Q: Who does this help?
A: People with chronic pain, chronic injury, postural distortions, and somatic dysfunctions that habituate in the soft tissue. Athletes, dancers, musicians, and other performing artists use Structural Integration to enhance performance and address issues of repetitive strain and musculoskeletal limitations. Yoga practitioners and martial artists use Structural Integration to improve body awareness and flexibility. Regular folks with lower back pain, TMJ, scoliosis, and other conditions seek out Structural Integration to help improve their quality of life.

Q: Is it painful?
A: “Rolfing” has a reputation for being painful, mostly earned during the early days. Contemporary practitioners are trained to attune to their client’s experience and work at an intensity level that is both effective and manageable for the client. That being said, it is disingenuous to claim that any process of physical change and personal transformation is possible without moments of uncomfortable intensity. The good news is the issue of pain is overstated and most people are surprised at what a pleasant and unique experience the work conveys.

Q: Does it last?
A: Remarkably, yes. It not only lasts, but the results can be progressive over time beyond the work itself. How is this possible? Structural Integration is an educational process. It is not something that can be done to you passively. It is something you learn and embody in concert with your practitioner as guide. Learning in this sense means a process of somatic (body based) learning. The body learns to move and balance from its central axis. The tissues learn to release. The joints learn to function as horizontal hinges. Learning in this sense is not merely limited to the cognitive; it involves the whole person.

Q: Is this some kind of psychotherapy?
A: No. Structural Integration can have a profound impact upon your well-being and sense of self, but our focus is not emotional processing. In some cases it may be done in collaboration with another professional therapist to facilitate body awareness or with specific therapeutic goals (e.g. trauma work). While I am a professional counselor and maintain a limited license in Michigan, I am not currently taking psychotherapy clients.

Q: Is Structural Integration the same thing as Rolfing®?
A: From Ida Rolf’s point of view, yes. A guideline when choosing a practitioner is to look for an individual trained directly in the lineage of Dr. Rolf. This implies a select group of schools and organizations. See the resources page for more information.

Q: Is this a type of deep tissue massage?
A: No. Structural Integration is a unique field of practice and inquiry whose guiding paradigm is the perfect integration of the human body within the gravitational environment of the earth. A tall order! On a more approachable level, clients soon realize they have embarked upon an active and dynamic journey. I will ask you to reach, stretch, move, feel, breathe, push, allow, and generally be engaged and aware in session. Movements will be slow, concentrated and oriented to how you move in the world. It bears repeating: Structural Integration is not something that can be done to you. It is something you learn and embody in concert with your practitioner as guide.

Q: Why ten sessions?
A: After many years of experimentation, Dr. Rolf developed her ten-session series as a progressive approach to the process of human structural integration. It is a practical method that can be accomplished by most people, often with remarkable results. In practice, ten sessions is the typical duration of time necessary to address the goals and principles inherent in the overall schema of the work. It allows the client enough time to integrate the experience of each session into daily life as each new session builds upon the previous one.

Q: Can I try one session just to see?
A: Of course! The first session is a wonderful introduction to the process and can be approached as a complete experience in itself. The first session, or the first three sessions, can stand alone as a safe and balanced introduction to Structural Integration.

Q: How long is a session? How long does the Ten Series take?
A: My sessions for adults are approximately one hour of hands-on work, although you should allow 75 minutes total. The ten sessions can be accomplished in 5 to 10 weeks or longer if necessary. One session per week is the most common strategy, practical for most, and provides continuity to the process. However, up to three weeks between some sessions is fine.

Q: Do you take insurance?
A: I do not currently take insurance. I can provide a receipt that you may submit to your insurance company. I am happy to discuss referrals with your medical provider. Clients are responsible for payment at the time of each session.

Q: What do I wear?
A: The work is done in minimal attire for comfort and modesty in movement. The “Rolf uniform” is typically your best underwear. For men, briefs or boxer briefs are best. Women usually wear regular underwear and bra, or a two piece swimsuit. Sports bras that cover the back are not ideal, nor is any top that loops around the neck and pulls the head forward. If you have concerns with this level of undress, please discuss them with me and we will find an appropriate solution.