“Ro’i is a great bodyworker. He really knows how to release tension from my body in a slow and deep way, and he’s very articulate about the movement and expression of energy. I also like how he uses his voice and sound to bring relaxation and grounding.” —Norma Burton, Minister and Shamanic Counselor, JourneyToCompletion.com.
My approach to healing -- and life -- is essentially integral. By this I mean that I do not use a single modality exclusively, but instead combine various techniques. Some of these modalities may come from different theoretical approaches who have diametrically apposed views, but rather than evaluating certain views as 'right' and others as 'wrong, I try to see the value in each view. I believe that the more perspectives I can hold, the more of my clients’ lived experience I can understand. This stance comes from Ken Wilber (a philosopher who coined the term Integral Theory) and allows me to ask such questions as: “Why is this experience showing up? What gifts or lessons does this moment have for me? And how might these gifts help me show up better for my clients?” When I ask these questions of myself and of my clients in session, we are not necessarily searching for a single answer, but instead leaving space for a multitude of meanings to arise. This attempt to understand and assimilate multiple perspectives has been baked into my thinking for a long time. Before discovering Wilber, I studied Comparative Religion (graduating from Harvard). My senior project was to compare Buddhist conceptions of enlightenment with their Daoist equivalent, immortality. My clinical work reflects a similar synthesis.
"Immediately after our session, I felt better. As I slept and had some time to integrate the experience, I felt more clarity, and as if a heaviness had lifted, not just about the issues discussed in the session, but also in other parts of my life that corresponded with that issue. Also the next day, I was hit with a lot of stressful situations, but I was able to handle them all from a more calm and centered place. Thanks for your help." --Phoenix Rose (no relation), Event Producer.
The most dominant stream within my river of thought is Daoism/Jung. Jung's work is here because I have spent the last 3 years in a doctoral program for Clinical Psychology, and the Jungian perspective was featured at the school. This approach also spoke to my Daoist roots (I was dropped into the Daoist world through martial arts at age 14). To me, Jungian Psychology is a modern evolution of Daoist thought, for, after 38 years engaging in Daoist practice, I see Daoist fingerprints all over Jung’s work. For instance, Jung names the primary goal of his therapy Individuation. In one Daoist lineage, a major goal is the purification of the “Body of Individuality.” This subtle, energetic body is said to fragment at birth—some parts stay with us, others get lost, and still others get mixed up with other people's Bodies of Individuality. Purifying the Body of Individuality is to reclaim what’s truly ours and let go of what isn’t. Jung’s process of individuation tracks remarkably closely. Clinically, this lens leads me to ask questions regarding the source of my client’s beliefs, giving them more agency in their process of becoming.
"I came out of the session with Ro'i with a commitment to myself to enact my true vision. The first thing I felt was a hunger for some deep nutrition. Instead of heading to the chocolate aisle for quick energy, as was my old pattern, I found myself buying really healthy food. A few days later I started a juice fast / cleanse, and held a garage sale that weekend to get rid of some old stuff piling up my house. I'm feeling strong, open and realigned to bring in what I really want and let go of stuff I don't need. And I also have the beautiful sensation, 'Who knows where will this will lead'?" --Philips Patton, Acupuncturist, FluxAcupucture.com
"I’ve known Ro’i for 14 years, we first met in Cambridge MA as college students. I can undoubtedly vouch for his strong integrity, and multiple talents. He is committed to his personal growth and evolution, and has proven his ability to hold space for others to do the same, with gentleness and humor. His depth and fluidity of movement and touch are par excellence." --D.L., MIT and Stanford alum
"Mr. Rose has always impressed me in his care for others and his dedication to the healing arts. He brings a genuine compassion to his work and is tenacious about his own growth and learning so that he may better serve others." C.L., Meditation Teacher
“I came to Ro’i at a point where I had been living with mild to medium intermittent pain & restricted motion in my neck, low back & knees for about 7 months. A week before the first session, I had also fallen down three steps, landing on a hardwood floor with my left hand, left shoulder and left rear upper head absorbing the blows. My hand & arm were weakened enough for it to affect my work as a massage therapist somewhat. Ro’i gave me a very physically and emotionally generous treatment, integrating numerous effective modalities, skills and self-help tools that were new to me, which says a lot as I’ve given & received massages for 41 years all around the U.S. and in several other countries. I felt his excellent attunement, presence and care immediately from the first touch, and that feeling stayed with me throughout the entire session. As the work and the experience deepened, I gained a strong appreciation for his skill, his knowledge and his self-care, as well. As a teacher of bodywork for 34 years, I can’t overemphasize the importance of that self-care piece. My soft tissue and muscles felt gently but firmly explored, understood and softened, as each area gained remarkable range of motion, soothing, easing and opening in each my numerous challenged areas.” Steve Carter, Boston Massage and Craniosacral Therapy