Question 1

What services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

What services do you offer?
Our sessions are designed as supportive pathways rather than fixed treatments. This allows your body and nervous system to guide the session, so you receive what you need on the day — physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Each pathway may include a blend of techniques such as:
Deep tissue and remedial bodywork
Relaxation massage
Myofascial release
Holistic pulsing
Fascial Unwinding

Rather than choosing a specific technique, you’re invited to choose the type of support you’re needing — whether that’s relief, regulation, or ongoing care — and your session will be tailored from there.

If you have a preference (for example, deep tissue or a more gentle approach), you’re always welcome to share this, and it will be honoured within your session.

If you are unsure what you need, pick what resonates the most, and write in the comments when you book what you are thinking you need - we can revisit this on the day.

Question 2

Am I covered during a bodywork session?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
Your comfort and privacy are always respected. You’ll be professionally draped throughout your session, with a soft covering and blanket available so you can feel at ease.

If anything feels too warm, cool, or uncomfortable, just let me know — your comfort matters.

Some of our sessions are also fully clothed, if the session is solely fascial unwinding or holistic pulsing.

Question 3

Do I wear clothes?

Accepted Answer

If you have booked a fascial unwinding or holistic pulsing session, you will be fully clothed for the whole session. You will also have a draping of some sort over you should you choose to.

If you have booked a massage, you may undress to your level of comfort. Many prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage, while others choose to be nude. This is not an excuse or pre-empt for any untoward behaviour, which will not be tolerated. Your massage therapist will leave the room so you can undress and lie on the massage table under a top sheet.

If you prefer to remain dressed, body-fitting clothes that are comfortable will be your best option. Just be aware that this may limit the therapeutic benefits as your massage therapist will not be able to have direct contact with your skin and muscles. However, if you would like bodywork that is fully clothed, both Holistic Pulsing and Fascial Unwinding, can be very beneficial.

Question 4

Is there any pain during a massage?

Accepted Answer

We do not subscribe to the "no pain no gain" philosophy, and will do our best for you to be at optimal comfort and a relaxed state. I tend to move away from pain in the sessions I hold, as much as possible. I have learnt from experience, research and seeing outcomes in the studio, that positive outcomes can be achieved when the nervous system is calm, and we flow with the body, not against it.

If you have chosen to have more therapeutic remedial bodywork, there can be discomfort and some pain from sore areas, but we will always work within a 1-10 scale that guages pressure based on your level of tolerance, not exceeding your tolerance.

Question 5

Do you cater to sensory needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes we endeavour to. Check out our Sensitive Systems page on our website.

I am happy to have a chat with you before you arrive. 
I also have a section on the client form, for you to fill in any sensory sensititives and requirements before the appointment, so I can do my best to accommodate you.

We do this by:
1. Having a low lit room with unscented candles.
2. Soft relaxation music playing, but the client can also choose their own music, make suggestions or bring your own headphones and music with you.
2. Having very little smell or no smell in the room depending on the sensitivity of the client. I also do not wear any perfumes on client days.
4. Discussing any needs with the client beforehand.
5. Asking the client or the clients parent if there is anything that might trigger them during a bodywork session, to help minimise any triggers.

Additionally, we offer mind-body therapy which can help calm the nervous system, improve interoception and proprioception, and reduce overwhelm. Holistic pulsing is also a fun way to release stored energy and tension, particularly valuable for our neurodivergent children and adults. Fascia unwinding is a very gentle calming session that supports to balance the nervous system and people tend to feel calm, lighter and more balanced afterwards.

Question 6

Do you cater for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do cater for children.

We offer both massage therapy, fascia unwinding and holistic pulsing (holistic pulsing is fully clothed and can be a fun session for children, that helps them to connect in with their body, release tension and find calm).

We appreciate it may be challenging for a child to come to a stranger for a massage.

To help reduce the stress around this, we are happy to provide photos of the studio and also even arrange a "visit only" prior to the massage appointment, so they have the opportunity to meet the massage therapist and see if they feel at ease.

During a session, we can have a chair near the massage table, for the parent to sit near their child and help put them at ease.

The session is tailored to hold time and space for the child and go at their pace. This may mean that the first session is getting to know them and say only their arms massaged. It may be that they wish to stay fully clothed in the first session.

It is only if they feel fully comfortable that we would move to another area of the body or remove an item of clothing. There is no pressure, and the most important objective is to build trust, build relationship and for your child to feel safe.

Over time we can slowly graduate to the parent being in the room, but sitting elsewhere, maybe sitting in the next room, and who knows eventually may even be able to let mum go off and have a cup of coffee or do some groceries!  Again, it's tailored to the needs of the child and the parent, and working at their pace.

Question 7

What can I expect during a session?

Accepted Answer

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first session, but there’s nothing to worry about. Every step is designed to help you feel comfortable, supported, and relaxed.
Arrival: Drive up the driveway, and you will see designated customer parking. Park in the customer space and follow the signs to the studio entrance. Michelle will greet you when you arrive. If you’re early, you’re welcome to walk in and settle in the armchair.
Before the session: In the first session, you need to allow for an extra 15-30 minutes to go through your client form, discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you may have. This is also when you can discuss pressure, areas you prefer not touched, and choose optional extras like essential oils or music.
If you’ve filled out the online intake form beforehand, it helps save time and allows more of your session to be “hands-on.” 
Getting ready: Michelle will step out while you get changed and lie on the table, covered with the soft sarong or blanket provided. Michelle will knock before re-entering to make sure you are ready.
During the session: Michelle will check in intermittently on pressure, temperature, and comfort to ensure you feel safe and supported. Your comfort and safety are the most important part of the session, if your body doesn’t feel safe, it can’t fully relax and benefit from the treatment.
Most sessions finish with the head and neck (or an alternative area if preferred), followed by hot towels for your face and back. Afterward, Michelle will leave the room to let you get changed. Filtered water and mints are available for you.
Finishing up: When you’re ready, Michelle will return to check in, manage payment, and say farewell.

Question 8

What hours are you open?

Accepted Answer

My hours vary day to day, but generally open for bookings from 9/930am and finish between 6-730pm depending on bookings, i.e. I have a regular 3 weekly client that finishes 730pm, however, I don't work until 730pm every night. Sometimes I will accept bookings earlier than 9am for existing clients.

Question 9

When can I expect messages or emails answered?

Accepted Answer

I endeavour to answer emails and texts as soon as possible. However, this is very hard to do during the day when I have a full day of clients. I am also unable to answer phone calls during this time, and often the time between clients is needed to change linen and prep for the next client and self-care.I may not answer emails, text messages or social media messages before 9am or after 6/6.30pm, and often don't check emails and texts over the weekend if I am closed. If you do not recieve an answer outside of these hours, I will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible the next working day.

NERVOUS SYSTEM - INFORMED BODY WORK - TAURANGA

Feel more grounded, connected and at ease in your body.

Bodywork that supports your nervous system, releases tension, and helps you reconnect with yourself — physically, mentally and emotionally.

ACC registered provider

Trauma-aware, client-led care

Neurodivergent-friendly space

HOW I CAN SUPPORT YOU

Start with how you want to feel.

Not sure what to book? Choose what feels right. I’ll guide the rest.

FOR PHYSICAL TENSION, PAIN, AND RESTRICTION.

Release & Restore

Help ease tightness, support freer movement, and bring more comfort back into your body.

FOR FEELING DISCONNECTED OR OUT OF SYNC WITH YOUR BODY.

Reconnect & Unwind

Gently release held patterns and create space to reconnect with yourself.

FOR STRESS, OVERWHELM, AND A BUUSY NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Calm & Regulate

Slow down, settle your system, and support a deeper sense of calm and steadiness.

A CALM, NEUROIVERGENT-FRIENDLY SPACE

Sensitive System

Gentle, adaptable support that meets your body and nervous system where they are.

THE TENSION → THE RELEASE

Stress, overwhelm or ongoing tension? You don’t need to push through.

This is a space where your body is listened to, your pace is respected, and your experience is met with care.

A WHOLE- BODY APPROACH

Experience support that follows your body.

When your body feels overwhelmed, it needs space to soften.

I work with a blend of myofascial release, holistic pulsing, fascial unwinding, and massage, adapting each session to support what your body needs in the moment.

No two sessions are the same, because no two bodies are the same.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Care that meets you where you are.

01

02

03

Arrive

Settle into a calm, warm and quiet space.

Be listened to

Your unique needs and pace guide the session.

Soften & unwind

Gentle, responsive bodywork supports release and reconnection.

MEET MICHELLE

The hands and heart behind Unify.

My background in social work, combined with years of hands-on bodywork experience, has shaped a deeply client-led way of working.

I bring a trauma-aware, attuned approach into every session, creating a space where you don’t need to push, perform, or have the “right” response.

Holding a safe space

Cultural sensitivity

Sensory awareness

Inclusive, individual care

“I had a much better sleep and felt so much lighter emotionally.”

Jannine · Client reflection

Clients often leave feeling more grounded and present in their body, calmer and less overwhelmed, and freer physically.

QUESTION, GENTLY ANSWERED

Before your session.