Balance Massage Center has closed permanently.
I (Steph) am focusing my efforts on working 1:1 with clients again, now through a NeuroSensory Therapeutic Approach.
My path to transitioning from the broader realm of Massage Therapy to specializing in a NeuroSensory Therapeutic Approach began with my own health journey. In 2020, I found myself facing many health challenges including multiple autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and anxiety & panic disorder. This led me to temporarily step away from client work and focus on understanding the root causes of chronic illness.
During my healing journey, I explored various modalities and worked with numerous healthcare practitioners. While each provided valuable insights, I discovered that the key to lasting wellness lay in understanding the intricate connection between the nervous system and physical health.
My research into neuroscience revealed crucial links between developmental patterns, stress responses, and chronic illness. I came to understand how my body's protective mechanisms, particularly my tendency toward people-pleasing (the "fawn" stress response), had contributed to my health challenges. This understanding highlighted the remarkable intelligence of our body-mind connection while showing how outdated survival patterns can impact our wellbeing.
Today, I integrate this knowledge into my therapeutic approach, combining skilled touch therapy with somatic awareness and client education. I recognize how our culture often celebrates pushing through discomfort, overlooking the body's signals until illness forces us to listen. My practice creates a space where clients can safely reconnect with their body's wisdom through interoception, attunement, and trust.
I believe our symptoms are messengers, offering valuable information about our needs. Through therapeutic touch and a trauma-informed approach, I support clients in developing self-agency and discovering their innate capacity for healing.
Continuing Education that has supported my learning and growth:
Certificate in Neuroscience, The Neuroscience School
NeuroSomatic Intelligence Coaching Certificate
Integrative Somatic Practitioner Certification Course, Integrative Wellness Academy
Somatic Parts Certificate, The Embody Lab
NeuroAffective Relational Model (in training)
Professional Massage Therapy Certificate, 2011
Professional Bodywork Teacher Training “The Spirit of Learning”, Body Therapy Institute
Usui Reiki Level 1+2 Certification
Breaking down “NeuroSensory Therapeutic Approach”:
1. The Nervous System ("Neuro")
- How the brain and nervous system process information
- Nervous system regulation and response
- Neural plasticity and adaptation
- Autonomic nervous system states (sympathetic/parasympathetic)
2. Sensory Processing ("Sensory")
- How the body receives sensory input through touch, pressure, movement
- How these inputs are interpreted by the nervous system
- Interoception (internal body awareness)
- Proprioception (position sense) and kinesthesia (movement sense)
3. Therapeutic Application ("Therapeutic")
- Intentional, focused treatment approach
- Based on clinical reasoning and assessment
- Goal-oriented interventions
- Integration of neurobiological principles
4. Hands-on Techniques ("Approach")
- Manual therapy techniques
- Somatic (body-centered)
- Based in neuroscience
- Trauma-aware model
To inquire about booking and rates, please email me at stephaniehaddox@gmail.com.
This website will evolve over the coming months as I re-brand. Stay tuned!
We are an LGBTQ+ and BIPOC safe zone. Any form of mistreatment or disrespect of these communities is not tolerated.