Sebastian Stratton-Clarke
(he/him)
CMT # 78903
Welcome!
Hey there!
My name is Sebastian, aka Seb. I know getting a massage can be a deeply vulnerable. You are literally putting yourself in another's hands in hopes that it will facilitate restorative healing for you and your body. I know there have been times when I've spent an entire session on someone else’s table without uttering a word about my discomfort because I didn't feel comfortable enough to speak up. There are so many factors that might impact whether or not a massage therapist is truly the right fit to have you feel comfortable, and it's important to consider what those may be for you. Get to know more about me and my practice below to help you decide if we’re a good fit.
My main priority in my practice is creating safety, permission, and ease. Direct communication can be hard for many of us, and I love to find ways to help break the ice and build confidence in naming needs and boundaries. My goal is to attune to you and help you notice if you are pushing past your limits of pressure, if you've wandered off and left your body or breath, or if you have any unnamed preferences arising. I will assist you in tracking these sometimes subtle nuances that can otherwise often go unnoticed or unspoken. When requested, I also offer trauma-sensitive pathways for establishing safety and cultivating empowering experiences by helping you discover how to regulate your nervous system and stay present in your body. While the space is always open for deep emotional release, I also offer a space to laugh and learn as we explore what best suits your body's needs that day.
True healing often comes from turning towards what feels resourcing and building our capacity for nourishment.
Testimonials
"Seb gives a great massage in a beautiful location - 60 mins is alright, but for me 90 mins really hits the spot.
He’s a sensitive communicator from the very first session and before each massage, as well as throughout to check in regarding different modalities, pressure, and temperature. I felt safe regarding his covid precautions, bathroom access, and mask communication.
I’m excited to book my next appointment right now, and I’m considering doing a monthly plan."
- Glo S.
"As someone with lifelong chronic pain, I've seen more practitioners than I could count and I can say without a doubt that Seb is the most intuitive and attuned massage therapist I've met.
He has strong hands and is able to get even my tightest of muscles to release. Working with him has become a vital part of my pain management. He’s trauma-informed, and has worked with me in a way that has allowed me to feel so safe and empowered. And Seb is so great at welcoming feedback and celebrating the wisdom of my body. It truly feels like we're on the same team helping my body function and feel so much better!"
-Dr. Alison Ash
Services
STYLES:
Generally my work tends towards clinical/therapeutic massage where we will focus on a few specific areas in a session with the goal of making a significant lasting impact. This can help those navigating chronic pain, an injury, or if you just love that elbow in your shoulder. I also love offering more of a nervous system reset through long soothing strokes and mindful supportive words. This can be great for those dealing with overwhelm or trauma or just needing to chill out from the stresses of trying to survive this crazy world.
TECHNIQUES:
I incorporate a variety of modalities into my practice to best meet your body's needs.
These include: deep tissue, myofacial therapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, stretching, pin and strip, trigger point, and other techniques from Swedish massage as well. If you haven't heard of some of those, don't worry. We can chat more about them in person. I also can incorporate other tools to support our work such as: cupping, CBD cream, massage gun, muscle roller, and hot stones. At the end of a session, I can offer suggestions for off the table self-care and exercises to help you further the gains we make during sessions.
COMMUNICATION:
Your voice matters and whether it is through verbal or non-verbal communication-we will find how to best create the space for your participation. When you feel supported to speak up our work can be more effective, fine tuned, and you will leave feeling empowered to trust in the wisdom of your body. I prioritize this aspect of bodywork as it can make all difference in getting the care you need. Of course if what you're needing is to zone out and just receive, that's great too.
TRAUMA INFORMED:
Some of us carry trauma in our bodies that can significantly affect our daily lives, relationships, and all other parts of life. For those of you who are navigating living with and healing from trauma, I offer customized support before, during, and after sessions to support our time together to be one of nourishment and safety. This will look different for each person and we can explore some of the options and methods that may be most helpful for you to stay in your body and within your window of tolerance while we're together. You will never be shamed or judged for the ways trauma might impact how you show up to sessions.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Unfortunately, my location is not ADA accessible as there are roughly 10 steps to reach the premises. If this prevents you from being able to access my services, I will offer to waive my travel fee to come to you for sessions. If you have other needs due to a disability or injury, don't hesitate to reach out and we can find out the best way to work with your needs to assure you have access to the care you need!
About Me
My passion for supporting all beings to have access to the tools to survive and thrive in late-stage capitalism as much as possible is at the core of all the work I do on and off the table. My values around equity and inclusivity underscore the work I bring to sessions.
Inspired by my own neurodivergence, I worked with folks across the autism spectrum for 15 years prior to becoming a massage therapist. Working closely with individuals with high needs and minimal expressive language abilities has helped me cultivate a keen ability to intuit needs that might not be accessible through words and attune to an overstimulated body. I believe that support for nervous system regulation is essential for autistic folks, and I have been disappointed throughout my career by the limited options for this kind of specialized care for the autistic community. Knowing how vital therapeutic touch is for healthy functioning, I decided to become a massage therapist to support folks across the spectrum to be able to soothe themselves and allow themselves to be soothed by others. In addition to offering massage to neurotypical folks, I'm creating a separate business specifically for autistic people of all ages to support them with nervous system regulation through bodywork, sensory integration, play, relating skills, and more. If you or someone you know identifies as neuroatypical, feel free to reach out to me to learn more about how I may be of support.
In addition to completing the National Holistic Institute 900 hour program for massage, I am also certified by the Liddle Kidz Foundation in pediatric massage training. I was also selected for the competitive Successful Hands grant in support of my vision of offering autism focused bodywork.
When I'm not doing bodywork, you can find me on a dance floor, out in nature, doing authentic relating or improv games with friends, or just marinating in my present moment experience. I have spent many years cultivating a mindfulness and embodiment practice and I’m grateful to work with wonderful teachers and mentors who have helped me be able to better navigate all of life challenges. I am committed to my volunteer work supporting the unhoused with food access and furthering my ability to practice anti-oppression work through reading, trainings, and listening to marginalized movement leaders. And, since I'm no saint, I also love binging the latest season of whatever on Netflix and eating ice cream while playing games on my phone.
What do I mean by All Bodies?
All Bodies means ALL BODIES ARE WELCOME as they are, no matter the size, ability, race, gender, class, age, sexual orientation or neurotype. In my practice, I aim to support those who society has placed innumerable obstacles in front of to live with safety, equity, care, and access. As an able-bodied white cisgendered man, there has been and continues to be a lot of work for me to do to understand the oppression others face having to live in a world set up to favor those who look like me.
I am aware that there can be complex power dynamics, histories, and contexts both seen and unseen that may impact our work together. I strive to create a space where everyone can come with the permission to be exactly as they are, without the need to mask, brace, or protect. In order to best serve my clients, I am continuing to learn how to be thoughtful about these dynamics and increase my awareness of how they can show up in massage therapy, including the harmful impact of micro-aggressions inflicted by well meaning "ally's" trying to "do it right." I believe allyship is not an identity but rather a commitment to action that is ever-evolving, requiring reflection and a willingness to grow. Please know I am always receptive to feedback, however it's shared, and I am committed to acknowledging and repairing any harm caused despite my positive intent.
I don't pretend to get it, and I know I still have a lot to learn in order to best show up for those who are impacted by oppression. While I always endeavor to create a safe space for everyone I see, I also very much understand if you would prefer to work with someone who has lived experience similar to your own and I support you in finding care that meets your needs. I’m always happy to provide referrals, and of course feel free to ask me any questions you need to assess if I am the right fit for you!
RATES
*See below for information about low-income and activist rates*
Single Sessions
60 Minute Session
$140
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90 Minute Session
$190
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120 Minute Session
$250
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Packages
Five 60 Minute Sessions
$650 ($50 off)
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Five 90 Minute Sessions
$875 ($75 off)
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Five 120 Minute Sessions
$1150 ($100 off)
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Travel Fee:
$30 within 5 miles - $40 within 10 miles - $50 within 15 miles
LOW INCOME RATE:
I have a limited number of low-income spaces that I reserve for those who truly could not afford to see me otherwise. I ask that you deeply consider if this applies to you and if you aren't sure, I always welcome a conversation about it. After a short chat we will determine what rate is feasible for us both to feel good about working together.
ACTIVIST RATE:
I also offer special rates for those who are working full time to fight oppression and may not be receiving the financial benefits of choosing profit over people. Thank you for choosing to fight for people and the planet. If you think you may qualify for this and it would benefit your work to see me, please reach out for a conversation! The value of self care cannot be understated in preventing burnout!