Grief & Loss Massage

I was drawn to this modality after learning about the vast unmet need for it from some massage community colleagues. As someone who’s navigated my own experiences with grief and loss, the idea of a specialized approach to supporting grievers resonated deeply. After reflection, I felt called to this work and knew it could offer meaningful support to many.

Who is it for?
Anyone experiencing grief; perhaps from the death of a loved one, divorce, a move, the sale of a childhood home, or the loss of a career, job, or important relationship. Your loss is your loss, no matter what it is.

What is Grief Massage?
“Grief Massage is a specialized form of gentle massage that utilizes therapeutic presence, touch and felt safety to support grievers.”
— The Institute for Grief Massage, Inc.

Grief is highly individual, with no set timeline. It’s not something to “fix,” but a natural human response to loss. Grief Massage offers “assisted relaxation” to ease the physical effects of grieving, such as headaches, jaw tension, fatigue, stomach upset, and muscle tightness, especially in the neck and shoulders.

How does it differ from a regular massage?
The biggest difference is intention. Many of the techniques used in Grief & Loss sessions are ones I had already incorporated into my work, which affirmed for me that this modality belongs in my practice.

These sessions are designed to allow for unhurried settling in, creating stillness, and gently easing back into the world afterward. The touch is generally kept light, with moments of stillness for grounding. The goal isn’t to evoke emotional release, though it may happen, but to offer a safe, comforting space with no judgment or expectations. A weighted blanket may be used if it feels supportive. To book a Grief & Loss session, click here. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about a session.