Who we serve
We welcome and embrace all bodies, identities, and conditions. Dana is a proud member of the LGBTQIAP+ community and is committed to holding space for marginalized groups including queer folx, disabled people, people in larger bodies, and BIPOC. Learn more about our specialties below.
Trauma, resilience + transformation
Dana has spent 10+ years working with survivors of trauma. They have completed multiple trainings and courses of study in understanding the effects of trauma on the body, mind, and spirit. Dana also teaches about trauma-informed care throughout Chicago and the Midwest.
Dana's work is grounded in communication and consent. Dana acknowledges that we are all "wired for resilience," and works to help their clients tap into the vast capacities for healing, resilience, and transformation that they inherently possess. Dana aims to equip their clients with the tools they need to support their own nervous systems so that they might feel empowered and safe in their bodies.
Dana is affiliated with The Breathe Network, which connects survivors of sexual violence with trauma-informed sliding scale practitioners. Learn more about their work with survivors below.
Chronic pain, illness + autoimmune conditions
Dana's work with chronic conditions grew from their own journey with an autoimmune disorder. They specifically focus on working with individuals experiencing chronic health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, fertility issues, disordered eating, addiction, and self-harm.
Dana's goal is not to enforce any external definition of "health," but instead to guide their clients towards their own sense of authentic, embodied, whole-self well-being.
Stress relief + nervous system regulation
The benefits of bodywork and yoga for stress and anxiety are well-documented. Dana's unique approach in empowering their clients to learn the tools of self-regulation is particularly effective.
Dana builds partnerships with each client where they both take active roles in understanding and addressing the sources and manifestations of stress on the client's unique system. With these tools, clients can tap into the benefits of bodywork and yoga anytime and anywhere they feel the need for embodied self-care.
Client testimonials
"I have been seeing Dana as a client for 2+ years now. They have been one of the only people that I have been able to share my complete sexual violence and trauma with and they are the only person I trust to work so intimately with my body. Dana is committed to creating a safe healing space for survivors. I see it in their thoughtfulness when interacting with my body and in the language they use to empower me during all conversations. Moment to moment my needs for healing change and Dana adapts their approach based on what suits me. I have grown so much because of our work together. I have and will continue to refer survivors to Dana."
"Dana's expertise in both Shiatsu and deep tissue massage has proven to be a powerful combination in my treatments. I have had Fibromyalgia for many years and have sought out treatment for the muscle pain and stiffness from many practitioners. Dana's ability to guide energy and healing in the body has added a layer of balance and relief for me. They have a keen understanding of the interaction between emotions and physical symptoms which has been eye-opening for me. Even more, I find that the healing is cumulative and lasts over increasing time. I will continue to see Dana on a regular schedule and I would recommend them to others without reservations."
"My experience working with Dana has been hugely rewarding and mind expanding. I had little experience with yoga when I began working with her, and was primarily interested in yoga for improving flexibility and preventing injury. My lessons with Dana have certainly helped in those areas, but they have opened my eyes to many other dimensions of the practice and incorporated meditation in ways that have noticeably improved my sense of awareness and state of mind. Dana is a master teacher with a great understanding of the body. They're very encouraging and clearly is passionate about teaching and helping others. And they are able to adapt their teaching to my needs, abilities, and goals in a thoughtful way."
It has been an absolute privilege to work with Dana over this last year. They combine a strong technical knowledge of anatomy with a command of Eastern medicine theory to create a unique practice that meets a wide range of client needs. I know, because I've come to them with a wide variety of needs and come away more than satisfied each time. We communicate, experiment, and share feedback openly, always pursuing what works best for my healing absent of judgment and fully accepting of my personal journey. The complexity of my neurological disorders require flexibility from a massage therapist who is deeply reflective and driven to improve. I trust Dana implicitly with my physical health, and I have benefitted enormously from the positive spillovers to my emotional wellbeing. While I'm sure they can deliver some quick relief for general tension or pain, I recommend their services most highly to anyone ready to devote the time and attention to get the most of what she has to offer."