What is Hellerwork Structural Integration?

Thank you for your interest in Hellerwork! I am excited to offer this advanced therapeutic program. Hellerwork is a powerful healing process appropriate for the healthiest person to those in chronic pain. It combines the emotional, spiritual and structural aspects of bodywork as a complete holistic approach to healing.

My intensive Hellerwork training certification program required over 1200 hours of anatomy, psychology, and kinesiology. Hellerwork Structural Integration, created by Joseph Heller, expands on Dr. Rolf's method. In Hellerwork, we address the psycho-emotional aspect of the person and integrate the body, mind and movement connection patterns in order to create complete and lasting change. What really distinguishes Hellerwork from other forms of Structural Integration are the added components of Somatic Psychology, Active Therapeutic Dialogue and Movement Education.

Although the "hands-on" work is performed on a massage table, Hellerwork differs significantly from massage. Hellerwork clients usually undress to their underwear and bodywork is focused on a particular area of the body. Hellerwork may take one hour of (deep) focused myofascial work to lengthen the spine and open the back. The myofascial work is slow, deep, and deliberate. I am always sensitive to the client's pain level and we work at a place of "comfortable release."

A new client (a pianist) came to me with complaints of tension in the shoulders and stiffness in the right forearm indicating the beginning symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI). I worked to open the shoulder girdle (neck and shoulders), release the wrists, and lengthen the tissue in both arms. We thoroughly discussed postural and movement patterns that were contributing to the discomfort she felt in her body and I offered suggestions for simple changes. This session lasted one and a half hours! (And by the way, she must have thanked me at least six times!!)

Many times unconscious emotional holding can cause structural imbalances in the form of "poor posture". Emotional holding can also manifest into chronic pain and discomfort.

During Hellerwork sessions we explore attitudes held in the body through discussions or dialogue. I may use bodymind suggestions, visualizations, or voice dialogue techniques to bring emotional holding into consciousness. Once a client becomes aware of the held emotions he can make a conscious choice to keep them or not. Usually, of course, the client chooses to release the held emotions (this may or may not be in the actual form of emoting) and the tissue responds by letting go.

Hellerwork Structural Integration is offered as a complete program for rebalancing the entire body. The series is 10 sessions, organized to build awareness and integrate the body in a systematic manner. Hellerwork spot work sessions are also available.

Hellerwork Client Handbook

Home | What is Hellerwork? | Who is Merry Nell? | Testimonials | Who Can Benefit?
Repetitive Strain Injuries | Prices
Recommended Reading | Hellerwork Related Links

Please feel free to contact me at
(805)558-4747 or MerryNellC@aol.com