10. Figuring it out as we go with Kate Thomas, LMT
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We all know the discomfort of feeling lost in our lives. Maybe it’s a season of directionless wandering or one of grieving the life we thought we’d have. Other times, we feel like we’ve found our footing—our calling is clear and our purpose feels aligned with where we’re at in life.
Regardless of the season you find yourself in, this episode holds so much goodness for each of us just figuring it out as we go.
Today’s guest on the podcast, Kate Thomas, knows a thing or two about navigating life transition. In this episode, we discuss the discomfort of both seasons of growth and letting go, of finding our life’s purpose only for it to change once more, and embracing the season we find ourselves in. We touch on the discomfort that leads to sticking it for the sake of growth and the discomfort that leads us away from where we are toward something new.
Kate walks us through her approach to massage therapy, including the massage that changed everything and led her to this work. She reflects on her passion for taking care of the vulnerable among us with safe, healing touch that embraces the whole of one’s experience. Kate and Emily chat about the overlap in psychotherapy and massage therapy, and the meaningful ways we hold space for our clients and ourselves as we carry out this heartfelt, vulnerable work.
CW: discussion about aging, death, dying, hospice care, and grief.
About Kate:
Kate is a licensed massage therapist and the owner of Collective Good Integrative Health, a health and wellness clinic in Dayton, OH. She lives in Dayton in a lovely blue bungalow with her husband and business partner, Shannon, and their big fluffy cat, Buddy.
Kate's practice has evolved into specializing in support for those navigating grief or loss and for those seeking palliative relief from a serious or terminal illness. Kate enjoys gentle, sensory-oriented approaches to massage, and tuning into the person she is working with to provide a flow that taps into their deep well of being. She also enjoys working with our elders and people with different abilities, and providing an inclusive and welcoming space for bodywork that supports our physical selves and our spirits.
Outside of providing massages, Kate enjoys receiving massages, cooking colorful nutritious meals, river surfing, hiking, thrifting, traveling, and hanging at home with her little family.
Connect with Kate:
Collective Good Integrative Health:
Kate Thomas, LMT
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher
J.S. Park, hospital chaplain
Mary Oliver poem, “Percy (one)”
Thank you for tuning in for another episode of Breathe Darling: The Podcast. We’re so grateful for how this community is growing and the ways we’re learning to navigate life together. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts AND give us a review! We’d love to hear what you think. Lastly, follow us on Instagram @breathedarlingpodcast. We love connecting with you. Until next time, breathe easy, friends.
Emily Riggs (MSW, LISW-S) is a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Ohio specializing in trauma, grief, loss, and life transitions for women. Follow along on Instagram @emilyriggstherapy or contact me at emilyriggstherapy@gmail.com to learn more.
Disclosure:
The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a replacement for psychotherapy or advice regarding related mental health services.If you are in crisis or experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact 911 or 988, or the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Past and current clients risk breaching confidentiality by listening to, subscribing to, and reviewing podcast episodes. Please keep this in mind and engage at your own discretion. I will not knowingly acknowledge or comment on client reviews of the podcast to honor ethical boundaries and privacy.
