Frequently Asked Questions

About Wellness Coaching with Katrina

1. How is Wellness Coaching different from therapy or from working with a fitness trainer or nutritionist?

One of the main differences between a Wellness Coach and other allied health practitioners such as therapists or trainers is in the approach used to help you to make changes in your life. You will find Wellness Coaching is not about focusing necessarily on understanding experiences in your past or why you may be stuck as you might explore in some therapy work. It is, instead, more future and action oriented. The main focus of Wellness Coaching is to help you notice what IS working in your life and help you leverage your strengths to create possibilities and positive changes in your future. Unlike a personal trainer or nutritionist, a Wellness Coach won't directly lead you through exercises or give you a specific diet to follow, but rather will help you develop fitness and nutrition goals that are meaningful and self-motivating for you... and help you integrate them into your life in sustainable ways. It's not the role of a Wellness Coach to offer expert advice. The effectiveness of working with a coach is in the power of being asked where you want to go with your wellness, why it matters to you, and in the holistic support that helps you translate your vision into specific and personally meaningful goals. Because this kind of coaching is holistic in nature, it almost acts like a bridge between therapy and fitness or nutrition work. There will always be mental, emotional and physical aspects to embracing changes in your health and well-being. Conversations with a trained coach can support you wholly as you take on your life. It is very important to note that coaching is not meant to be or replace therapy. You can read more below about the training and credentials of Wellness Coaches. In general, coaches work with people who are already doing some things well in their lives and who are interested in developing areas where they don't feel strong. Clients who are also struggling with deeper and more complex issues in their lives, often find that working with a psychotherapist simultaneously or prior to working with a coach is an important and empowering choice.  

 

2. What kinds of credentials does a Wellness Coach have?

Many Wellness Coaches, such as myself, are certified through an organization called Wellcoaches. Wellcoaches, working in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine, is a national leader in the field of Health and Wellness Coaching education and training. Their coaching program provides rigorous training and examination in the understanding and application of coaching psychology models - theories and fields such as positive psychology, stages of behavior change and motivational interviewing. Additionally those trained in the Wellcoaches certification program must already be previously credentialed in a health related field such as exercise, bodywork therapy, nutrition or counseling. Certified coaches adhere to a professional code of ethics and work only within their scope of practice. It is not the role of a coach to make diagnoses or offer health related advice or counseling in areas outside their areas of expertise. Rather, a coach may refer or suggest if appropriate, that clients seek additional support from other health care professionals such as a licensed psychotherapist.  

 

3. How long should I work with a coach?

In areas of wellness and healthy living, I have found that three months is an ideal time frame for working with the consistent support of a coach to experience transformative goal setting and lifestyle changes. The combination of commitment, ups, downs, and obstacles you learn to handle over that time period, allows you to experience growth and enables you to begin seeing a real and sustainable difference in how you live your life. After this foundational amount of coaching time which involves frequent contact for support and accountability, options for continued coaching support can vary. You may feel confident and in the flow enough to continue on your own making the new patterns and strategies you've created part of your everyday life. You may also enjoy an opportunity to check back in with your coach once or twice a year going forward to keep your vision and goals in perspective. Or alternatively, you might find an additional 3 or 6 months of less frequent coaching support valuable - something that enables you to taper off from intensive weekly support toward a once a month check-in to help you integrate and sustain your changes over time. Whatever your time frame choice, the commitment both you and your coach bring to the wonderful, collaborative effort of focusing on growing, transforming and loving your life is valuable time spent!  

 

4. Is there a way for me to sample your coaching before I hire you?

Yes, in fact I encourage you to do just that! I offer a Complimentary Coaching Session so that not only can you get all your specific questions answered about what coaching is, but you can spend some time with me and experience a little of what coaching is like. It's a no obligation 45 minute phone call to help you decide whether wellness coaching with me is right for you. Click HERE to request and schedule a complimentary session.

  

About Massage Therapy with Katrina

1. What kind of massage do you do?

I call my bodywork style therapeutically nurturing. I offer deep work and soothing Swedish massage for muscle tension release, but I don't just see you as a frozen shoulder that needs to be fixed. With over 16 years experience, my honed skills and intuitive touch help powerfully unwind the unique tension in your body, while also helping your mind and spirit deeply rest into the re-set you need. 

I draw from a variety of techniques that I weave into your individualized session, such as myofascial release, neuromuscular and trigger point therapy, Thai massage influenced movement/range of motion work, foot reflexology, craniosacral and polarity therapy.

 

2. What if I'm ticklish?

I've worked with many people who are ticklish. I am skilled at adjusting the pressure, depth, and pace of the massage strokes so that you won't feel tickled. Many people find their ticklishness is actually a result of tension somewhere in their body, and that a firm - rather than light or tentative touch is actually helpful. After a few moments ticklish sensations usually subside. Having said that, you can also rest assured that I will respect you and avoid work in any ticklish area that would make you uncomfortable.  

 

3. How frequently should I get massage?

That really depends on what your goals are, and your budget. I recommend getting a massage at least once a month, as the effects are cumulative. The more regularly you come in, the more your body truly gets out of it. I do have clients who come in once every one or two week. Most though, find that when they're in wellness/maintenance mode, once a month sessions are ideal. All of my wellness clients recognize the importance of self-care and can feel the benefits - body, mind and spirit - from receiving sessions on a regular basis.  

 

5. Am I supposed to tip?

This is a very common question that I know can be awkward to ask. Here is my philosophy and feelings on the matter...

As a business owner, I have set my prices at a level that allows me to pay my bills and run my practice sufficiently. And since this is my independent practice, I receive your whole fee (as opposed to a contracted massage therapist in a spa or clinic, for example, who may only be receiving a “cut”). Therefore, I do offer you my therapy without any expectation or assumption of tipping.

Having said that however, I know that gestures of gratuity are a matter of personal choice. Some of my clients do choose to tip.  With much gratitude, I accept tips that are offered, but also... please rest assured that every one of my clients always receives the same level of excellent service regardless of tipping choices.

Here are a couple of additional perspectives I also invite for consideration... I view massage not simply a treat or luxury, but rather a therapy that’s most powerful and health enhancing when received regularly. So as an alternative to adding a gratuity cost onto each session, an even more powerful action in my eyes as a wellness support practitioner, would be to make regular sessions part of your monthly self care commitment and budget.

And of course, another powerful gesture of appreciation always, is referring friends or family to me for the wellness support I offer.

 

5. Do you offer a multiple sessions or package discount?

Yes, I offer Wellness Package discounts.
A set of 4 sessions is 10% OFF.
A set of 12 sessions is 15% OFF.  

 

6. What other discounts do you offer?

Everyone receives a $10 OFF discount for their FIRST VISIT.

 

7. Do you take credit cards?

Yes, I accept all credit cards as well as personal checks or cash.  

 

8. Do you take insurance?

No, I do not process payment through insurance.
Some clients, however, have submitted a receipt for massage therapy work with me to their insurance carrier for reimbursement. Under certain circumstances and depending on coverage, that could be an option. Another option is if you have a pre-tax health savings accounts (HSA). Massage therapy is easily covered under that for many of my clients.  I’m happy to provide you with receipts for your sessions.  

 

9. Is there parking at your office?

Yes, there is plenty of free, non-metered 2 hour parking spots on Broadway in front of my office. If you are a Somerville resident and have an appropriate parking sticker you may also park on any of the side streets.  

 

10. Can I get to your office using public transportation?

Yes, it is approximately a 10-15 minute walk to my office from the Davis Square T stop on the subway red line. The #87, #88, and #89 buses also have stops on Broadway just in front of my office.  

 

11. Is your office handicap accessible?

No, unfortunately if you are unable to climb some stairs, my massage practice will not be the one for you. There are porch steps that lead to the entrance and my office is located on the third floor of 1236 Broadway.