Approach
Drawing from a foundation in physical rehabilitation and deep tissue work, Alicia approaches the body by also taking energetic & emotional factors into consideration. She works from an ever refining wellness philosophy strongly rooted in a collaborative belief; educating people about the benefits of regular massage therapy, whilst also encouraging the use of other forms of bodywork & self care to create a healthy and optimal physical/energetic/emotional balance. The client/therapist relationship is paramount, whether lasting a single session or developed through a treatment plan over time, to ensure a comfortable and secure space for release of restrictions and understanding of where & how the holdings in the body are rooted.
Craniosacral Therapy
This gentle, hands-on treatment works in assessing subtle restrictions in the body which may act as anchors drawing the systems out of balance. Using a soft touch, this therapy can be used on its own or infused through treatment to help guide and release chronic holdings which may be a barrier to optimal health & function. CST has been known to help with chronic pain, connective tissue disorders, headaches, stress, insomnia, digestive disorders, energetic & emotional restrictions and many other common ailments. Alicia draws from her training through The Upledger Institute in most treatments which generally leaves clients feeling a sense of deep relaxation. In a specifically focused CST session, a full body approach for release is assessed and treated with these techniques, rather than the direct tissue engagement of massage, providing an opportunity for deep unwinding & relief of chronic holdings and repressed trauma.
Yogic Philosophy
Alicia has had the privilege of being the owner of Pramana Yoga Studio on Gottingen Street until its closure in 2019. Pramana had been a passion project with a mission of being an openly LGBTQ+ owned & inclusive studio in Halifax’s North End where movement, massage and mindfulness were brought together. Pramana has offered a heart-centred space for connection to community, mind, body and Self though yoga, massage and aligned partnerships. Alicia still strives to live the practice of yoga personally and through her service in bodywork. She loves to collaborate with clients who practice yoga and meditation through adding the benefits of massage therapy to assist in deepening a lifestyle of wellness. Working with the body can be approached in many ways to serve a common goal. The languages of yoga and chakra work are an ideal vehicle for understanding optimal health and balance. If this is of interest, Alicia still very much enjoys communicating through these concepts.
Psychology Studies
Alicia returned to Mount Saint Vincent University in January 2020 to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology. This inspiration comes through a long-time passion for following the advancement in neuroscience and psycho-somatic research and understanding the biological effect of chronic stress, trauma or maladaptive habits. She is particularly interested in supporting people with chronic tension connected to addiction, repression, women’s health or struggles unique to the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to empower a client’s health through understanding perception, cognition, physiological response and the brain’s role in assessing and processing environment. By blending massage therapy with psychology, Alicia’s goal aims to shape a connection to a safe and spacious vessel from which to appreciate a full sensory experience of life.