ALISA POPOVA, LMT, RYT

My lifelong curiosity for the mystery of the body and a passion for health and well-being led me to attend Cortiva Institute of Massage Therapy, after receiving a Bachelor's degree with a major in Dance from the UW. I graduated Cortiva in 2014. A year later I completed a yoga teacher training at Richmond Beach Yoga, and a few months after - a Reiki Level I training with a Reiki Master Teacher in Seattle. In November of 2020 I got my Reiki Level II training.
My goal in my bodywork sessions is to create change in the structure, leading to greater ease of movement, while at the same time soothing the nervous system. To achieve this I work using Myofascial Release, Sports massage and Swedish relaxation techniques. Each of my sessions relies on a client centered approach, because I believe we are a whole new person on each new day and I want to meet folks where they are at as much as possible without assuming they are the same as last time.
I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients with different needs.
Some of my favorite groups to work with include athletes. I am very active and receive regular bodywork so I feel I can relate very well to athletes and their needs.
Another group I like to work with is seniors. Over my six years of working as LMT I have gained a lot of experience working with this population. I have found that this age group is especially grateful for therapeutic touch and really benefit from regular bodywork in this stage in their lives.
My experience also extends to working with special populations such as pregnant women and children as young as eight.
When I am not working as LMT, RYT or Reiki healer, I am most likely practicing dance improvisation for body, mind and soul. I also practice yoga, Taiji and Northern Shaolin kung fu, and, less often but still regularly engage in weightlifting, running trails, and choreographing performance and dance works. Recently I have developed a passion for pilates, and it is helping me become a stronger and more efficient mover. In the past I have indulged in gyrokinesis and gyrotonics and cannot wait to dive back in to that once I free up some time.
I am currently in the Counseling Psychology Master's program at Bastyr University.
I love the way the ocean makes me feel, but my secret love is the desert.
Looking forward to meeting you!
- Alisa