How do I get to your office?

We are located at 10 Gatehouse Rd, Amherst, MA 01002. Enter through the main entrance (#10 above the door), go straight down the hallway and turn right to take a seat in the waiting area.

Is the building accessible?

Our office is on the first floor, but there are three steps to enter the building and no elevator or ramp, unfortunately.

Where do I park?

There is a free lot right outside the building — park directly in front or across from the building.

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that you provide a minimum of 24 hours cancellation notice if you cannot make your appointment. If you provide less than 24 hours notice you will be responsible for a half-session fee, and no-show will be responsible for the full session fee. There is no fee for COVID-19 related cancellations.

What modalities do you practice?

Hakim was trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuro-muscular technique (NMT / Trigger-point), Myofascial release, Sports massage, chair massage, and prenatal massage. Bella is trained in the above modalities as well as Craniosacral Therapy and Reiki. We both practice our own blend of bodywork which combines many of the techniques we were trained in. Each session is unique to that client on that particular day, and no two sessions are exactly the same. One day we might do a lot of deep tissue work combined with myofascial release, and on another day we might determine that deep relaxation is needed and utilize more shiatsu and nervous-system balancing techniques.

What can I expect at my first massage session?

Congratulations on making the choice to care for yourself! When you arrive, we will sit down together and chat briefly about how you are feeling — physically, mentally, spiritually, and/or emotionally. This is your chance to let me know about any areas that need specific attention, as well as pre-existing medical conditions that I should know about. We'll make a plan for today's treatment, and then I'll leave the room to give you a chance to get undressed and under the sheet. You can dress down to your comfort — most people choose to completely undress, but it is fine to leave underwear on if you are more comfortable that way.

Throughout our session, please let me know if I can adjust anything from the temperature of the room, to the pressure and depth of the massage. Throughout the session, you will be completely covered (draped) except for the area that I am working on: for example, I will undrape the leg, arm, or back while keeping all other areas securely draped. My priority is that you are comfortable and feel secure so that you are able to fully relax. When you're ready, I'll come back into the room and we can begin the session.

What kinds of people do you work with?

We welcome all people — men, women, gender queer and non-conforming individuals, people of all races, abilities, body types, and languages. We also make efforts to open my services to those with financial difficulties, and have special times reserved for sliding scale patients. Please let us know if you require this accommodation.

Which languages do you speak?

Hakim speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Bella speaks English.