Barbara Alpert, Master's in Education, BS in Botany, State Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Clinical Herbalist, Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Health Coach
The first type of massage with which I worked was Shiatsu. It was the magic of this type of work and the help that I got from receiving massage that encouraged me to go to massage school in Arkansas (where I was living) at the Ozark Life Center in 1984-85. After that I went back to learning Shiatsu. My next major teacher and really my all time most influential bodywork teacher was Dub Leigh, a student of Ida Rolf. He taught us to ground ourselves and all of our work in Buddhist meditation and that doing bodywork was the greatest gift of any work. He showed us hands of pure love for us to emulate, as well as a lot of practical methods.
I have had many teachers in much continuing education since then but probably after Dub, my next best teachers have been my clients. Their bodies and their feedback show me what works. Now I am studying Myofascial Release and Cranial Sacral Massage with John Barnes. This is my latest challenge and I am pleased to have found another great bodywork teacher.
In the meantime, I have also been lucky enough to study herbs and their clinical usage with some wonderful teachers and to do some lovely yoga trainings, including Thai Yoga massage (more magic!). I love to learn and I love to help people feel good and learn about their bodies and how to care for them. I love the differences and the similarities of people and how unique and amazing they all are. This is why I do the things I do, why I keep learning more, why I enjoy it all so much! If I was to describe my style, I guess I'd say that first I try to observe and feel out the body, then I attempt to release it so it is breathing in an easier and more whole way, and then I try to help my person to relax deeply so that their healing can continue and last.
Continuing to learn how best to help my clients, I have trained as a health coach with the Health Coach Institute. I continue to train with them in order to help people to take charge of their lives, to realize their health dreams and their life dreams. I am able to coach people who want to increase their energy levels and who want to work on issues such as weight loss, hormonal balance in order to conceive a child naturally, digestion, adrenal health, thyroid health, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, brain and mood issues, and emotional eating.
Besides my work, I would say my next passion is being outside in nature. I love long walks and hikes, long swims, bike rides, cross country ski outings. I spend many happy hours gardening. I also love to sing and be part of musical groups. I have two grown children and two grandsons. I love spending time with my family when I am privileged to do so. And I love to cook and make herbal concoctions and share the results! That is a little about me - looking forward to getting to know you!
