Over the years, as I’ve explored various methods of working with the body’s self-healing capacity, I’ve developed my own particular way of working with clients on the table. I never knew what to call what I’m doing in these sessions, since it’s an amalgam of techniques I’ve created—along with techniques I’ve gleaned from studying Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Reiki—all thoroughly grounded in Alexander Technique philosophy. When I introduced my students to this way of working, they started requesting more “tablework” sessions, so that’s become my name for it too.
A Tablework session lasts about one hour. It’s profoundly relaxing and, despite the delicacy of touch involved, I hear from many of my clients that it works even deeper than a massage. You lie fully clothed on a table, usually with your eyes closed, as I make contact with various parts of your body using an extremely gentle touch. By tuning in to your tissues, I can discover areas of restriction and tension, and encourage your body to release them. This powerful way of eliciting your own self-corrective powers is effective in dealing with many types of physical problems and even emotional issues.
Many of my Alexander and voice students have discovered that Tablework enhances the effectiveness of their lessons by allowing them to let go of unhelpful tensions that may be interfering with their progress. I have also designed a special Tablework protocol for singers called Voice-Enhancing Bodywork that addresses tensions in all of the organs involved in making vocal sounds and helps to clear psychological inhibitions that block creativity.
Here are some conditions that I have found respond well to Tablework:
- Migraines and other Headaches
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Orthopedic Problems
- Recovery from Injuries
- Scoliosis
- Chronic Fatigue
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Even a single session of Tablework can be helpful. (Consider giving yourself or someone you love the gift of an hour’s deep relaxation!) Some conditions may respond better to extended treatment over the course of 3-6 sessions scheduled one to two weeks apart.
I charge $100 for a one-hour session of Tablework (or Voice-Enhancing Bodywork)—or $275 for a series of three sessions. Current students may sample a Tablework session for the cost of a 45-minute lesson.
After our Tablework session, I slept like a baby last night, deep restful sleep...thank you. And feeling calm and peaceful. I was on Cloud Nine for several days. Am I getting addicted to this? If so, it's a good thing. — Fay I., artist
Your Voice-Enhancing Bodywork turned out to be exactly what I needed. In just two sessions, I've gained so much freedom in my voice. The higher part of my range has opened up - it's getting much easier to allow those high notes to sing out. Also, it is the perfect complement to all the work I've done in my voice lessons with you. Since I started bodywork, I can feel my voice click into place easily and naturally when I sing. It's all starting to make sense kinesthetically. Singing is just easier now. and because of that, I can sing for hours and hours. In fact, I just got back from a recording session that went 7 hours - then followed that up with another 2 hours of jamming with friends - and I still feel like singing! Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to our next session. — Stephanie Harrison, Pop/Jazz Vocalist
In my Tablework sessions, Michael makes me aware of tensions in my body that I can't notice myself; by drawing my attention to them, I can explore and release them. I've rid myself of several deeply-buried emotional scars this way. In some ways, it feels like a form of surgery. We never know what we'll discover, and I keep coming back for more. — Jake Lodwick, web developer
Prior to my sessions with Michael, my body was constantly over-tense, due to my work as a visual artist. Since starting Tablework with Michael, my body is more centered and in dramatically less pain. Every time we finish, I can't wait to go back — he's a true miracle worker! — Ingrid Songster, sculptor
I came to see Michael because of chronic neck and shoulder pain as well as poor posture. His Tablework is AMAZING. Michael really has a gift. I feel so much more limber and freer in my body. Many friends and colleagues have noticed the change in my posture and presentation. Michael exudes positive energy. I would recommend him highly. — Lizabeth R., pyschotherapist
Tablework:
The senses, astute, acute.
Colorful awareness--the visual barometer.
As my spleen somersaults,
My heart stirs, awakens,
A kidney patiently awaits its turn.
— Laura Sullivan, retired art dealer
