Support for Sensitive Systems
At Unify Body and Being (formerly Massage with M), we understand that every individual has unique needs.
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For neurodivergent adults and children, many environments can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, or overstimulating. This space is designed to be different — calm, quiet, and adaptable.
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Michelle offers a home-based studio where everyone can feel safe in their body, supported at their own pace, and free to engage in a way that feels right for them.
My Approach
This work is grounded in an understanding of the nervous system and how the body processes sensory information.
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Many neurodivergent children experience differences in:
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sensory processing
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interoception (awareness of internal body signals like hunger, tension, or emotions)
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proprioception (body awareness and positioning)
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vestibular processing (balance and movement)​
Sessions are designed to gently support regulation across these systems — helping the body feel more settled, organised, and at ease.
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Body–mind approaches such as fascial unwinding and holistic pulsing have been achieving beautiful outcomes for neurodivergent children and adults.
A Sensory-Friendly Space
We recognise that sensory experiences can feel heightened, so the space is designed to be calm, predictable, and adaptable.
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You can tailor the environment to suit your child:
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Sound: Choose what feels best — white noise, rain sounds, favourite music, or quiet.
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Scent: Neutral scents are the default. If appropriate, a very gentle balm can be used, with your preference.
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Lighting: Soft, low lighting or lights off for comfort.
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Environment: No busy waiting rooms, no crowded spaces — just a quiet, home-based setting with easy access and parking nearby.
Parents are welcome to consult with Michelle beforehand to share preferences and discuss any adjustments to help their child feel more at ease.
How sessions work
Each session is guided by the child.
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There is no expectation to lie still, engage in a certain way, or follow a set structure.
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Some children enjoy hands-on work skin-to-skin touch such as massage, and others may wish for clothed holistic pulsing or fascia unwinding.
Others may take time to explore the space, move around, or gradually build comfort.
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It's important to build trust, that is when their body will respond to their own innate ability to heal. Everything is adapted in the moment — based on what feels safe and supportive.
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All touch is responsive and optional, and always guided by the child’s comfort.
Parent Collaboration
Parents and caregivers are an important part of this process.
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You’re welcome to connect with Michelle before your first session to share:
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your child’s preferences
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sensory sensitivities
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communication styles
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any strategies that already support regulation
This helps create a session that feels as familiar, safe, and supportive as possible.
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Parents or caregivers are also welcome to wait in the room during the session, particularly the first session/s until they feel comfortable on their own.
Outcomes
Every child responds differently, but over time sessions may support:
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improved regulation and calm
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increased comfort in the body
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reduced sensory overwhelm
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greater body awareness
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a sense of safety and trust in the environment
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This is a space where your child can simply be as they are — with no pressure, no expectations, and support that meets them where they’re at.
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This work can complement occupational therapy and other supports your child may already be receiving.
Michelle’s Experience & Training
Michelle combines professional learning with her own lived experience as a parent of a neurodivergent child, and prior support worker experience. This gives her a grounded understanding of the challenges families face and the importance of creating safe, responsive care.
Just some of the training includes:
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Autism NZ Framework training: providing insight into the autistic experience, communication styles, sensory differences, and practical strategies to support children and families.
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Ross Barker’s Workshop: focused on working with children and adults on the spectrum, exploring ways to foster connection and reduce overwhelm in therapeutic settings.
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Trauma-Informed Care Workshops: learning to recognise the impact of trauma and how to provide care that is sensitive, respectful, and empowering.
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This blend of education and personal insight means Michelle approaches each session with empathy, adaptability, and respect for every child’s unique needs.
What our neurodivergent clients
are saying
Amazing experience. Michelle is so thoughtful with all the little details, showing the many ways that she goes above and beyond for her clients. She is highly knowledgeable in holistic and neurodiversity-friendly practices, intuitively knows what you need, and is flexible in providing it. The little touches like lovely choices of scents, skin care, free mints, a welcome pack and loyalty card were lovely, but I didn’t need any more convincing to make Michelle my regular massage therapist (I was already sold). Thank you Michelle! Highly recommend 💛