Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaria Godwin.
Hi Alaria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was “downsized” from my corporate job in the late 90s and decided to pursue a career I enjoyed. Massage therapy won, hands down. After massage school graduation, I worked in an integrative clinic while building my private practice. The lead therapist there was taking a Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) course and said the work was all the same, every time, with no variation in the pattern during the session. I thought to myself, “there’s no way I’m ever doing that!” My initial training approach ever since is to be responsive to the person I’m working with, not to follow choreography.
20 years later, I was working in a spa in Wimberely and people were asking who in town offered MLD. None of my colleagues stepped forward, so I took a 45 hour MLD class. That changed everything. While there is a pattern we follow which follows the natural path of lymph, there’s a lot of variation in how we move through the steps, depending on medical history, how lymph is moving, and other factors. If I’d known how responsive this work is, I’d have shifted my focus from deep tissue years ago.
Lymphatic work led to people with a history of cancer seeking treatment, and I realized I needed to get back up to date with oncology massage training, which led me to becoming a Society for Oncology Massage Preferred Practitioner. A lot had changed since 2004! While massage adapted when necessary for people affected by cancer has become my focus, along with MLD, I think every Licensed Massage Therapist should learn basic oncology precautions. Statistically, we’re all guaranteed to work with someone affected by cancer during our careers.
I applied for the Certified Lymphedema Therapist training after the only CLT between Austin and San Antonio stopped taking clients. I didn’t realize at the time that she was on maternity leave, and because there are so few CLTs for such a wide area, I was accepted into the program. Usually, an CLT is also a Physical or Occupational Therapist. As an LMT, there are some aspects of decongestive therapy outside of my scope of practice, so I need to refer out for those. Having the CLT title has helped me understand more about everything I’m doing, though. Clients who are looking for manual lymphatic drainage and are aware that an 8 hour class barely scratches the surface are more comfortable seeking out someone with 135 (or more) hours in lymphatic studies.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I didn’t come around to this aspect of my career until fairly late. I’ve always been that person who opts for the more rigorous training, so 350 hours continuing education in the last 5 years hasn’t been a problem. I definitely think back on some of my cancer survivor clients and cringe at the amount of pressure I used where I shouldn’t have. To my knowledge, I never injured anyone, but the thought that I could have before I knew better still bothers me. People usually don’t tell you if you triggered a problem, they just complain to their next provider. I’ve heard some awful stories.
Relocating 1500 miles from the massage practice I sold back in Charlottesville, VA was a challenge. I thought I’d ride out my career working for someone else, but after 18 years of self-employment, I missed having control over my schedule and the kind of work I do. I launched Body Insight in 2022, so I’m still in that building up phase, despite being in my late 50s. At least I know not to make the same mistakes I did in building a practice when I was in my early 30s.
We’ve been impressed with Body Insight Wellbeing Catalyst, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Body Insight is an independent oncology massage therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and lymphatic support practice. I work with anyone seeking lymphatic applications, as long as they understand that I work within my scope of practice. MLD clients range from those with lymphedema, lipedema, and other lymphatic dysfunction, as well as people recovering from surgery or any other swelling condition. I also see clients who are interested in lymphatic health, and those who like the soothing, gentle work Vodder technique MLD offers.
Regarding oncology massage, I work with people at every stage, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. That can mean end of life (and that comes around for all of us, one way or another, eventually) or thriving with an active lifestyle and treatment long past. During treatment, modifications are absolutely vital, and for some people with long-term effects of treatment or the potential for late-onset effects, it remains important.
I’m honored to work with people who need what I can offer. My approach to massage has always been responsive – constantly changing depending on the individual and what their body needs in that moment. My practice focus now is even more adaptive. When in treatment, cancer patients don’t have a lot of choice in what is done to their bodies. That’s not the case at Body Insight. Here, you get to choose whether you want scalp massage or not, whether you want to change position or not, or how much pressure you want. (I might decline more pressure in risk sites, but I’ll explain why.)
I also love seeing people empowered about their bodies. I follow up my lymphatic and active treatment sessions with an email full of information and self care techniques. I’m also happy to share resources and connect people with other providers if what I have to offer isn’t the right fit.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve been self-employed since 1999, with only a couple of years of conventional employment as a massage therapist blended in. Self employment is not for the faint of heart! I’ve relocated twice, which in the massage industry means starting all over again. Moving from central Virginia to central Texas in 2018 after years of a long distance relationship was a gamble, but it was a good one for me. I loved my life where I was, but would have stayed in my niche. Being here, I’ve branched out into a very rewarding speciality I wouldn’t have in an area that already had people doing what I do here.
I also learned to ride a motorcycle in my 50s. I’m not a daredevil, and I’m always fully geared up. I prefer my risks to be thought through, and I prepare before I leap most of the time. If you don’t push yourself outside of your comfort zone, or if you never take a leap of faith, you never get anywhere.
I’d rather look back on my life and say “that wasn’t the brightest move” instead of “I never even tried.” I aspire to living a life of personal responsibility, but no regrets.
Pricing:
- 60 minute session $120
- 90 minute session $160
- 30 minute session $70
- Lymphedema Screening $60
- Package pricing is available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bodyinsightllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodyinsight9/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyInsight9/
- Other: https://www.massagebook.com/therapists/body-insight-llc
Image Credits
Yvette Foster
Alaria Godwin
Carly Dobmeier
