My Methods
Our sessions are informed by the breath and depth of my training, and often mix ideas from all modalities. What we create together is informed by what is releaved in our sessions.
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Gyrotonic® EXPANSION SYSTEM
The Gyrotonic EXPANSION SYSTEM® is an exercise method designed to take your body beyond its current limitations. Each Gyrotonic session combines aspects stretching, strength training, and physical therapy to create a strong and invigorated mind and body.
- Through the use of oppositional movements, it builds tensegrity within the body to create balance, strength, agility and resilience.
- Through the use of spiraling motions, it challenges the fascial lines to improve flexibility, increase functional range of motion, and relieve pain.
- Through the use of flowing exercise sequences, it develops the mind-body connection to harmonize muscular effort and achieve whole body strength.
Unique to the Gyrotonic® EXPANSION SYSTEM is its suite of specialized equipment. Each piece of equipment is highly adaptable, which allows it to be optimized for your body's unique physique, ability, and conditions. They challenge and guide you to expand and strengthen your body through its entire arc of movement.
Bodywork
My bodywork is rooted in the eastern practice Shiatsu with influences of Swedish Massage. Using focused pressure combined with shaking and stretching, I follow the body’s meridians to release tension and adhesions in the body. The body is my guide. It directs me where and how to work. When I listen to the body, I am following its calling for areas asking for my attention. My role is to be silent, supportive, and wait for the body to tell its story.
Though massage can be a deeply moving and effective intervention, for chronic conditions I find that it rarely creates lasting change. Change doesn’t come from being passive. It requires being an active participant. It requires working to create new habits of self care and self love.
Ultimately, I seek to help clients to find movement practices which resonate with them and are supportive of our body work. My preference is to combine our bodywork with movement work. My aim is to support your dialog between your mind and the body, and empower you to take radical acts of self love.
Franklin Method®
The Franklin Method® uses Dynamic Neuro-cognitive Imagery™, anatomical embodiment, and educational skills to create lasting positive change in your body and mind. The Franklin Method was founded by Eric Franklin in 1994. It is taught all over the world, including the Universities of Vienna, Cologne, Karlsruhe and the Juilliard School in New York.
The Franklin Method® is recognized by the health providers in Switzerland and is regularly seen at Dance, Pilates, Yoga and Physiotherapy conferences. One of the greatest discoveries of the 21st century is the plasticity of the brain; that the lives we live shape the brain we develop. The Franklin Method® is at the forefront of practical neuro-plasticity; showing you how to use your brain to improve your body’s function. It teaches you how to harness the transforming power of the mind. It can be applied to improve all of your abilities. It all starts with the knowledge that we have the power to change.
The Franklin Method® teaches dynamic alignment and how to move your body with maximum efficiency to keep your body youthful and energized. Your whole body is part of a symphony of coordinated movement. In a sense, your posture is reinvented at every instant. In every moment, the ideal combination of limbs, joints, gravity, moving parts, connective tissue, and muscle must be found and directed by your brain and nervous system.
Social Dance
Social dancing is what initially drew me into my journey into the somatic arts. The pursuit of freedom of movement through technique led me to study numerous styles of dance from Ballroom to Ballet, West African to West Coast Swing, before branching out into the somatic arts. From these broad studies, I have learned to see the roots of movement in all dances. What I have to offer is the broad and unique perspective of Dance as part of the human experience.
Dancing is the physical expression of connection to the spirit. That connection serves as our wellspring for our own authentic beautiful movement. Every lesson in dance is ultimately a lesson in connection and the embodiment of that connection.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
My Rates
Individual Sessions
Each session has the option to contain a mix of bodywork, Gyrotonic, dance, or movement education depending on what is required by the client. Regardless of what tools are employed, the fees are the same. Sessions start at an hour with longer sessions available upon request.
My primary mode of working is through one on one sessions. I find that this allows me to tailor sessions to my client's specific needs and desires. Duos, and small group sessions are possible if the group has similar goals, objectives, or physical conditions.
Private Sessions
| Single | $100* | |
| 10-pack | $850 |
Duo Sessions
| Single | $65 | |
| 10-pack | $580 |
* Single rates reflect Time of Service discount. All packages must be prepaid.
Policies
- Cancellation made less that 24 hours in advance will be charged to the client at full rate.
- Packages expires 90 days after purchase date.
- For sessions outside of my studio, Center Gyrotonic, additional fees may apply.
Classes & Workshops
Classes are offered intermittently an are announced via my newsletter and on Facebook.
Contact me if you are interested in organizing a class or workshop.
Find your joyful movement
About the Proprietor
I am a Licenced Massage Therapist OMBT #24254, Certified Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis® Trainer, Franklin Method Educator, and Dancer in Portland, Oregon. My desire is that everyone can experience the nourishing ecstasy of movement and dance. Our work together draws upon my breadth of training to create a somatic experience to bring you in touch with your body's inner processes. My hope is that through the work of connection, awareness, education of the body, you unveil your body's yearning to move, work, play, and dance-- to be physical with our world.
Biography
Joseph's passion for dance and movement started at a young age watching ballroom dance competitions on public television. Their elegance and grace led him to pursue studies in numerous social dances including Swing, Blues, Tango, and Salsa. His search for freedom of movement drew him to study body mechanics, the roots of dance technique, and somatically rooted movement. He has been certified in Gyrotonic® & Gyrokinesis® method with Master Trainer Emma Kingston, Franklin Method® with Eric Franklin, and Myafosacial Release with John F. Barnes. Additionally he has studied vernacular blues dancing with Barry Douglas of the Hustle Hall of Fame, vernacular jazz and swing dancing with Brenda Russell of DanceMode, and West African Guinea Dancing with Naby Bangoura formerly a dancer with Les Merveilles de Guinée.
Joseph is owner and operator of Center Gyrotonic®. He trains clients in Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, and the Franklin Methods. Joseph also teaches dance in studios througouht the Portland, Oregon area.
Embodiment involves contacting your own vulnerability.
— Mary Bond
Contact
Looking to schedule a private or for more information?