Hello!
My name is Iva Vujčić Dubyak (they/them). I am a licensed massage therapist with diverse somatic experience. I am trained in modalities including: myofascial release, deep tissue, neuromuscular therapy, structural bodywork, craniosacral therapy, intraoral massage, muscle energy techniques, cupping, and gua sha. Depending on your goals & requests, what your body communicates, and the needs of your nervous system — any or most of these techniques may be integrated into a session. I am here to listen directly to your story and tissue to find opportunities for ease, space, and functional change.
I’ve dealt with chronic pain since I was 15, sports and manual work injuries throughout my youth and adult life, auto-immune issues from the age of 7, and generally have a lot of practice at advocating for care based on bodily needs. I share this to provide a little context for my skilled, intuitive, and nerdy relationship to bodywork.
I think the ocean is a wonderful metaphor for the human body. It is vast, changes minute to minute, and evades prescriptive knowing unless we slow down and really pay attention. My bodywork practice is collaborative and led by listening, my role is to facilitate whatever healing work is possible together in the moment. I’m excited to meet you and start our work together.
the Space
Starling Somatics offers listening-based integrative massage and craniosacral therapy in a plant-filled studio tucked under redwood trees in SE Portland’s Foster Powell neighborhood — a first floor wheelchair-accessible studio full of natural light.
There is a sloped <2 inch threshold to enter the studio, and access through a driveway gate is available for wheelchair users. There is also a smaller gate that enters the property with a 5 inch step into the yard around the studio. A single stall bathroom in the studio with space to turn around for those who use mobility aids is available for clients.
The space is low-scent and can be made close to scent-free upon request. All lubricants used are scent-free. There is an air purifier and many plants in a space filled with natural light.
The massage table has a working weight of 600lbs and a static weight limit of 2,400lbs. I have side table extenders and many bolster options available.
Starling Somatics is trauma-informed, and gender and size inclusive.
