A Day in the Life of a Holistic Physical and Movement Specialist (and more)

People often ask me what a day in the life of a doctor of physical therapist looks like. The truth is, it’s not a routine—I see it as a living practice. For me, each day is a sacred invitation to listen, observe, and support the healing journey of another person. My work draws not only on decades of experience in physical therapy, but also on my background in dance, guided imagery, somatic awareness, and spiritual connection.

I Start My Day in Stillness

I wake early—at 4:40am most days. It’s quiet. Sacred. I begin with meditation and prayer, sometimes with music, sometimes in silence. I take a moment to reflect and journal on: How will I support myself today? What can I offer others?

Before I even rise from bed, I do gentle stretches—basic movements to wake up the body. If my patients can’t or don’t want to get out of bed, I tell them: “Then start healing right where you are.” I teach them to begin with breath, with movement, with presence—even in bed.

Listening with My Hands

By 6:30am, my first clients arrive—often professionals coming in before work. Whether they present with sciatica, herniated discs, emotional overwhelm, or a mystery their scans haven’t yet explained, I greet them with an open mind. I’ve learned not to hold onto a diagnosis too tightly—what the body reveals is often very different.

I begin by observing their posture, range of motion, the quality of their breath and movement. When they lie down, my fingers begin to ask questions—gently, like a radar. I’m reading the contours of their structure, understanding the sculpture of their experience. I am aware of myself as a sculptor.

I always work slowly and intentionally, listening through touch. If someone comes with lower back pain, I don’t just treat the site—I explore above and below. Pain is rarely isolated. I want to hear and respond to what the whole body is saying.

Integrating Body, Emotion, and Spirit

Many clients initially expect traditional physical therapy. But as our work deepens, they often begin to speak about their inner world. The mind and body are not separate—our stories live in the tissues. That’s why I integrate breathwork, dance movement therapy,  guided imagery and meditation into my sessions, drawing on the seven RiVision protocols I’ve developed over the years.

Some sessions are physical. Others are deeply emotional or spiritual. I meet people where they are—no matter which door they choose to open. For those seeking spiritual support, I offer practices that help them remember who they are—and who they might become.

Preparing Myself as a Vessel

Before every client, I cleanse myself—visually, energetically. I enter what I call my “white vessel,” so I can fully receive and hold the next person in front of me. I aim to offer a space that is clean, compassionate, and present. Whether I’m treating someone struggling with joint pain or someone experiencing burnout, I prepare myself to show up fully.

Empowering My Clients

I emphasise self-responsibility. I often give homework—breathing practices, movement sequences, or journaling prompts. I ask them to reflect: Did your pain change? Did you feel hopeful? What emotions came up? Did your self-image shift? Are you more aware of your posture ?Are you aware of what your body needs more of?

Some report back with enthusiasm. Others don’t. That’s okay. Healing is a personal path, and I’m here to walk beside them—not to push.

For those working with me online, I adapt my methods. I guide movement, offer visualisations, and share audio recordings for meditation or guided imagery. Healing can absolutely happen through a screen—if presence and intention are there.

Dance, Music, and Mood

For many of my long-term clients, our sessions evolve. They come not just for treatment, but to reconnect—with themselves. I might invite them to bring in music that moves them. We use it in movement therapy, light stretching, even free-form expression. This helps release what words cannot touch. It also helps them sleep, shift mood, and return to their bodies with love.

The Rhythm of My Day

I try not to see more than eight clients a day. In the middle of the day, I rest. I lie down, listen to music, catch up on the world. In the evening, I speak with friends, my husband, and my family. I write. I reflect. I feel deeply appreciative of where I find myself.

Years ago, I came to this path through my background of dance, singing and then dance movement therapy— and here I still am. My work continues to evolve because I continue to evolve

If you're someone drawn to healing—through physical touch, movement, energy, meditation and listening—I invite you to consider the paths of physical therapy, dance/movement therapy, and meditation / guided imagery. These are more than careers. They are ways to serve, to witness transformation, and to walk beside others on their journey back to themselves.