Heather Johnson
Registered Massage Therapist
“Self is. Self is body and bodily perception. Self is thought, memory, belief. Self creates. Self destroys. Self learns, discovers, becomes. Self shapes. Self adapts. Self invents its own reasons for being.” Octavia Butler - Parable of The Sower
I am a firm believer that self actualization/knowledge, can't be complete without a deep grounding in the body. A true knowledge of one's body includes experiences of pain, anxiety, and stress. These experiences can be overwhelming, and the advice to just suck it up, ignore them, and simply grind on only intensifies them further. Our culture of extraction and constant optimization, rather than nurturance takes us further and further away from connection, let alone feeling. My goal will always be to help find your way back, back to breath, back to wellness, back to self.
Through my education at Sutherland Chan School of Massage Therapy I learned just how complex caring for the body can be. The cacophony of sensation, wants, needs, rhythms, hormones can sometimes seem like a puzzle that can never be solved. I want to work with you to put it all together piece by piece. Together,, we can discover where your pain lives, find language for the sensations that build up day after day, and cultivate movement that creates ease.
After seeking out diverse clinical experiences such as pre/post natal care, spinal cord injuries, and working with 2SLBTQIA patients I've strived to create a multifaceted toolbox of techniques to best serve my clients. I was most drawn to modalities that incorporated the nervous system as a tool. Especially ones that engage fascia, and fascial chains. This includes modalities such as positional release, joint mobilizations, and diaphragmatic breathing. I prefer to work indirectly to understand the breadth of the problem, and then work my way in to find the centre. I find this approach very helpful when addressing neuropathies, chronic pain, and the somatic symptoms associated with neurodivergence.
My experience as a consent educator and advocate have absolutely informed my practice. Consent will always be at the core of my care. This includes a commitment to be trauma informed, and a safe place for survivors. I want to collaborate with you rather than simply treat you. I strive to share my knowledge with you as transparently as possible so you can make the best choices for you, and your body. In my experience my hands can only offer suggestions, it's your body that will decide to accept or not.
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Sutherland Chan School of Massage Therapy - Diploma of Massage Therapy - August 2024 Rainbow Road - 2SLGBTQ Foundations Course - May 2024
Heather Johnson
Registered Massage Therapist
ACCREDITATIONS
Member of CMTO (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario)
Member of RMTAO (Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario)
AREAS OF PRACTICE
-Complex/chronic pain Neuropathies -Somatic symptoms of neurodivergence
-Trauma informed care Abdomen Massage
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Massage Therapy
WORKS WITH
Individuals
Adults
FORMATS
In-person
FEES
$150 per 60 minute session
$180 per 75 minute session
$205 per 90 minute session
BOOKINGS
To see Heather’s availability or to book online, click below.