Polyvagal-informed, deep connective massage, NeuroAffective Touch, somatic integration, mind-body support. I'm Rachel Sever (she/her), Licensed Massage Therapist (OR) and Certified Massage Therapist (CA). I'm a polyvagal-informed Somatic Integrationist with a certificate from Pacific Center for Awareness and Bodywork in Hawaii in Awareness-Oriented Structural Integration, and trained in NeuroAffective Touch. I specialize in somatic integration: awareness-based, deep connective tissue (fascia) bodywork, with safely held-space for exploration of mind-body-heart connections, supporting increased embodied awareness and nervous system regulation. In addition to English, I speak German and French, and can understand basic Spanish. I have a BA degree in 'Deconstructing the Status Quo' from an integrative studies community program (Johnston Center, University of Redlands) and previously worked for six years in social services in the field of mental health with adults and kids. I have incorporated holistic perspectives into Heart Embodied Massage for 12+ years to support the healing, empowerment, wisdom, and full potential I believe is inherent in each person. www.heartembodied.com
What people say about my work:
"I took part in 10 Sessions that Rachel offers and I can’t feel more thankful. During these 10 Sessions I learned how to listen more to my body, my emotions. I learned to be more at peace with myself and respect myself more. I learned how our bodies adopt postures and habits that affect our daily lives--and the best part is that we can train our postures, we can improve ourselves! I learned that things can be as complicated or as easy as we want them to be. Thinking is not always the best way to follow--sometimes it's better just to feel more and let ourselves feel, let ourselves just BE. Rachel is a very attentive, careful and loving professional. The atmosphere where the massages are done can't be more warm, peaceful and inviting. Rachel listens and respects. She doesn't tell you what you should or shouldn't do. She gives suggestions, but mostly keeps you company on your own path of discovery. . I absolutely recommend this therapy to anybody wanting to discover themselves in a new way and direction!” -Sandra
"Receiving a massage from Rachel felt like a blessing to me. She softly supported me through her gentle yet solid touch. While allowing myself to take a dive into my bodyscapes, I could travel to places that needed attention or that wanted to be heard in new ways. At a certain moment, an extract of my poem 'Dancing Backwards' came into mind: 'There, I discover what has always lived inside of me: a smile, no, one billion smiles, shedding light on every cell of my body.' At the end of the massage, I could truly feel every cell of my body smiling at my own gorgeous self and at the world around me." -Caroline S'Jegers--Poet, Coach, Leader of Dance and Self-Expression Journeys (Antwerp & the World) www.carolinesjegers.com
"During the session I went into the deepest state of relaxation I had ever experienced as she quite skillfully addressed several issues in a gentle and attentive manner. Her presence exudes calmness and peace and I left the massage table completely transformed! The pain I had in my hip and lower back had been there for several years and after my session it was not only gone, but hasn't returned nearly 7 months later! I highly recommend her to anyone!” –Cristina (San Francisco)
"The atmosphere, the massage and the visualization aspects were incredibly relaxing and at the same time attuned me to what was going on both in my body and mind. It was a visceral journey into my body that revealed both surprising and valuable insights about my self. Can definitely recommend it!" -Joy (Berlin)
"My experience with Rachel was wonderful. She takes the time to get to know each of her client's individual needs. She talks to you throughout the massage to see how you're feeling emotionally and physically. This was truly the best massage I've ever had!" - Jennifer (California)
"During a session Rachel offers her deepest, most loving presence and holds a space both soothing and healing in and of itself. Couple that with her skillful hands patiently unwinding your body and you are in for a real treat.” -Padraic (Kauai)
"My experience with Rachel was nothing short of amazing. Her massage style is truly unique, unlike any other massage I have ever received. Cleansing for my mind, body, and soul. I felt the stress and exhaustion that was buried deep in body move through, then out of my body. Thank you for your personal approach, you are a gifted healer." -Rebecca (California)
"Thanks for a wonderful massage last month - I felt like I'd been put back in my own body!" -Julie (Berlin)
Logo by Nancy S.
