I’m Colleen McLaughlin, a Licensed Massage Therapist and Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience in massage therapy and therapeutic bodywork.
Over the course of my career, my approach to bodywork has evolved.
My roots are in traditional massage therapy. Once upon a time, I even worked with Philadelphia Eagles players and did plenty of deep-tissue massage. Over the years, though, I found myself increasingly drawn to a more intuitive approach, one that allows me to listen to the body rather than impose a particular technique upon it.
Today, my work incorporates Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy and Therapeutic Massage. I draw from these approaches based on what I’m feeling beneath my hands, how your body responds or what you need/want that day.
My background
My foundational Massage Therapy education was at the former Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. My specialized bodywork training includes John F. Barnes Myofascial Release, Upledger Craniosacral Therapy and the Gillespie Approach Craniosacral Fascial Therapy.
I’m also a Registered Nurse and spent six years working in pediatric primary care and at a freestanding birth center, providing labor & delivery support as well as postpartum care and education. This background ultimately led to an interest in working with newborns, infants and children in my bodywork practice.
Since 2015, I have worked alongside lactation consultants and other providers caring for newborns and infants experiencing feeding challenges, oral restrictions and patterns of tension. Today I work with people throughout the lifespan, from newborns to adults.
Regardless of age or reason for coming to see me, I want my treatment space to feel safe, comfortable and collaborative. My role isn’t to force your body to change. It’s to listen carefully, identify areas that may be contributing to what you’re experiencing and support your body’s own capacity to change.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my husband and two sons. With one son now away at college, Winnie, our Portuguese Water Dog, has taken it upon herself to make sure the house doesn’t feel too quiet.
I look forward to working with you and your family. If you have questions or aren’t sure whether my approach is right for you, please feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help.
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist in Pennsylvania and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.