I began my career in the healing arts as a Yoga Instructor in 1975. With a strong background in massage therapy since 1980, I received basic certification in the Rolf® Method of Structural Integration from the Rolf Institute in Boulder CO in 1993, followed by advanced certification in 2000.
Fourteen combined years of experience working in clinical settings enabled me to deal effectively with conditions involving both acute and chronic pain. From training in Craniosacral Therapy, I learned to listen with my hands, and to be fully present, moment by moment, for my clients. I have taken great pleasure in guiding my clients toward full and compassionate self-awareness, freedom from pain, the joy of easier, more fluid movements and the ability to do all that they love to do, and I am very grateful for all who have trusted me and my hands these past forty-three years.
Now, the time for a different kind of work has come.
In 2011, I became certified in Comfort Touch®, a wonderful modality that is specially designed to meet the needs of the elderly and the ill – those for whom conventional massage is not appropriate. I found Comfort Touch® to be the perfect approach to working with those who are vulnerable, such as the occasional elderly clients who came to my office, and the disabled adults at Marin Ventures. It also opened my awareness to what power there is in simple, gentle, non-intrusive touch, for anyone.
During the past two years I have taken instruction in Oncology Massage from Greet The Day™, a California based organization whose mission is to improve quality of life for people affected by cancer through education and integrative oncology care. Through Greet The Day™, I am qualified to give touch to patients while they are receiving chemotherapy. Treating patients at the Keck Medicine of USC Infusion Center as part of my training is an experience I’ll never forget.
My years of experience in the healing arts and my recent education in Oncology Massage and Palliative Touch have prepared me well for working with a vulnerable population.
Please see the resources for more about how touch that is clinically sound, respectful, non-invasive, and gentle can give comfort, alleviate pain, relieve anxiety, and bring a sense of nurture and well-being to the elderly and the ill. This is how I would like to continue being useful.
Testimonials
As an osteopathic physician, I have high expectations for any type of bodywork I receive. Francoise's knowledge of anatomy and how it applies to posture and functioning as well as her techniques as both a massage therapist and as a Rolfer are exceptional. She combines a healing presence with her skilled hands and I feel truly supported as a client. Highly recommended!!
Sue St.Pierre, DO
San Rafael
Françoise's work has a precision and sensitivity that goes way beyond that of an average or good practitioner. It would be hard to find other workers that I would call her equal.
Mark Graycar, D.C.
After injuring my pelvis, low back, and hip in a car accident 2 years ago, my active lifestyle came to a halt. Thanks to Françoise's in-depth knowledge and expertise, gifted touch, tableside manner and genuine commitment to my healing, I am able to sit without discomfort, sleep through the night and exercise even more than before the accident. Massage therapy and rehabilitation with Françoise are an effective, nurturing experience that I would recommend to anyone.
Nancy G., 42, psychotherapist
Rolfing has improved my posture, my lower back pain, and range of motion. I was able to see and feel the difference after each session. Françoise helped me make the connection between mind and body and taught me a lot about physiology and body mechanics.
Art H., 49, environmental manager
My cerebral palsy makes my muscles tight all the time. Between that and my scoliosis, my back bothers me a lot. Françoise's massage and craniosacral work helped my back feel better. My family noticed that my posture was much better for days after her help.
Justin A., 31, Denver
Massage can do a lot of things. For years, I thought of it as an occasional treat. It certainly is a treat, but I never realized the therapeutic potential of massage until I began working with Francoise this year when I was felled by Fibromyalgia after a prolonged period of stress. Francoise researched the illness and devised a therapeutic regimen for me that I believe has been instrumental in the dramatic reduction in my symptoms. Now I understand a lot better what I'd been told for years: in the hands of a really great touch therapist, massage surely is relaxing and re-vitalizing, but it can also play a critical role a restorative health regimen. Francoise is such a practitioner. Bless her!
K.C., Mill Valley CA
If you are looking for a powerful ally to help manage your relationship with gravity, look no further! I'm a Pilates practitioner, a regular cardio and weight exerciser and a daily gardener, including pruning, planting, transplanting, soil amendments and clean-up. This follows years of military service, martial arts, skiing, cycling, backpacking and the usual sprains, tears and breaks. Françoise uses her deep knowledge of body mechanics and elegant, integrated technique to help me stay fit, flexible and pain free. Ditto for the family!
Pete Abrahams, 72. Mill Valley CA