FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
In our first meeting you’ll have a chance to tell me (again perhaps) in person what brings you to the studio. Whatever your reason - to release excess stress with TRE®, to get into better shape with Pilates, or a combination of both - I’ll listen carefully to you describe your concerns, goals, and whatever else you may be doing to address what’s motivating your interest in these movement methods. You’ll fill out a medical history form and a liability waiver and we’ll begin your session. PILATES : I am trained as a Classical instructor, which means I’ll utilize a subset of Joseph Pilates’ exercises on the reformer, the mat, and the tower in our first session. This will give us a baseline from which your work begins and progresses. In addition to any acute pain or discomfort you’ve identified, I’ll observe which areas of your body may be constricted, immobile, and otherwise limited in range of motion. I’ll observe which muscles are over-working or over-stretching to compensate for tight areas. I’ll develop a plan to begin to address these imbalances with mat, reformer, tower, and other exercises for subsequent sessions. My approach is to give you movements that guide you into a new mind-body awareness so that you learn to move naturally, with control, grace and ease. TRE® : I am a certified TRE® provider. This means that I will teach you the movements developed by Dr. David Berceli that stimulate the body’s autonomic ability to release unconsciously held muscular tension. I will also teach you the principle of self-regulation required to utilize this technique safely and effectively. I’ll give you an overview of how the body and mind are wired to deal with stressful situations, how we have learned to inhibit that process, and how TRE® is used to restore balance to the nervous system. I’ll answer your questions and then we’ll move into the studio. There I’ll demonstrate each of the 7 exercises that make up the TRE® series and then watch as you do them yourself. If necessary, we’ll modify the exercises to your individual physical needs. Once you’ve completed the series and experienced whatever tensions your body was ready to release, you’ll have time to rest and integrate the changes to your nervous system. Before you leave, you’ll have the opportunity to tell me about your experience. PILATES and TRE® : I don’t combine TRE® and Pilates in the same session but I do offer a package where we can work on both modalities, alternating classes between these complementary movement practices, or choosing one as the need presents itself for the session.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a instructor certified in the Peak Pilates System through Clare Dillon Palma, a nationally known Classical trainer in Greenville, SC. I am also a registered TRE® provider, certified through Donna Phillips, one of a select few TRE® trainers in the country, located in Greensboro, NC. In addition to my M.S. in Computer Science, I also have an M.Ed. in Arts and Learning from Endicott College. I employ the methods of self-discovery and self-expression that I learned in this program to design workshops that I offer to individuals and groups as requested.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
In 2009 I injured my back and was laid up for 2 weeks with sciatica. Once I was able to walk again I determined not only to work to become pain-free, but also to re-learn how to move so I wouldn’t injure myself in that way again. In addition to PT and other therapies, I started taking Pilates lessons. After 2 months of private lessons I joined group classes and discovered the benefits of a regular practice, which include for me improved posture, balance, strength, and flexibility. These changes allow me to stand, walk, and move with ever-increasing grace, ease, and confidence. Along the way a friend told me about TRE®. I learned that many life stresses produce the same harmful patterns in our bodies as an acute injury. Unreleased emotional and mental tensions related to my divorce in 2005, plus other circumstances surrounding that event, prevented my full recovery through Pilates, psychotherapy, and other therapeutic modalities. I purchased a DVD and with TRE® I was able to complete the muscular release of unconsciously held tensions from that prolonged difficulty. The road to recovery included overcoming fatigue, worry, anger, loss, and shame. It was often challenging but well worth the effort. Since I really took to both Pilates and TRE® it was easy for me to see how both are effective in bringing mind, body, and spirit into balance. Today I’m increasingly present in the fullness of my being, able to engage with the world with a wholeness of self and with new skills and resilience in dealing with life’s inevitable stresses. Among the many effective tools I’ve learned that nurture and maintain that wellness, I’m qualified and happy to teach Pilates and TRE® to you.