My journey to become a massage therapist.

Thank you for taking the time to check this section out. The fact that you are here is important to me, and here is why.......

To touch another’s body is to make contact with another’s spirit or soul; it is a privilege.

Therapeutic Touch can be intensely healing if body, mind, and spirit are one.

I am infinitely mindful of what we both need to accomplish this, and you are always in control. I need to be grounded. We agree on a contract before we start. I explain in detail how the massage will progress. You are in control of the temperature, the pressure, etc.

I have always loved having a massage, but oftentimes I have been unhappy with my experience,

… and often left in a worse state than when I arrived.

Sometimes, I had been cold, physically uncomfortable on the table, or felt that I was not being listened to, or desperate to go to the toilet, but felt unable to say so. Other times, “my own stuff “ about my perceived physical inadequacies ( i.e., my body shape, the state of my unshaven legs) versus the massage therapist has led me to be in a state where there is no way I could relax. Of course, I have also had some amazing massages too!

Now I understand from a theoretical perspective exactly why these massages were so unsatisfactory.

I was born (over 50 years ago) in the UK. Today, I live with my nuclear family of four and attendant menagerie in the centre of Rangiora on our haphazard 1/4 acre “Pavlova Paradise”.

Training

To massage in NZ, you do not need to be trained.... but I am. I couldn't do a diploma because of my family commitments.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Training

Hands On Christchurch Level: 1 & 2 Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Dr. Vodder Level 1 (Basics - multiple repeats), Level 2 Advanced Techniques, Level 3 Complete Decongestive Techniques (CDT) lymphoedema, 10 days, Advanced Body Aesthetician (5 days in person)

K tape for lymphatics

Kathleen Lisson: Plastic Surgery Recovery and Fibrosis Massage, Lymphatic and Fibrosis Massage, Cupping after Liposuction, myofascial release after plastic surgery, Breast Massage after Implant & Explant Plastic Surgery 8.5 Hours CE

That is around 200 hours in class on the lymphatic system and countless hours of self-study, reading, and webinars.

Other

Holistic Healthcare Training (NZQA); relaxation massage, hot stones, deep tissue, Anatomy & physiology(Hons Level 5) for healthcare.

Fascial IQ: myofascial release basics, upper and lower body (repeated), myofascial anatomy, Myofascial unwinding 1 & 2, scar release.

MSTR (McLoughlin Scar release Technique).

Te Ara Tea Tea Trust (Miri Miri & Romi Romi) Level 1, 2 & 3. This is a traditional Māori healing modality

Mother Wellness: pregnancy and postnatal massage

Barral Institute Visceral Manipulation Level 1, Level 2 in May 2026, so many clients have had abdominal surgery that I couldn’t treat lymphatic issues without learning more

Many others I have forgotten.

Plus regular webinars and reading.

I love to learn.

I hold insurance, a current first aid certificate, and have supervision with a Mindfulness

I work from a self-contained studio at the rear of our back-section property. Off-street parking is available.

Chai - the security staff

So if you don’t like dogs, let me know ahead of time!!

We look forward to meeting you.