Transformational & empowering bodywork at your learning edge
The paradox of healing is that in order to heal, we must first accept ourselves as we are. When we continue to fight against a problem, that problem is validated over and over again. We live in relation to the problem.
At Heather's practice, you are offered the opportunity to experience yourself whole, and in relation to your wellness, your gifts, and your strengths.
At Heather's practice, you are offered the opportunity to experience yourself whole, and in relation to your wellness, your gifts, and your strengths.
I might be a good fit for you if:
Maybe you've tried physical therapy, strengthening, and you are still hurting. There may be both structural and functional issues far from the site of pain that perpetuate your symptoms. These could be ways of moving, or ways you've compensated for an initial injury. Beyond strengthening, there may be movement habits that can be addressed by looking at your whole movement pattern--how you stand, walk, hold your head, work, and play. Here we will work with your whole nervous system (your brain), not just your difficulty, so that you can live the life you want to be living.
I am continually excited about the way the body and brain work. If you are interested in understanding more about how you work, and how you can maximize the benefits of our work together, I love to share (after or before the session) about our function, and structure, offering you context that can help you listen a little differently to yourself!
No matter what issue you face, you have the capacity to improve, to breathe better, sit more easily, turn your head with less pain, and inhabit your body with more grace, confidence, and stability. We can find that improvement together.
What does a session look like?
Sometimes we work on a low firm table, sometimes a softer massage table. Each session is a conversation. Often people go into a trance state.
Feldenkrais Method® and CranioSacral Therapy are my main modalities. Other modalities come into play as appropriate, when we decide together.
Adult sessions are often deeply restorative. We'll talk briefly, and then you'll lie or sit comfortably for further gentle assessment. This may be you moving on your own, or me moving you within a range of ease. Or perhaps, I quietly sense your head, or your spine with my hands. Then, we'll choose comfortable positions during the session, with propping to help you truly settle as much as possible. During the session, I will generally work through your clothes. You may feel yourself moving at times, rocking; gentle compressions, and decompressions. At times it will feel like massage, or you will feel movement go through your whole self. You may fall into a trance state. At times I may direct your attention with my hands, or with my voice, or it may be very quiet, and restful. No matter what your issue is, I work with your whole self to address both structure and function, so that you can have access to your best self.
Adult sessions are often deeply restorative. We'll talk briefly, and then you'll lie or sit comfortably for further gentle assessment. This may be you moving on your own, or me moving you within a range of ease. Or perhaps, I quietly sense your head, or your spine with my hands. Then, we'll choose comfortable positions during the session, with propping to help you truly settle as much as possible. During the session, I will generally work through your clothes. You may feel yourself moving at times, rocking; gentle compressions, and decompressions. At times it will feel like massage, or you will feel movement go through your whole self. You may fall into a trance state. At times I may direct your attention with my hands, or with my voice, or it may be very quiet, and restful. No matter what your issue is, I work with your whole self to address both structure and function, so that you can have access to your best self.
Children are natural explorers, and through their curiosity, we find a way to inspire more movement choices
Sessions can be very slow and quiet, or more playful and movement oriented depending on what will best address the issue/intention. No session is the same, because every session is created around how you are in the moment.
Depending on the age, sessions for children can be more active and playful. I follow and engages with the child where they are, creating openings for new movement patterns, building on the repertoire they already have. I invite, without imposing, observe without pathologizing. This is true for all clients, but even especially true with children.
Depending on the age, sessions for children can be more active and playful. I follow and engages with the child where they are, creating openings for new movement patterns, building on the repertoire they already have. I invite, without imposing, observe without pathologizing. This is true for all clients, but even especially true with children.
Heather does work with infants and children. Please contact her to see if this is a good fit for you.
- The Feldenkrais Method® of Somatic Education
- Cranio-Sacral Therapy
- And sometimes includes: Lymphatic Techniques, Neural Manipulation, Visceral work, Reiki and Intuitive work, Restorative Yoga. All Hands on sessions are through Emanuel Therapy, PLLC
I have been intrigued by this subtle form of retraining the nervous system, which I recommend to patients whose movement has been restricted by injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain. I find it to be much more useful than standard physical therapy. I also believe that the Feldenkrais Method can help older people achieve greater range of motion and flexibility, and help all of us feel more comfortable in our bodies.”
— Andrew Weil, M.D.
Free and Subscription Classes on Patreon
Find audio recorded movement meditations and videos for neck-ease, healthy posture, pain management, and even eye-strain on my Patreon page. Many of these are offered to you free of charge!
This was an amazing class! The instructor was kind, flexible, and knowledgeable. She was incredibly helpful answering any questions and adapting to everyone's needs.
Rest, Sound & Energy
Reiki, and Restorative Yoga
Support your system's capacity to heal, through transformative rest, vibration, and energy work. Heather works with integrity to help you align with your highest good.
I'm not currently offering private Restorative Yoga sessions, but do occasionally offer a class. Please sign up to receive my newsletter to find out when these are offered!
I'm not currently offering private Restorative Yoga sessions, but do occasionally offer a class. Please sign up to receive my newsletter to find out when these are offered!
Winter Rest Retreat
Retreat with Jodi Boone and Heather Emanuel, December 5-7 2025
On Whidbey Island, at Aldermarsh-House
Next offering 2027
On Whidbey Island, at Aldermarsh-House
Next offering 2027
Winter is a time for looking inward, for letting seeds rest until the light of the spring begins to inspire new growth. In this Restorative Yoga retreat, we will actively embrace restful, mindful, processes of being with and in our bodies in a friendly, supportive way, with guided practices characterized by deep inward listening and kindness towards our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits.
"Jodi and Heather are extraordinary teachers. They create a safe and sacred environment in which students both learn the principles underlying this practice and experience the incredible relaxation and awareness that this practice engenders.” -LD