honored to be here with you
breaking trail together...
I am certainly not the first bodyworker to understand how to work with bodies that express trauma; many have gone before me and I am so grateful for that. And yet, there are times when I feel like a pioneer, breaking new trail as I go, because there is no roadmap for how to do this unique kind of bodywork, in the year 2022, in central Indiana, for common working Midwestern folk. Or to create the movement I’m seeking to inspire here, where it becomes common to engage in radical self-care (not the bubble-bath kind, but rather the finding-safety-in-the-nervous-system kind). I thoroughly enjoy this challenge of forging a path to bring this work here effectively. Being in “the now”, present to what is required to do this work well, demands my thoughtfulness, creativity, and determination. And lots of late nights, ha! I love, love, love it.
It brings me joy to say that I am not alone in this endeavor. From it being first conceived over 3 years ago, I have been waiting for the right people to come along, to form an advisory board for the studio. And it is now (finally) an official thing! I have 3 trusted, close people who really understand not only my heart for the studio, but also the value of somatic, holistic healing, and are providers of care themselves here in Brownsburg. I am so thankful for their input and commitment.
Fundraiser for the Sliding Scale
Something else that this work takes is money! (Obviously.) Unfortunately, good quality trauma-informed work does not jive with everyone’s budget. And yet it’s at the very heart of Studio A to make this work accessible to all who need it, as much as possible. So the dilemma exists of how to discount the work enough for folks that lack the funds to address their chronic pain, while still turning a profit overall so that Studio A can expand and grow. We have a Sliding Scale program for those that need it, but its reach will always be limited unless there is some sort of income stream beyond my hands-on work. Enter fundraising idea!
I sought to create something original, something of value, that is worth selling in its own right; I didn’t want a “charity buy”. Hopefully that is what we have done by creating these….. (drumroll please)….
Announcing the 2023 monthly calendar of Deepening Self-Care! Created by yours truly. 😊
This calendar can sit on a desk with the included wooden stand, or can be hung using the wire hanger. Size is 5.5" x 8.5" (half sheet of paper). Each page features a key component of self-care, with original text and vivid colors. Order as a unique gift for friends, co-workers, family, or for yourself -- anyone who is interested in the topic of holistic self-care. The cost is $20, and every penny (beyond paying me back for the cost of making them) is going toward funding the Sliding Scale program in 2023. I had 50 of them printed, with no idea how it would go…
We announced the sale of these Tuesday afternoon on Facebook, and over half were sold by the end of the next day. I feel so incredibly honored that numerous friends and colleagues were willing to share it on their own Facebook pages, to help spread the word. I don’t enjoy relying on the algorithms of social media to get information into the right hands, but in this case it has proven to help our cause, and I am grateful. (And now I’m wondering if I should print another 50…)
If you are interested in purchasing one (or several!), here is how to do that:
If able to pay with cash or Venmo (these are the preferred methods, because of expensive credit card processing fees): Send me a PM or text me at (463) 235-7171 with how many you want. Link to my business Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3676200484471916804 (Venmo handle is @studioabody if that link does not work)
If paying by credit card, purchase here and provide your phone number at checkout so we can arrange for pickup: https://buy.stripe.com/fZe7u2bpV36XbaE5kl
Local pickup can be arranged once the order goes through.
We have already provided 134 appointments in 2022 alone at drastically discounted rates to folks ready to process and overcome their trauma but unable to pay full price for the work. By purchasing a calendar, you are helping us to extend our services to even more folks in our community who could benefit. Thank you!
Feel to Heal Program for Chronic Pain — New Round!
My signature group program, called Feel to Heal, combines pain-relieving strategies with mind-body work that addresses some of the roots of chronic pain via nervous system regulation and an understanding of the neuroscience of pain. The 4th round of this program will take place on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Brickmoor (the house where the studio is located), from January 17 to March 7, 2023 (8 consecutive weeks). If you or someone you know struggles with ongoing pain and is ready to try a new approach, I encourage you to check it out here. I am confident you will learn new things relevant to the journey of chronic pain that you won’t find in a lot of places around here. We’d love to have you join us. Feel free to write me back with any questions you have about it after looking through the website, which has a lot of info. We have room for 7 more people.
New open-ended pricing structure begins Dec 1
As mentioned in our last newsletter, starting on December 1 we will begin utilizing an open-ended pricing structure that offers flexibility. Standard rates will move to $95 per hour, but that will be flexible according to one’s resources. For those who have more than enough financial resources and can afford to pay true market rate for the work, there is an option when booking appointments to "Give Support to Others", which adds $15 to the total. This extra amount goes directly to subsidize the cost of those who have trouble affording appointments. For those with currently limited financial resources who need supplemental funds to cover their appointment, there is an option when booking appointments to "Receive Support from Others", which deducts $10 from the total. In addition to these measures to ensure greater access to everyone in our community, we of course also have the Sliding Scale program that can further reduce appointment costs if needed. I am excited to implement this new system and for each client to have options when booking. That’s important and fits well with my mantra of knowing what you need and voicing it. It also gives people a chance to help out others who struggle to afford appointments, if they want to.
Where will we go next?
When I think about where we were as a studio one year ago, WOW—it’s mind-boggling what can happen in a year. My convictions have deepened about getting trauma-informed bodywork and somatic education out there to each and every person in Brownsburg / Hendricks County / west Indy that needs it. I have further clarity in where I want us to be headed, and lots of ideas of how to get us there—some that are in the works, and some that still need to be sorted out. Where will we be in a year? It’s exciting to think about! I don’t yet know that answer, but I know I want you all to be there with me. I am honored to be here with you in this space, creating something special here on the west side that brings much-needed healing. Thanks for your presence, support, and encouragement. 🧡