Soulskin Bodywork

Soulskin Bodywork Massage at the margins 🌈☂️🥄
**On hiatus - reach out for bodywork referrals!** Please arrive wearing a procedural or (K)N95 mask covering your mouth and nose.

*Access info below*

At the heart of my work is the desire to center the unique needs and vibrance of queer and trans / 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. I approach touch work with intention and curiosity, always learning how to better offer informed, accessible care to all those living at the margins who may not always feel safe or welcome in conventional bodywork spaces. I practice therapeutic Swedish mas

sage with both a deep love for anatomy and physiology and a humble reverence for the complex brilliance of our bodies, transcending colonial ways of knowing. I am a queer, genderqueer bilingual anglo white settler living and working in the southwest of Tio'tia:ke/Montreal. My practice is informed by my experience in both clinical and spa settings as well as my background in politicized peer-based support work and popular education. Holistic access, bodily autonomy, informed consent, trauma-awareness and harm reduction are some of the values underpinning my offerings.

---> Sliding scale for 60 minute treatments (first treatment is 75 minutes, same rates):
$70-$100
---> 90 minute sessions $130
---> No-pay reparations spots held every month for low-income 2S/QTBIPOC

Je parle français aussi! Mes documents (d'admissions, etc) sont presentement uniquement en anglais mais je prevois les faire traduire dans les prochaines mois. COVID 19 protocol:

• Both client and practitioner will wear masks for the duration of the session. Procedural masks are available to clients free of charge if needed.
• All contact surfaces are disinfected between every client.
• A HEPA air purifier will be run in the treatment room for the duration of all sessions.
• Only one client will be in the space at one time (translators/intepreters, aids and other support people are welcome to accompany clients if needed).

_________________________________________________________________________

Access info:

• My current space is on the second floor, accessible only by an outdoor staircase (18 steps with a railing). I am happy to refer to amazing local bodyworkers who are more physically accessible!

• The treatment space is located down the street from Charlevoix metro. This station has escalators but no elevator.

• There is free, no-permit parking on the residential street directly outside. Note that there is a parking ban for street cleaning on Fridays from 9am-noon.

• There are no animals in the space though service/therapy animals are welcome.

• I speak English and French.

• The disinfectants I use do contain a small amount of essential oils and some products containing natural scents are used in other rooms in the space. The hand and laundry soap I use are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

• The massage gel I use is made of natural plant-based oils, is vegan and hypoallergenic. You can also bring your own oil/lotion/gel for me to use if you prefer. Treatment can also be done without oil or over clothing/sheets.

• I welcome questions and suggestions regarding accessibility!

I've re-opened my schedule for regular (non-ritualized) lymphatic and scar care sessions! These can be booked directly ...
10/09/2024

I've re-opened my schedule for regular (non-ritualized) lymphatic and scar care sessions! These can be booked directly into my online calendar- no need to book a consult call. Please note that I have limited availability, mostly Wednesdays and Thursdays.

60m sessions : sliding scale $85-$110
90m sessions : sliding scale $100-$140
(All taxes and fees included, insurance receipts for massage therapy available)

Lymphatic drainage is a gentle & slow technique that supports the natural movement of lymphatic fluid in the body. This can be an excellent preparation for any type of surgery as well as beneficial for many kinds of acute and persistent swelling.

Scarcare combines facial and scar massage techniques to support scar healing and rehabilitation. Scarcare can improve circulation of blood and lymph to the area, increase mobility of affected tissue/joints, decrease pain and minimize the appearance of scars. Scarcare can begin a minimum of 6 weeks following an injury or surgery and is affective for scars/injuries that are years or decades old. No scar is too old to benefit from scarcare!

The majority of scar tissue/adhesions after injury or surgery are not visible and extend beneath the skin beyond the borders of the visible scar. I will work directly on visible scar lines (if present), the tissue beneath, the surrounding area and nearby joints.

Taking a breather after 5 hours of ritual today to remind you that these custom sessions are only available to be booked...
10/03/2024

Taking a breather after 5 hours of ritual today to remind you that these custom sessions are only available to be booked through the 3rd week of November!

It's tricky to explain exactly what a body transition ritual session is because each one is completely unique. Some common themes include processing and releasing grief, celebrating a desired surgery, practicing holding complexity of a major body change that is both wanted and bound up with loss (and often all of these together).

If you're not sure if this is a good fit for what you're seeking, send me your questions at rook.bodywork@gmail.com or book a free consult call at the link in my bio

Hi loves - we're back with another trans care clinic for low-income gender-expansive people! I'm all booked up but at th...
09/04/2024

Hi loves - we're back with another trans care clinic for low-income gender-expansive people! I'm all booked up but at the time I'm posting this there are still a few spaces left with other practitioners for sliding scale acupuncture, scar work and massage, as well as space in the gender affirming voice workshop in the evening. More info in the caption below, sign up link is in my bio. See you there!

Why ritualize body transitions?Many of us make our way through major changes and transitions without traditions or commu...
07/31/2024

Why ritualize body transitions?

Many of us make our way through major changes and transitions without traditions or community to hold and connect us through them.

Some have lost connection to culturally-specific rituals through rupture with family of origin or spiritual community.

There can be so many logistics and things to tend to in times of evolution that we don't always have the space or know how to really be with what is happening.

I believe that our bodies and stories hold immense power that deserves to be honoured!

In my experience, lymphatic movement and scar work can be particularly magical touch therapies! And both can be taught so that you can offer your body ongoing tending outside of the session.

Lymph work gently and powerfully influences the movement of essential fluid throughout the whole body. This supports immune response while energetically and literally flushing stagnation to allow for the flow of needed nourishment on a cellular level.

Scar tissue also has both strong physiological and energetic  components. The protective adhesions that form with scar tissue can restrict movement, circulation of blood and lymph, and interfere with nerve function. Energetically, many people find that scar tissue can hold onto the emotions and protectiveness associated with the injury.

In addition to massage therapy, this offering calls on my training in scar tissue release, somatic s*x education, full-spectrum doula work and peer support. This is not therapy, but an opportunity to care for your changing body, be witnessed in the complexity of your story and honour this transition with your intention and attention.

Curious? Book a consult/planning call through the link in my bio.

Gratitudes & inspirations continued in comments 🐝🌸

What happens in a lymphatic or scar ritual?How do you want to feel? In a 30m consult call, I'll ask you what this piece ...
07/20/2024

What happens in a lymphatic or scar ritual?

How do you want to feel?

In a 30m consult call, I'll ask you what this piece of your body's journey means to you and we'll dream together on the ~vibes~, imagery, elements, objects, and memories that hold meaning for you.

When you arrive to our 90 minute session, bring with you any objects that you would like to be present for our work together. I'll propose ritual elements based on our conversation and we'll make any changes you request. In addition to either lymphatic drainage or scar care, we may include guided visualization, somatic noticing, movement, a "body poem", affirmations, witnessing, specific sounds or music, or other ritual elements.

As we close I will show you techniques that will support you in continuing to care for your lymphatic system/scar tissue at home and we'll chat about how you might invite loved ones into further marking this transition with you.

$150-$200 sliding includes our 30m call and 90m hands-on session. If this offering sings to you but you are low-income and unable to access it at this price, please email me at rook.bodywork@gmail.com and we will find a way forward together!

This can be a beautiful gift for a loved one moving through a body transition (just please confirm that this is wanted by them before booking a session!).

Introducing :  Lymphatic & Scarcare Ritual - ceremonies to mark transitionstell the story of your changing bodyhonour th...
07/17/2024

Introducing :  Lymphatic & Scarcare Ritual - ceremonies to mark transitions

tell the story of your changing body
honour this evolution with intention

You can book these specialized, co-created sessions August through December 2024.

I've been playing with these rituals with trans and non-binary clients tranquillement over the past year. They are now open to anyone navigating a big change in their body that could benefit from lymphatic or scar care. I am excited to finally release this offering into the wild!

Reasons for seeking out a bodywork ritual any include: preparation or recovery from any gender-related surgeries, birth, pregnancy loss, illness, trauma - whether recent or distant. Your joy, grief, ambivalence, excitement, fear, relief, rage about this change are all welcome and wanted here.

If you are seeking lymphatic or scarcare manual therapy without the ritual element, see my highlights for brilliant local q***r/q***r-competent therapists who specialize in this kind of care (all, of course, bringing their own magic to their work).

I am grateful that there are many of us, each specializing in what calls to us most!

Does the idea of a somatic transition ritual speak to you? Email me with your question: rook.bodywork@gmail.com or book a consult call at the link in my bio. Over the next few days, I’ll be posting details about what is encompassed in this offering.

Beloved clients and community,After 3 fabulous years as your massage therapist and some time away, I am reorienting in m...
07/14/2024

Beloved clients and community,

After 3 fabulous years as your massage therapist and some time away, I am reorienting in my work and closing my general massage practice. Thank you for these years of trust in my care and for supporting the ripple of my small business.

I am moving towards some new specialized bodywork offerings, which I will post here soon! I will continue to share q***r and trans-related bodywork information and resources on this account.

Luckily! Montreal is home to an unbelievable number of incredible q***r, gender-expansive and q***r/trans competent bodyworkers. Check my highlights for some of my recommendations of local practitioners I have received care from who are currently (at the time of this post) accepting new clients. This list represents only a fraction of the amazing bodyworkers in this city.  Check out 's linktree and her "bodyworkers" highlight for even more.

My relationships with each of my clients have been deeply important to me. Thank you especially to my return clients for the opportunity to get to know you in this way!

Virtual q***r scar care support - drop in to chat with us, for free! Link in bio to join us.Dec 28, 8-9pm [corrected tim...
12/24/2023

Virtual q***r scar care support - drop in to chat with us, for free! Link in bio to join us.

Dec 28, 8-9pm [corrected time]
Jan 2, 4-5pm
Jan 15, 6-7pm
(Eastern time zone)

Join us, two playful gender-q***r bodyworkers, in a virtual space for all q***r bodies with scars. Whether visible or hidden, we're here for you and your loved ones to share, ask questions, and skillshare on scar healing.

We specialize in scars : from gender surgeries, illness, trauma, birthing, self-harm, or other ruptures. Whatever your scars mean to you – celebration, grief, numbness, uncertainty – all of you is welcome here!
Scar care goes beyond looks. It's about boosting tissue health, improving mobility, and aiding nerve regrowth. Unattended scars can cause issues like limited movement, pain, and circulation problems. Unfortunately, our healthcare systems often lack guidance on effective scar healing but q***r & trans communities have always found ways to skillshare our way to the care we need!

See you there

Virtual q***r scar care support - drop in to chat with us, for free! Link in bio to join us.Dec 28, 6-7pmJan 2, 4-5pmJan...
12/24/2023

Virtual q***r scar care support - drop in to chat with us, for free! Link in bio to join us.

Dec 28, 6-7pm
Jan 2, 4-5pm
Jan 15, 6-7pm
(Eastern time zone)

Join us, two playful gender-q***r bodyworkers, in a virtual space for all q***r bodies with scars. Whether visible or hidden, we're here for you and your loved ones to share, ask questions, and skillshare on scar healing.

We specialize in scars : from gender surgeries, illness, trauma, birthing, self-harm, or other ruptures. Whatever your scars mean to you – celebration, grief, numbness, uncertainty – all of you is welcome here!

Scar care goes beyond looks. It's about boosting tissue health, improving mobility, and aiding nerve regrowth. Unattended scars can cause issues like limited movement, pain, and circulation problems. Unfortunately, healthcare often lacks guidance on effective scar healing.

See you there

Beloved community, this event is really special to me. If you've ever wondered what scar care actually looks like, what ...
11/11/2023

Beloved community, this event is really special to me. If you've ever wondered what scar care actually looks like, what options are available to you/your loved ones, please join us this Tuesday! Click the link in my bio to reserve your spot (by-donation).

As you may know, my bodywork practice has been increasingly focused on scar tending and pre/post-op care for gender non-conforming bodies. With so much violence and injustice in the world, including ongoing genocide here and in Palestine and new waves of transphobic rhetoric pushing constrictive policies across turtle island - I think a lot about scars, as Ro ***rlyfluid says "seen and unseen". It is such a pleasure to be part of this team of amazing local practitioners all committed to the community care work of supporting scar healing and scar care education.

Scar care – whether by your own hand, a cherished loved one, or a skilled practitioner – has the power to transform. It's not just about aesthetics, but about radically improving tissue health, enhancing mobility, and supporting nerve regrowth. Unattended scars can lead to limitations in movement, prolonged pain and swelling, disruptions in nerve sensation, and circulation issues. Despite these challenges, our healthcare system often falls short in offering guidance and resources for effective scar healing.

That's why we're bringing the expertise of trans and q***r bodyworkers to the forefront, turning private sessions into a collective experience. See what resonates with you and your body, and engage with practitioners to gain insights into their unique approaches. Witness live, in-person demonstrations showcasing five distinct scar care modalities in action.

Doll Herbalism : Feminizing Surgery Support 4 Girls and Babes of all Genders, 's brilliantly crafted 3-part workshop se...
09/06/2023

Doll Herbalism : Feminizing Surgery Support 4 Girls and Babes of all Genders, 's brilliantly crafted 3-part workshop series, has been a joyful and inspiring virtual touchstone throughout my summer. I've been blessed by perfect weather to be able to enjoy each one live from my favourite lush balconies.

bell hooks and Erich Fromm taught us that love is an act of will, an intention and an action and Ayelet's work lands like a powerful love letter and guide to trans fem community(ies) and to all of us working out how to move through this world with both a sense of bodily sovereignty and interdependence. 

This series was crafted with fierce love, grit and extensive community and scientific research : bringing together stories of case studies from Ayelet's herbalism practice, transfem poetry, accessible translations of herbal and medical science and revolutionary perspectives on trans bodies, surgeries and health. Herbal medicine is not a part of my bodywork practice but I knew I needed to be here for the sense of collective care and to celebrate and learn from Ayelet's genius approach to the timeless tradition of marginalized people figuring out our own healthcare in a world and medical system that is not equipped or offering to get around to it for us. 

If you didn't sign up for the series, you can still register for access to some or all of the recordings on the .clinical.herbalism website! These classes offer a fantastic and detailed overview of many common and less common feminizing surgeries, which are relevant and informative if you are, love or work with trans women and trans feminine people, even if you don't practice herbalism.

Thank you, Ayelet for being such a wonderful nerd about trans fem health and to your extended network and clients for generously sharing this wealth of community-sourced knowledge with all of us. I'm grateful for how this will enrich my practice supporting clients with pre and post op massage and lymphatic drainage through a deeper understanding of these surgical procedures and healing processes from a source I trust. My heart is full and it is a gift to be in community with you.

Our scars hold stories. The connective tissue that emerges from trans and gender non-conforming bodies binds us back tog...
08/15/2023

Our scars hold stories.

The connective tissue that emerges from trans and gender non-conforming bodies binds us back together after chosen rupture. Our scars heal and hold us, and also call out to be cared for.

We know that scars can be a cherished and powerful part of trans and gender-non-conforming bodies, hold complex swirls of grief and joy, and can also bring painful swelling, numbness, and limitations to movement. Tending to post-surgical scars on one's own or with the support of a bodyworker can be one pathway towards integrating and celebrating the significant changes that come with surgery : claiming agency over the healing process and re-connecting with a body in (r)evolution. Working with both old and new scars can transform scar health, appearance, and their impact on the rest of the body.

In this showcase four trans/q***r/genderq***r practitioners will discuss our approaches to gender-affirming scar care, speak to the heart of what calls us to this work, and the value of q***r & trans bodywork offered by & for our communities. Bring your questions and curiosities about scars and scar healing! We will also offer (optional) opportunities for those attending to connect directly with practitioners and each other. This event centers those who have had or are considering gender-affirming surgery(ies) and/or navigating the outcomes of non-consensual gender-related surgeries as well as bodywork/healthcare practitioners offering work by/for trans, 2-Spirit, inters*x, non-binary communities.

Supported by Pervers/CitĂŠ and the Concordia SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation.

Click the link in my bio to join us (free/by-donation)!

Address

Pointe Street Charles
Montreal, QC
H3K1L4

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Soulskin Bodywork posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category