Our safe space

IMG_2773Safety and connection are the foundation of meaningful therapeutic work. Trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk stated, “Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health.” (2014). Neuroscientist Stephen Porges summarised: “Cues of safety are the treatment.” (2016), and author and body worker Steve Haines said, “…all pain, anxiety, and depression is rooted in feelings of not being safe.” (2021).

Research across neuroscience, trauma therapy, and body‑based healing consistently shows that feeling safe—within ourselves and with others—is essential for wellbeing. When the nervous system perceives safety, the body can soften, restore, and begin to heal.

This understanding shapes every aspect of our work. We have intentionally created a space where you can slow down, feel held, and arrive just as you are. Our studio is set quietly at the back of a 1970s Fasham Johnson house in Hurstbridge, a peaceful community 28 km north‑east of Melbourne’s CBD. Surrounded by trees and nestled in a friendly, quiet neighbourhood, the place itself offers a sense of retreat from the busyness of everyday life.

The studio is approximately a 20-minute walk from Hurstbridge village and the train station. Often, the only sounds you’ll hear are birds. You are warmly invited to use the bathroom before or after your session, enjoy fresh lemon water, and spend a few quiet moments sitting in or walking through the healing garden at the front of the property.

Our safe space is designed to support a sense of ease, privacy, and gentle connection—so you can unwind, recharge and feel fully supported.

Bookings are available from Wednesday to Friday.

Make an appointment or buy massages and gift vouchers

Screenshot 2023-08-03 at 7.25.54 amHurstbridge is a green and peaceful village located 28 km north‑east of Melbourne’s CBD, within the Shire of Nillumbik. This land is part of the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, whom we respectfully acknowledge as the Traditional Custodians. We honour their enduring connection to Country and feel grateful and privileged to live and work on this land.

If Hurstbridge is not your home and you have travelled by car, we gently encourage you not to rush back into daily life after your session. Allowing some time to integrate your treatment can deepen its benefits. A quiet walk through Ferguson’s Paddock, just nearby, is a beautiful way to stay connected to the calm and spaciousness you may be feeling.

If you feel like lingering a little longer, Hurstbridge Village offers a relaxed atmosphere with welcoming cafés, restaurants, and local shops—perfect for a nourishing lunch or a gentle stroll. Allwood House has a lovely garden where you can enjoy reading, relaxing, or having a picnic.

Here are just a few of the many places we love in our community:

Allwood Neighbourhood House: 901 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

Black Vice Roastery: St Andrews

Bridge to Eden Café: 6/920 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

Going Green Solutions Hurstbridge

Greasy Zoes Restaurant: 3/850 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge

Heart and Soul Café: 5a/850 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

Hurstbridge Deli and Larder: 8 Parker Rd, Hurstbridge

Hurstbridge Fine Meats and Providore: 9/920 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge

Hurstbridge Op Shop: 956/958 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge

Lettuce In Fruit and Vegetable Store: 803 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

Nature’s Harvest Store: 920 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

Langan’s Restaurant and Café: 850 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge

The Little Speckled Hen Gift Shop: 804-806 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, Hurstbridge

Oku Den Gift Shop: 802 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

St Andrews Community Market, St Andrews

Some of the complementary health services in the area:

Anna Papadakis Body Centred Therapy Hurstbridge

Bespoke Yoga Cottles Bridge

Jessie Fayers Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Kangaroo Ground

Laprana Art Therapy Hurstbridge

Mentha Natural Medicine Hurstbridge

Middle Path Chinese Medicine Clinic, Hurstbridge

Osteopath Hurstbridge

Pilates and Yoga Hurstbridge

Unwind & recharge Hurstbridge

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