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Neela Kohli

Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner & Massage Therapist

Hello! I'm so glad you're here. Curiosity is one of my favorite qualities in people, and I'm honored you're arriving here curious about me and how I can help you.

 

I've been a massage therapist for half of my life now. Over the years I have continuously poured my resources into learning more about the body academically, from the people I've worked on, and in movement and meditative practices of my own.

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Now, I help passionate performers deepen their sense of home within their bodies. You'll find the space and self-trust to be with challenging emotions and physical pain, disrupt cycles of burnout, and learn to care for your body without treating it as a project to be fixed. 

 

It's been the journey of my life to find home inside my body and it is my honor to be part of a similar journey for you.

 

Performers especially are constantly using their whole bodies to bring their art to life as well as get through every day activities. Being able to ground and having a place to get support relating to your body is essential.

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Qualifications

Licensed Massage Therapist 2006-Current

CPR Certification 2005-Current

Exercise Physiologist 2015-Current

Training in Ayurvedic massage by Pratima Raichur 2018

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner 2023

Testimonials

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"Neela is one of the most gifted massage therapists I have ever gone to. I've experienced posture problems since I was a child and have regularly visited massage therapists for the last 10 years. I found Neela by chance, and working with her has been life changing! She helped me with a hip problem. I have no more pain in my hip and a much greater range of motion. I consider Neela a true healer." 

- Natalie H. 


"I visited Neela after my daughter recommended it. I was impressed with Neela's professionalism and knowledge. She has helped me with some problems with my arm and hip and I have experienced significantly less pain since working with her. Neela has also been able to help me release a lot of my stress and tension." 

- Rebecca T. 

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FAQs

What is Somatic Experiencing?​​

Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to therapy that recognizes the connection between the mind and body. Through techniques such as breathwork, movement, body awareness, and massage, somatic therapy aims to help individuals improve their mental health by discovering how the body holds emotional trauma - and learning to release it. 

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Who is it good for?

You’re in the right place if

  • you experience chronic physical pain

  • you cycle in and out of burnout

  • you continue to feel limited by past events despite having addressed them intellectually or in talk therapy

  • you want to create a sense of safety within yourself without bypassing the reality of the world around us

  • you want to expand your capacity to be with challenging emotions

  • you want guidance in how to care for your body without treating it as a project to be fixed

You’re especially in the right place if

  • you're a performer, or someone who practices body awareness as part of their daily life

  • you value working with someone who is queer, antiracist, and abolotionist

  • you are looking for someone competent and caring as you prepare for or recover from gender affirming procedures

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How do I best prepare?

Come hydrated and ready to be present with yourself. Comfy clothes help as movement is often involved. Check in with your body, see what needs attention, and don’t be afraid to ask for focus on that achy shoulder, or this "feeling I can't shake" - whatever it might be! 

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How often should I come?

The best answer for you will depend entirely on your goals. New clients are recommended to commit to care at least twice a month (after you have your intro session). This cadence is important to establish trust with the subconscious skeptical parts of you that are important to have on board when making real change.

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If you experience regular discomfort, or are actively trying to address long-standing issues and establish new healthy habits in your body, I recommend once a week. 

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Once are generally feeling good and are looking for maintenance, once a month is perfect. We’ll decide together after your first session what will work best for you.

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What should I wear?

Arrive in clothing you can move in comfortably, as somatic work is often not a seated endeavor.

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Are you a talk therapist?

I’m not a talk therapist. I am trained in massage therapy and Somatic Experiencing®. Language is used as an access point to your experience in your body, but it is not to be mistaken for talk therapy. I have a number of colleagues to refer you to who are excellent talk therapists should the need arise.

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What are your credentials?
  • Licensed Massage Therapist since 2006 

  • Exercise Physiologist since 2014 

  • CPR certified

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner since 2023

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What if I cry? Or get really angry? Or get a fit of giggles?

Good. Great! Bring it on. So many of us are constantly “holding it together” and you absolutely do not have to do that here. This is a space to heal your whole body. Sometimes that means you need to cry it out, swear it out, or laugh it out. All of your messy emotions are welcome here. You are here to be utterly human.

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How do I pay?

For single appointments, deposits are taken at the time of booking. After a session you will receive an invoice delivered to your email via PayPal for the remainder owed. Cash is always welcome for the remainder but the deposit is required to hold the appointment. Gift certificate holders (ONLY) can bypass the deposit by selecting the "cash" option at checkout.

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For ongoing care, payment will be automatically processed based on the plan you select.

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Am I expected to tip?

No. I am the business owner and tipping was established for those who do not own the business. I set my prices such that tipping is unnecessary. The full fee allows me to live comfortably and when I'm regularly booked solid it also allows me to take clients who require sponsorship.

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If you have a great experience and would like to let me know - let your friends know! Post about me on social media, drop my info into your group chat. I'll be more honored by that than any tip.

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Thank you so much for engaging in a generous manner in our economy - it means the world.

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Do you take insurance?

I do not. However, if your insurance does cover massage or you have an FSA and a prescription from your doctor for massage, you may be able to get reimbursed.

Contact me for detailed invoices/receipts and session notes if necessary.

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I still have a question...

I like that about you. Let me know what it is here.

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