Frequently Asked Questions

  • All appointments and rates are found on my online appointment book at: https://www.theaustinhealingcenter.com/schedule-here

    You can view available appointment times, schedule your session, and submit payment through our online booking system.

    A $75 deposit is required to reserve all first-time appointments. Once you are an established client, payment is due at the time of service.

    If you have any questions before scheduling, please feel free to contact Jessica at jessica@theaustinhealingcenter.com.

  • While both massage and the techniques I use involve hands-on work, the approach is very different.

    Here at the Austin Healing and Myofascial Release Center, I utilize Bowen Therapy, Myofascial Release, and somatic-based healing approaches that focus on helping the body unwind deeply held patterns of tension, stress, and compensation.

    Bowen or Bowenwork Therapy

    Bowen Therapy is a gentle neuromuscular technique that uses precise movements over muscles, fascia, and connective tissue. These movements encourage the nervous system to shift out of a chronic fight, flight, or freeze response  and into a more restorative state where healing and recovery can occur.

    Bowen also helps the body begin to unwind long-held patterns of tension, compensation, stress, and trauma that may be contributing to pain, restriction, or nervous system dysregulation. Because the technique is so gentle, many clients are surprised by how powerful it can be. Bowen is applied by slow rolling movements over the tissues, followed by short periods of rest.

    Of all the modalities I have learned over the past 25 years, Bowen remains my favorite. I have witnessed more profound and unexpected changes with this technique than any other approach I have studied, which is why it continues to be a cornerstone of my practice.

    Many clients report feeling deeply relaxed during and after treatment and notice improvements not only in physical symptoms but also in their overall sense of calm and well-being.

    Myofascial Release differs significantly from traditional massage.

    There is no oil, no repetitive massage strokes, and no forceful manipulation of the tissues. Instead, gentle, sustained pressure is applied to areas of restriction within the fascia and connective tissue.

    Often, two to seven minutes are spent in a single area, allowing the nervous system and fascia the opportunity to soften, unwind, and release naturally.

    This sustained approach helps address deeper restrictions, adhesions, and binding patterns that can develop within the fascial system over time. As the tissue begins to soften, changes can occur within the collagen-rich fascial matrix, helping to restore mobility, reduce tension, and improve overall function.

    This is not deep tissue massage.

    While deep tissue massage can provide temporary relief, it often works through force and pressure. Myofascial Release takes a different approach. Rather than attempting to force tissue to change, it relies on sustained pressure and time, allowing the fascia and nervous system to respond at their own pace.

    Because the body is given time to respond rather than being pushed to change, many clients find the work deeply relaxing and notice improvements not only in pain and mobility, but also in their overall sense of calm, regulation, and well-being.

    A Somatic and Nervous System Approach

    Many of the people I work with have spent years feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from their bodies, or stuck in a constant state of stress and vigilance. Some experience chronic anxiety, chronic health problems, difficulty relaxing, dissociation, emotional overwhelm, or a persistent sense that they never fully feel safe in their body.

    My work is rooted in the understanding that our life experiences can be reflected in our bodies. Stress, grief, trauma, chronic overwhelm, and unresolved emotional experiences often show up as tension, guarding patterns, restricted movement, disease, gut issues, pain, or a feeling of being stuck.

    By working with the nervous system through gentle touch, somatic awareness, and body-centered techniques, treatment helps create an environment where the body can begin to feel safer, more grounded, and more regulated.

    Many clients report feeling not only physical relief, but also a greater sense of calm, presence, connection, and ease within themselves.

    Rather than simply addressing symptoms, this work supports the body as a whole…the physical, emotional, and energetic, creating space for lasting change and a deeper sense of well-being.

    To learn more about Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release, please visit the services pages on our website.

  • Many of my clients come to me after trying numerous approaches without finding the relief they were hoping for. They may have seen multiple practitioners, completed physical therapy, received massage, chiropractic care, injections, medications, or other treatments, yet still feel like something is missing.

    Often, these individuals are not only dealing with physical symptoms but also chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, emotional overwhelm, or years of compensation patterns that have become deeply ingrained in the body.

    The work I offer is different because it focuses on listening to the body rather than forcing it to change. Through Bowen Therapy, Myofascial Release, and somatic-based approaches, we create an environment where the nervous system can begin to settle, the body can release long-held tension patterns, and healing can occur from the inside out.

    While no treatment can guarantee results, many clients find that this gentle, whole-person approach helps them make progress when other methods have provided only temporary relief.

    If you're feeling frustrated, exhausted, disconnected from your body, or simply unsure where to turn next, I encourage you to schedule an appointment. Together, we'll explore what's going on beneath the surface and create a treatment plan that supports your body's unique needs.

  • Results vary from person to person, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed. However, over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of individuals with chronic pain, injury recovery, stress-related tension, nervous system dysregulation, mobility limitations, and a wide variety of other physical and emotional challenges.

    Many clients report improvements in pain, movement, posture, relaxation, stress levels, sleep, and their overall sense of well-being. Others describe feeling more grounded, connected to their body, and better able to navigate the challenges of everyday life.

    Many clients also come to this work seeking a deeper level of healing. They may be carrying the effects of old injuries, chronic stress, difficult life experiences, emotional wounds, or long-standing patterns that continue to affect their health and well-being. One of the most common pieces of feedback I receive is that people feel genuinely safe, seen, and supported in this space.

    My approach is not purely clinical or symptom-focused. Instead, I take a whole-person approach that considers the physical body, nervous system, emotional well-being, lifestyle, and the unique experiences that have shaped each individual. Creating a sense of safety is often an important part of the healing process, allowing the body to begin releasing patterns that may no longer be serving it.

    I encourage you to visit my Reviews page to read about the experiences of past clients and the results they have achieved through treatment. Their stories often provide the best insight into what this work can offer.

  • I work with a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions, including:

    • Neck and back pain

    • Headaches and migraines

    • Sciatica

    • Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries

    • Hip, knee, and foot pain

    • TMJ dysfunction and jaw tension

    • Chronic muscle tension and postural imbalances

    • Restricted movement and mobility issues

    • Injury recovery

    • Chronic pain patterns

    • Stress-related tension

    • Fatigue and burnout

    • Nervous system dysregulation

    • Anxiety and chronic stress

    • Highly sensitive individuals (HSPs)

    • Dissociation and feeling disconnected from the body

    • Difficulty relaxing or turning off the mind

    • Emotional tension held within the body

    • Chronic fight, flight, freeze, or fawn patterns

    • A persistent feeling of not being safe, grounded, or fully present

    Because the body and nervous system are deeply interconnected, many clients seek treatment not only for physical discomfort but also to feel more regulated, connected, and at home in their bodies.

    If you are unsure whether your condition is a good fit for treatment, please email me to set up a 10 min consultation.

  • In my experience, most clients begin noticing meaningful changes after three to four weekly sessions. Factors such as the length of time you've been experiencing symptoms, stress levels, injuries, lifestyle habits, and overall health can all influence how quickly your body responds. Every person is unique, and no two bodies respond exactly the same way.

    While most people benefit from an initial series of three to four weekly sessions, every treatment plan is individualized. Once I have had the opportunity to meet with you, evaluate your specific situation, and observe how your body responds to treatment, I can provide more personalized recommendations.

    Some clients continue with weekly sessions for a period of time, while others begin spacing appointments farther apart as their symptoms improve. Some clients achieve their goals relatively quickly, while others benefit from ongoing support. No two people are alike, and your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs and goals.

    Because my schedule often books three to six weeks in advance, I strongly encourage new clients to schedule a series of three to four weekly appointments whenever possible. Consistency allows us to build momentum, support the nervous system, and create more lasting changes within the body.

    Waiting several weeks between appointments can slow progress, particularly when we're working to unwind long-standing patterns of tension, pain, compensation, and nervous system dysregulation.

  • Yes. My work is trauma-informed and recognizes that life experiences can be reflected in the body through tension, guarding patterns, nervous system dysregulation, chronic pain, and stress-related symptoms.

    While I am not a licensed mental health professional and bodywork is not a substitute for psychotherapy, many people find that lasting healing involves more than simply talking about their experiences. Insight and understanding are important, but the body and nervous system often need support as well.

    Many clients come to me after years of personal growth work, counseling, or therapy and discover that their body is still carrying patterns of tension, protection, hypervigilance, or disconnection. Through gentle bodywork, nervous system regulation, and somatic awareness, treatment helps create an environment where the body can begin to feel safer and more regulated.

    As the nervous system settles, many clients report releasing long-held patterns of stress and tension, feeling more grounded, present, and connected to themselves. While every person's experience is unique, many people find that addressing both the mind and the body creates the greatest opportunity for lasting change.

  • If you're unsure which service to choose, I recommend scheduling a Treatment Session.

    Over the years, I have found that regardless of what someone is experiencing, whether it's chronic pain, stress, anxiety, injury recovery, nervous system dysregulation, or simply feeling overwhelmed, the body benefits from first experiencing a sense of safety, relaxation, and release.

    Your initial session allows me to evaluate your unique situation, assess how your body responds to treatment, and begin identifying the patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms. From there, we can determine the approach that will best support your goals and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

    While I offer several services, including Bowen Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Energetic Activation (Somatic Work), I have found that beginning with a Treatment Session provides the best foundation for determining which approach - or combination of approaches-  will most effectively support your healing process.

    Rather than trying to choose the "right" modality before we've had the opportunity to work together, I encourage new clients to begin with a Treatment Session and allow the body to guide the process. From there, we'll decide what will best serve you moving forward.


  • Your first appointment includes:

    • A detailed consultation and health history review

    • Postural assessment

    • Discussion of your goals and concerns

    • A personalized treatment session

    • Recommendations and feedback based on your body's response

    My goal is not only to address your current symptoms but also to identify the underlying patterns that may be contributing to them.

  • Possibly. 

    Every treatment plan is individualized and based on your specific needs, goals, and how your body responds to treatment.

    In addition to being a bodywork practitioner, I am also a Restorative Exercise Specialist and former yoga teacher. Because of this, I often look beyond the treatment table to identify lifestyle habits, movement patterns, postural imbalances, and daily stressors that may be contributing to pain, tension, or dysfunction.

    Depending on your needs, I may recommend simple corrective exercises, stretches, movement modifications, breathing techniques, nervous system regulation tools, stress-relieving practices, or other self-care strategies to support your progress between sessions.

    My goal is to help you create lasting change, not just temporary relief. When appropriate, at-home recommendations can play an important role in supporting your healing, improving body alignment, and helping you maintain the progress we achieve during treatment.

  • Treatment sessions are approximately 55 minutes in length.

  • Many of my clients identify as highly sensitive people (HSPs) or feel overwhelmed by traditional healthcare environments. Because my approach is gentle, nervous-system focused, and individualized, treatment is often well-suited for people who are sensitive to forceful techniques, high levels of stimulation, or stressful environments.

  • Most clients find the work extremely gentle and relaxing.

    Unlike many forms of deep tissue therapy, Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release do not rely on force or aggressive pressure. The goal is to work with the body rather than against it.

    While some areas may feel tender or sensitive, treatment is generally comfortable and often leaves clients feeling deeply relaxed.

  • No. Austin Healing & Myofascial Release Center is a cash-pay practice and does not bill insurance. I am happy to email you a receipt that you can submit to your insurance.

    Payment is due at the time of service. Cash and credit cards are accepted forms of payment.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Cancellations & Reschedules:
    Clients must provide at least 24 hours notice if they need to cancel or reschedule their appointment. This allows enough time for the appointment to be offered to another client. If an appointment is missed or notice is not provided within 24 hours, the full session fee will be charged.

    Clients are welcome to have a friend or family member take their appointment if they are unable to attend.

    To ensure appointment availability for all clients, appointments may be rescheduled a maximum of two times.

    After an appointment has been rescheduled twice, any additional changes

    You can read my policies page for more info.