Susan Loftus
Licensed Massage Therapist

Categories:

Websites:

• http://www.AdvayaWellness.com

My work at Advaya involves an exciting integration of my previous two careers with bodywork. I decided to become a (talk) therapist when I was in sixth grade, after my teacher told me she thought I'd be "good at it." I became an Individual and Child Therapist as a young adult. I loved the work, yet I couldn't ignore the sense that something was missing. After I had children, I felt the need to balance my life with more beauty, having listened to many painful stories. My passion for garden design grew at that time, although not as a full...[more]

My work at Advaya involves an exciting integration of my previous two careers with bodywork. I decided to become a (talk) therapist when I was in sixth grade, after my teacher told me she thought I'd be "good at it." I became an Individual and Child Therapist as a young adult. I loved the work, yet I couldn't ignore the sense that something was missing. After I had children, I felt the need to balance my life with more beauty, having listened to many painful stories. My passion for garden design grew at that time, although not as a full time career with two small children. I still feel my heart race with excitement when I shop for plants at a nursery.

After discovering I had some degenerative disk disease--sadly, not helped by the heavy labor of landscape installation--I had need for extensive massage therapy. I was fortunate to have found talented professionals who facilitated deep transformative work. I discovered an avenue for healing that felt more holistic and direct than the work I had done as a young adult. I am excited to my (LMT) integrate bodywork with my background in psychology (MSW). Addressing stress in the context of bodywork feels like the natural next step. And as for garden design... I have to stop myself from creating a garden oasis in front of our healing center right now. Take heart, fellow garden lovers, I will be able to indulge myself at some point, when the Stress Center is off the ground. I can justify it since I fully believe a garden sanctuary will support our work together. [less]