
Working in Community
Questions often come up about doing deep work with community members, where we’ll likely run into one another. In traditional therapy, practitioners are bound by rules that prohibit what are called “dual relationships,” or having a second relationship with a client other than therapist/client, such as friend, or even co-attendees at social events. This is to protect the sanctity of the therapist-client relationship.
Massage therapists and other somatic practitioners are not bound by such rules. Even though Wisdom of The Body practitioners also are not bound by those rules, we’d like to address the issue, since it may impact you as a client, and your choices.
We actually rather love working with people in community, and with whom we are in relationship. We’ll tell you why—and then we’ll address some common concerns.

What we love about working within community...
Wisdom of The Body is about tuning in deeply to a person’s needs, desires, stuck places, and showing up for them in ways that help them heal. What more beautiful gift to give a friend or loved one? In tribal communities, shamans work with the same people they see every day. They may have known their clients since they were children. From this deep knowing comes trust, respect, and ease. These are great foundations for accelerating the healing process beyond what might be possible with a stranger.
We also like to think that showing up in the same places is a way of continuing to offer our silent support and vote of confidence for your wholeness and unfolding, even as we keep our therapeutic relationship sacred and confidential.
Our Introductory Playshops are evolving into a sort of community gathering place where people new to the work, as well as people familiar with the work can come and learn and practice. Over time, as with other groups, we expect that this format will work better and better, as we all get to know each other more deeply.
Finally, Wisdom of The Body evolved in community. Founder Jill Nagle was heavily influenced by her years of contact improvisation, Nonviolent Communication and freeform dance, and many of her first practicum clients came from these communities to receive her work. Because of their shared background in community, these first clients experienced an especially high resonance with the work.
We love our many tribes. And, we understand you may have questions or concerns.
I would wholeheartedly suggest experiencing Jill’s unique healing practice. She creates a warm, safe place to be held and nurtured. Stillness, deepening, more presence results.
Josiah Knight, Berkeley, CA