Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rolfing for?
Rolfing is for people who want to
I love to work with all sorts of people. Computer people, parents, dancers, yogi's, out door types, introverts, extroverts, active and sedentary people. You can be at the beginning of life or with many years under your belt. You can have heaps of experience of body or movement therapies or you can have none. All you need is interest and a willingness to come along and try it out.
What do I wear?
Sessions are conducted in comfy clothes like those you would wear to yoga (no jeans or skirts).
What happens in the session?
You arrive and we sit and have a conversation. You tell me about your history and what you are hoping for. I will listen to you and gently watch your movement. We may begin with movement exploration or have you lay on the treatment table. I offer precise and gentle touch and movement cues to help your tissues move well again. From the detail of the cell to the wider perspective of the whole body in the environment, I offer support and invitation for your movement to flow again. You will have the opportunity to sit, stand or walk and notice what you feel. This time is important for the brain to take ownership of the new movements. Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing - these are fundamental movement of life. In these movements we tend to rely on our oldest habits and if we can find better movement options here then they can flow through into many parts of life.
How many sessions?
Rolfing is traditionally delivered in a series of 10 sessions. Each session focusing on a different theme. I don't always follow the series strictly but always follow all the same underlying principles. Many times the 10 sessions is a really good fit. But some people have individual needs which will vary from the 10 session structure. I will always put your individual needs first. Sometimes its 10 sessions, sometimes more, sometimes less. Sometimes people come in with an acute concern which can be resolved in a shorter time (say 1-5 sessions).
Sessions are normally spaced 1 or 2 weeks apart (but can be more or less).
People can then have tune up sessions every few months or years according to their needs.
I recommend if you are considering trying Rolfing to come for one session and see. Then if you are interested in working together commit to 3 sessions to begin with. After that time most people know whether to proceed or not.
Do you have Hicaps and Eftops?
Yes, You can pay with cash, Eftpos or bank transfer. I have Hicaps available in my studio. Rolfing comes under Remedial Massage, so if you have that in your extras package then you may be covered.
What's the cost?
Initial consultation $170 ($150 conc) 60-75 minutes*
Standard consultation $150 ($130 conc) 55-70 minutes*
* Sessions are goal based rather than time based. You can expect your sessions to fit approximately with this timing, but our priority will be to work appropriately with the theme of your session rather than follow the clock.
Who is entitled to concession prices?
Concession is for pensioners, students, unemployed or low income people.
What's your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours notice to change or cancel appointments. I will send an SMS reminder the day before your appointment. Please reply to this message. I can often fill your spot if you give me sufficient time. I charge the full session fee for missed appointments and late cancellations. If I can fill your spot I won't charge the cancellation fee.
What are your hours?
Tuesday (1-8pm), Wednesday (1-8pm), Thursday (10am-3pm).
I've heard Rolfing is painful. Do you really have to feel pain to feel better?
I am of the newer school of Rolfing which is not painful. I am in fact a gentle Rolfer. You do not need to feel pain to feel better. By working with your brains 'movement map' we can find freedom in the tissues without the need for brute force. I will always try to create a safe and nurturing space for you to heal.
Will I be given practices to do at home?
Yes. Home play exercises are essential to the process. Please allow a few minutes every day or two for your home play. I will give you things that are specific and interesting. Not boring exercises. More like engaged ways of feeling into new movements in your body.
How do you change movement?
By slowing the movement down a lot, to the point before you move, the point where you imagine movement. This is called 'pre-movement', its the way out body organises in order to move. This is where we work in order to change to healthier more efficient and graceful movement. Its different from putting a postural 'mask' on - like the instructions 'stand tall, shoulders back'. Here we are overlaying a second posture or mask on top of what you are already doing. Often this is like putting the brakes on whilst still pressing the accelerator. Its a lot of work and effort. Changing pre-movement is changing the mask, finding the way to begin the movement from a different perspective. Often people will then report that movement feels easy or effortless. They might be working hard in their brain, but their body is working easier.
I've heard Rolfing is a treatment for trauma, is that true?
Bessel van de Kolk MD, clinician and researcher, has conducted research in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He recognises that the body is a significant and often ignored component in the treatment of trauma. He asserts that physical practices like Rolfing and Yoga that slowly and mindfully engage with feeling and sensing the body can be an element in the treatment of trauma. Rolfing may be useful in conjunction with treatment from your mental health professional, but it is not a mental health modality. If you have any concern about trauma then please contact your GP, mental health professional or Lifeline 13 11 14
Can you give me trademark information?
Rolfing® designates the Rolf Institute brand of Structural Integration, the discipline developed by the late Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. While the Rolf Institute is Dr. Rolf’s original school of Structural Integration, it is now one of many schools of Structural Integration; and Rolfing® Structural Integration designates the practice of structural integration by graduate members of the Rolf Institute, who are licensed to use its service marks.
Rolfing®, Rolfer™, Rolf Movement™, Rolf Institute, The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration and the Little Boy Logo are service marks of The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Rolfing is for people who want to
- have less pain
- learn about their body
- move gracefully
- Wanting more body awareness
- Recovering from injury
- Interested in transformation and mindfulness
I love to work with all sorts of people. Computer people, parents, dancers, yogi's, out door types, introverts, extroverts, active and sedentary people. You can be at the beginning of life or with many years under your belt. You can have heaps of experience of body or movement therapies or you can have none. All you need is interest and a willingness to come along and try it out.
What do I wear?
Sessions are conducted in comfy clothes like those you would wear to yoga (no jeans or skirts).
What happens in the session?
You arrive and we sit and have a conversation. You tell me about your history and what you are hoping for. I will listen to you and gently watch your movement. We may begin with movement exploration or have you lay on the treatment table. I offer precise and gentle touch and movement cues to help your tissues move well again. From the detail of the cell to the wider perspective of the whole body in the environment, I offer support and invitation for your movement to flow again. You will have the opportunity to sit, stand or walk and notice what you feel. This time is important for the brain to take ownership of the new movements. Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing - these are fundamental movement of life. In these movements we tend to rely on our oldest habits and if we can find better movement options here then they can flow through into many parts of life.
How many sessions?
Rolfing is traditionally delivered in a series of 10 sessions. Each session focusing on a different theme. I don't always follow the series strictly but always follow all the same underlying principles. Many times the 10 sessions is a really good fit. But some people have individual needs which will vary from the 10 session structure. I will always put your individual needs first. Sometimes its 10 sessions, sometimes more, sometimes less. Sometimes people come in with an acute concern which can be resolved in a shorter time (say 1-5 sessions).
Sessions are normally spaced 1 or 2 weeks apart (but can be more or less).
People can then have tune up sessions every few months or years according to their needs.
I recommend if you are considering trying Rolfing to come for one session and see. Then if you are interested in working together commit to 3 sessions to begin with. After that time most people know whether to proceed or not.
Do you have Hicaps and Eftops?
Yes, You can pay with cash, Eftpos or bank transfer. I have Hicaps available in my studio. Rolfing comes under Remedial Massage, so if you have that in your extras package then you may be covered.
What's the cost?
Initial consultation $170 ($150 conc) 60-75 minutes*
Standard consultation $150 ($130 conc) 55-70 minutes*
* Sessions are goal based rather than time based. You can expect your sessions to fit approximately with this timing, but our priority will be to work appropriately with the theme of your session rather than follow the clock.
Who is entitled to concession prices?
Concession is for pensioners, students, unemployed or low income people.
What's your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours notice to change or cancel appointments. I will send an SMS reminder the day before your appointment. Please reply to this message. I can often fill your spot if you give me sufficient time. I charge the full session fee for missed appointments and late cancellations. If I can fill your spot I won't charge the cancellation fee.
What are your hours?
Tuesday (1-8pm), Wednesday (1-8pm), Thursday (10am-3pm).
I've heard Rolfing is painful. Do you really have to feel pain to feel better?
I am of the newer school of Rolfing which is not painful. I am in fact a gentle Rolfer. You do not need to feel pain to feel better. By working with your brains 'movement map' we can find freedom in the tissues without the need for brute force. I will always try to create a safe and nurturing space for you to heal.
Will I be given practices to do at home?
Yes. Home play exercises are essential to the process. Please allow a few minutes every day or two for your home play. I will give you things that are specific and interesting. Not boring exercises. More like engaged ways of feeling into new movements in your body.
How do you change movement?
By slowing the movement down a lot, to the point before you move, the point where you imagine movement. This is called 'pre-movement', its the way out body organises in order to move. This is where we work in order to change to healthier more efficient and graceful movement. Its different from putting a postural 'mask' on - like the instructions 'stand tall, shoulders back'. Here we are overlaying a second posture or mask on top of what you are already doing. Often this is like putting the brakes on whilst still pressing the accelerator. Its a lot of work and effort. Changing pre-movement is changing the mask, finding the way to begin the movement from a different perspective. Often people will then report that movement feels easy or effortless. They might be working hard in their brain, but their body is working easier.
I've heard Rolfing is a treatment for trauma, is that true?
Bessel van de Kolk MD, clinician and researcher, has conducted research in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He recognises that the body is a significant and often ignored component in the treatment of trauma. He asserts that physical practices like Rolfing and Yoga that slowly and mindfully engage with feeling and sensing the body can be an element in the treatment of trauma. Rolfing may be useful in conjunction with treatment from your mental health professional, but it is not a mental health modality. If you have any concern about trauma then please contact your GP, mental health professional or Lifeline 13 11 14
Can you give me trademark information?
Rolfing® designates the Rolf Institute brand of Structural Integration, the discipline developed by the late Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. While the Rolf Institute is Dr. Rolf’s original school of Structural Integration, it is now one of many schools of Structural Integration; and Rolfing® Structural Integration designates the practice of structural integration by graduate members of the Rolf Institute, who are licensed to use its service marks.
Rolfing®, Rolfer™, Rolf Movement™, Rolf Institute, The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration and the Little Boy Logo are service marks of The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, registered in the U.S. and other countries.