Deep Grounding. Enlivened Senses. Fluid Movement

What is Soma?

Soma Structural Integration® is a transformative manual therapy based in the lineage of the work developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf. A psychologist named Bill Williams later wove in principles of cultivating greater body-mind connection in conjunction with the deep physical therapy meant to release and rebalance the body’s fascial web. Clients regain freedom of movement and are supported in developing new movement and postural patterns.

Soma works by rebalancing and re-educating the fascial system. Fascia is a type of connective tissue that lines muscles, blood vessels and nerves, and provides interconnected structure for our being. When we experience stress or use the body in an imbalanced way, tension and adhesions can develop in the fascia and pull our structure out of alignment. This is often accompanied by pain and reduced mobility.

Soma 11-Series

This series is made up of 11 sessions, each having their own specific goal in mind such as 3D breath expansion, grounding through the feet, and initiating movement from our core. My role as the practitioner is to help my clients achieve heightened body awareness, increased mobility, greater movement efficiency, and less experienced pain.

Each session is 120 minutes which includes a brief visual assessment, deep tissue release work and movement education. While working together, I encourage my clients to settle their minds and bring their awareness inwards.

Symptoms in one area may be caused by tension in multiple other areas, and working the whole body in balance provides a way to treat root cause and create long term pain relief and change. The systematic approach of the Soma 11 Series is designed to address specific areas of the body while bringing balance to the whole, restoring the body to its natural alignment.

Soma helps with injury prevention as well as recovery and compliments any movement practice. My goal as a Certified Soma Practitioner is to guide my clients towards achieving heightened body awareness, increasing mobility, and less experienced pain.

* Individual treatment sessions are also available if desired.

Meet Your Practitioner

Hello! I'm James Harnois, a licensed massage therapist and certified Soma practitioner. I am originally from coastal New England but now call the Pacific Northwest my home. I moved to Seattle in 2006 and fell in love with the water, forests, and mountains. You may see me winter plunging at Golden Gardens, snacking at PCC, or paddleboarding in Lake Union. I also have two cats, Lumos and Nox. I will most likely mention them at some point :)

Whether we walk, run, bike, hike, swim, dance or climb, movement reminds us to plug in to our senses, deepen our breathing, and clear our minds. The fast pace of our modern world can sometimes hinder these essential practices, leaving us in a state of dis-ease. Stuck at a desk, in a car, or behind our screen of choice, we lose our footing, our inner grounding, and can adopt poor postural and movement patterns along the way.

Like many healthcare workers, I came here on my own path to healing. In my 30s I suffered from chronic pain, inflammation and digestive issues. I wasn’t able to do many of the things that I enjoyed and made me feel whole. After working with several talented and caring people over the years I became fascinated with the mind-body connection, natural medicine and bodywork. I learned first hand how we can heal ourselves through nutrition, movement, and deepening our internal awareness to help regulate our nervous systems. After going through the Soma 11 series in 2017, I knew right away that this would be my next journey. More than just hands-on bodywork, I hope to provide my clients with the tools they need to spark their own curiosity and ability to move through the world with greater awareness and ease in their bodies and minds. I look forward to meeting you.

FAQs

  • We will first chat about your goals and go over health history. Then we will do a brief body reading, taking a look at alignment and movement.

    Treatment work on the table lasts about 90 minutes. After working on one side of your body I will ask you to stand/walk in order to sense any changes in your inner or outer experience.

    Depending on the treatment plan, there may be a movement activity at the end.

    The whole session will take approx. 120 minutes.

  • You will be asked to stand and walk during the sessions and therefore need to be clothed.

    Bring something to wear that is similar to what you might wear swimming. Running shorts, underwear and boxers work well. Please avoid tight fitting spandex.

    For chest coverage, a tube top is preferred and provided here. A loose tank top, bralette, or swim top can also work.

    Bring a water bottle for post session hydration.

  • It is common to feel like you did a big workout later that day or the following day. That's ok!

    Hydrating, movement, going for a walk, eating a nourishing meal, journaling, and taking an epsom salt bath are all wonderful things to do after your session.

    If possible, having some quiet time to be present with yourself and reflect can really help with the integration process.

  • I do not accept insurance. I am considered an out-of-network provider.

    I can provide you with a Superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

    Venmo payment is preferred, I also accept credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, cash, and check.

  • If you're doing the Soma 11-Series, I recommend 1-2 weeks in between sessions for best results.

    For general preventative care and body maintenance, 1-2 sessions a month can work wonders for reducing stress and feeling more balanced overall.

    I trust my clients to know their bodies and schedule with me when the time is right for them.

  • Yes, a Soma session makes for a great gift! I have physical and digital gift certificates. Please send me a message to place an order.

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Testimonials

  • I saw James after fighting a pinched nerve in my shoulder and some intense neck stiffness. I was in pain day-to-day and against my better judgement waited a long time before going in. I am very picky with massage therapists, and usually find they do not offer enough pressure or cannot target the specific area I'm looking to treat. James was a pleasure to work with, listened intently and was able to significantly loosen my neck and relieve the tightness I was feeling. He has a strong and smooth touch, and you can tell he is very competent in knowledge of the body. After the session my whole body felt much better! I will definitely be going back.

    M.F.

  • Bodywork with James is an incredible experience. His attention to detail, care, and clarity is very refreshing to receive. I always leave feeling a deeper connection to my body and less entrenched in old patterns of movement and injuries that are holding on. Thank you!

    T.A.

  • James has gone above and beyond to help me with recovery from a persistent injury, really spending time to understand my viewpoint and get a whole picture of the embodied experience. His calm presence is reassuring and his dedication and curiosity around bodywork is inspiring.

    C.C.

  • “ James was very thorough with his treatment. He evaluated my issues carefully and came up with flexible treatments during each session. Highly recommend. ”

    R.M.

  • “ I contacted James about muscle tightness due to a sports related injury. James promptly responded and was able to schedule a session. After the session, I experienced a greater range of motion. I would definitely recommend. ”

    J.H.

  • “ James is an excellent, skilled, and considerate practitioner. I have been receiving bodywork from him for years and he always delivers, whether I'm experiencing muscle pain and tightness, overall stress and anxiety, or just need a whole-body reset. ”

    K.W.

  • “ James is a wonderful and attentive bodyworker. He is considerate and takes the time to really listen. His work is graceful and fluid. I feel amazing after my Soma sessions with him: taller, more at ease, grounded, less discomfort/pain and also feel a greater range of motion throughout my body. ”

    J.G.

  • " James is a knowledgable and skilled massage practitioner. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking the full Soma series (I've gone through twice with him) or needing a bit of extra body work. "

    R.J.

Gift Certificates

Give the gift of grounding and relaxation to friends and family.

New clients receive 20% off their first session!

You may purchase a physical or digital certificate.