Deborah Haukedal

01

Tell us about yourself as a person and as a Massage Therapist.

I believe we have incredible bodies that know how to heal themselves. I have always been interesed in WHY - why a rash arises, why the neck hurts, even the hard questions like why does cancer occur?

I have learned in my practice that the body communicates with us and wants to move to healing and health. However, our bodies do hold emotional, chemical, and physical traumas. With the right support and intention, I believe healing is possible. I sincerely care about people and believe we can heal.

02

What is Enhanced Therapeutic Massage?

In Enhanced Therapeutic Massage, we locate a physical pain point in the body and the relieve it through touch. I am generally drawn to an area, and then we dig a little deeper. I have the gift of being able to feel where the body is off. I can see the difference between healthy muscle, scar tissue, a spasm, trauma, and injury, and then provide the appropriate therapeutic response.

I am able look beyond the obvious and explore how did it get here and what's happening at a deeper level. The techniques range from deep tissue work, ot trigger point release, to intuitive touch, to cranial sacral techniques, to using hot stones, to spinal flow - whatever a specific body requires.

03

What drew you to this work?

Growing up I used to massage people whenever I could. I wanted to be a doctor when I was a kid, because I really wanted to help people get better. I have a desire to figure things out and help the body to heal. In my 20's I was planning to be a massage therapist, and though I didn't take the path back then. I know it's always called to me. It was a big accident that opened the door to this work, and I am so grateful for that.

04

What is the hardest thing about specializing in Enhanced Therapeutic Massage?

Massage is physically demanding work so sometimes it can take a toll on the body. There is inevitable wear and tear on my own body, so I have to be careful. I try to engage in various activities like yoga, chiropractic, and other tools to make sure my own body is okay so I can be at my optimal best for my clients.

05

What do you love most about your job?

The miracles. When a muscle is healing, it's not necessarily going to change in an hour...but sometimes there is a spontaneous healing, which is incredible to witness. I also love meeting new people.

06

What is the one thing about Enhanced Therapeutic Massage that most people don't know?

It's bigger than the muscles. If you're someone who doesn't get touched all the time, this can be a much bigger experience. In addition to the regular techniques that most massage therapists use, I am able to access an intuitive knowing about what a particular body needs. Combining professional training and experiential wisdom, my clients get a healing that is much more profound than simply relaxed muscles - they tell me they feel better on many levels they never expected. 

07

What would you say to someone who is unsure about trying Enhanced Therapeutic Massage?

Tell the practitioner that you are nervous. Remember that everyone's different, so even if you don't like a particular session or a certain practitioner, it doesn't necessarily mean massage isn't for you.