (tears, laughter, temporary increase in emotions) release can be common. A general guideline for follow up sessions is usually revealed at the end of the session – the body may require more frequent sessions depending on the priorities addresses. However, typically people will come back for a session in six weeks.
Q: Can I bring my pet to your office for a session?
A: Although the ultimate goal is to have a space for animals to be treated at our office, we can NOT accommodate sessions done for animals in person. This is for the safety of your pet, and for the safety of our healing team. Being in an unfamiliar environment and undergoing energetic shifts may result in a release, and animals release much differently than humans. It's also not ideal for my animals to have strange pets in the house while they are working. Animal sessions are done at a distance, or I can accommodate traveling (subject to travel fees) to work with horses or other livestock.
Q: How do animal sessions differ from human sessions?
A: Animal sessions differ slightly from human sessions in a couple of ways. First of all, there are important factors to remember when working with animals: breed specific tendencies, and mirroring. For example, Border Collies are bred to work, and sometimes when they aren't given the appropriate outlet, they become anxious or neurotic. No amount of energy work will "heal" their desire to work, it's something that's bred into them. Behaviour issues, in dogs especially, should be addressed with a strong training foundation first. (If you're interested in more training... check out our good training friends here!) That being said, sometimes behaviours pop up acutely, and that's where the second factor, mirroring, may come in to play. Our pets most often come into our lives to help teach us lessons and mirror issues we have to try and heal them. Scout, for example, becomes more intense in all of her behaviours when I am more stressed out. She acts as a mirror for my own inner turmoil so that I can easily recognize it, and hopefully shift it out. The last point is animals are their own conscious beings, and can have trauma, opinions preferences, and this is where sessions can be greatly beneficial. Not too long ago, I worked with a horse who was extremely fearful on trail rides, and that stemmed from a mirror in the owner, as well as their own traumas from their previous home. Animals also release differently than humans, they use their mouths (chewing, licking, sucking, yawning), or they release with bowel movements, so it's important to allow them to have access to all of this during a session. You'll probably notice I bring Scout's bed into sessions for her to suck, or I allow her to chew a bone. If your animal is receiving a session, even at a distance, it's important they have an outlet so they can safely and effectively release (horses should be able to run, buck, kick, or move safely, and dogs should have access to something to dig, chew, suck, or be able to run).
Q: I'm not comfortable with animals being in a session with me. Is it possible to not have them there?
A: It's important that you feel safe and comfortable during your session, and if you prefer to have a session without animals that is absolutely okay! Your session is your time and space to heal, so anything I can do to accommodate that I will. I can easily make other arrangements for Scout, and Timber can hang out in another room. They can just as easily do their work from a long distance!
Q: I'm really interested in learning more of these modalities for myself. Is it something that can be taught? A: Intuition is a beautiful gift that everyone is born with, and just like any skill, it can be strengthened with practice. If you are interested in learning any of these modalities, I teach Usui Reiki classes either online (via Zoom or Skype), and in person at various times throughout the year. You can still get a ton out of the classes, even if you don't want to become a practitioner. Using Reiki in your everyday life is a wonderful tool for stress reduction. BodyTalk and HelioSol can also be taught, and I'm happy to refer you to an appropriate instructor if you're interested!
Q: How much does a session cost, and how do you accept payment?
A: Sessions are $95.24 + 5% GST making it an even $100. I can accept e-transfer, debit transactions, credit cards, and cash. For distance sessions, I can accept e-transfer or credit card. Receipts are provided at the end of each session. I also honour a 10% referral incentive, meaning if you refer someone to S&S, and they receive a session, your next session will be 10% off.
Q: Can I claim a session on my insurance? A: Some insurance companies have a section for "Stress Management" or "Alternative Healing", which you could claim under. You cannot, unfortunately, claim our sessions under anything related to Psychology, Social Work, or Therapy. If you have a health spending account, you can also use it for a session.