Testimonials
Testimonials
Stephanie and Rolfing taught me how to walk correctly at 54 years of age by eliminating structural restrictions that had been brought on by accidents starting with falling down the cement basement stairs at 4 years old. I am now aligned and have felt like a million bucks after my sessions. Thank you Stephanie!!
Maureen Minnehan-Jones
Owner Healing Gifts, RN, Guided Imagery Practitioner
As a former client of Stephanie Stolte's, I have nothing but the greatest respect and appreciation for Ms. Stolte's professional abilities.
Although Stephanie is a Rolfer, I prefer to think of her as a healer as to better describe her holistic abilities. In our initial appointment, I was astonished to listen to her as she viewed and commented upon my physical structure and what different characteristics meant. Without me telling her beforehand, she was able to correctly identify every broken or injured area simply by observing my stance and movements. (This included non-visible and old injuries such as broken ribs, hand, and skull fractures.)
Once the problem areas were identified, she was able to begin providing relief thru rolfing. Although rolfing can be a somewhat uncomfortable procedure, the benefits thereof are instantly realized and appreciated. But Stephanie's abilities are unique even for a Rolfer.
Stephanie demonstrates a unique level of empathy for her clients while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. She always applied the appropriate technique while maintaining client comfort. As my treatment progressed, the treatment became a truly cooperative effort between us that produced outstanding results. Never before have I had such an open and productive dialog with a health professional.
If you are seeking rolfing to alleviate pain due to an injury, then you and I are very similar. I tried all types of treatments such as surgery, prolo therapy, and massage to alleviate my pain from a wrecked knee. (Not to mention the above listed injuries.) Nothing was nearly as helpful as rolfing and I encourage you to complete the entire rolfing process with Stephanie. I am positive you will find it to be of great benefit.
Sincerely,
Michael Baum
I first sought out Rolfing because I had tried other treatment modalities and still had remained in constant pain. Pain that was keeping me up at night. Even more distressing was the fact that I was in the middle of training for a marathon. I was hoping to qualify for Boston at the time and I was experiencing intense pain from my left hip and gluteus area. This had thrown my stride way off. I was a little skeptical about the results I would achieve. When Stephanie presented me with the option of completing the sessions for pain relief vs. 10 sessions for structural improvement and health, I took a let's wait and see approach. Stephanie never once pushed more sessions. She was so professional at presenting a treatment plan. I was amazed by what she was able to point out about my running style as she examined me. I had developed some bad habits that were contributing to my pain.
Interesting enough, she was able to identify these by watching me stand and walk a few steps! I was very impressed by the holistic approach taken. As the sessions progressed I achieved significant pain relief. By making the corrections in running form that Stephanie suggested I was able to widen my stride, take stress off my hip and lower back, experience less fatigue and improve my times. I of course, finished all 10 sessions and periodically return for what I like to refer to as "My tune-up".
I strongly recommend this type of body work for all and especially for athletes. It makes such good sense to pay attention to body structure when we tend to over work and abuse our bodies in a physical way. Stephanie is very professional, proficient and very concerned about her client's well being.
By the way, I did achieve my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I dedicate a large part of my success to Stephanie! Thanks again Stephanie for helping me achieve a distance runner's dream.
Debbie Swearingen
I came upon Stephanie completely by chance, but I am so grateful that our paths crossed. I had read about Rolfing on the internet and was intrigued, but there were no rolfers in my hometown of Stockton. I found Stephanie's website online and took a leap of faith...it was so worth the short commute to Modesto!!
I immediately felt peaceful and comfortable in her presence. After my very first session I knew I was in very capable hands. Tension that had built up over the years slowly melted away and not once did I find the process to be too painful. I felt as if I was finally addressing the parts of my physical self that had long been neglected. To say that Rolfing is simply deep tissue massage would be such a simplification. I felt taller, able to breathe easier, and more energized as the sessions progressed. I even noticed a difference in my walk as I left her office each week.
I equate my Rolfing experience with having a fresh start in life. I was preparing for a new career by going back to school and my Rolfing experience helped me make that transition with mind, body, and soul. I am a living example that Rolfing is for everyone and can benefit even healthy individuals without chronic problems. Whether you are old or young, man or woman, you will feel as if you have a new lease on life. Stephanie's kindness and strength are wonderful assets, and I feel blessed to have "stumbled" upon her practice. I can't recommend her enough!!
Sincerely,
Derek Isetti
Stockton, CA
Graduate Student
I rarely tell people I've been "rolfed". It may be because I'm afraid no one will believe the transformative effect this therapy has had on my body - and life. I do know that I don't quite know how to put into words the remarkable thing that rolfing is. I will share my experience and you can be the judge of whether it seems too fantastical - or not.
I first learned about rolfing as a teen, some thirty years ago. I was fascinated by the idea that our bodies as well as our minds hold onto traumatic experiences. And I was equally intrigued with the idea that healing from these traumas might take a physical form. While psychotherapy and, later, cognitive behavioral therapy have been widely embraced as legitimate therapy for trauma, a physical approach to healing trauma has been largely overlooked.
For many years, the notion of experiencing the healing powers of rolfing remained a seed of thought in my mind. Then in 2005, I discovered that an acquaintance - Stephanie Stolte - was a certified rolfer. Finally, after more than thirty years of waiting I had an opportunity to experience this form of healing therapy. I remember my first thought being: "will it hurt?" A ridiculous question, I now realize. In fact, I actually fell asleep during one session!
When I began my ten-session program, I knew that my body needed work badly. I'd done ballet as a child and teen, pushing my joints - feet, ankles, knees and hips - far beyond their natural range and more recently had undergone radiation therapy for cancer. I'd had chronic lower back pain for years and arthritic-type pain from my hips to my toes for as long as I could remember. I wasn't thinking about the years of emotional trauma I'd experienced - abandonment as a child and a physically abusive previous marriage; I just wanted my body to stop hurting so much.
While my body has undergone a remarkable transformation and tremendous relief from pain, it's the emotional healing that I experienced that's been most powerful and significant. Very deep and personal healing took place during the middle sessions which have allowed me to make peace with my father posthumously - something I've struggled with not for years but for decades.
My body and my life continue to evolve. My body - the part of me I'm most aware of, I guess - is still undergoing distinct, positive transformation. I am able to exercise and move more freely than I have since I was twenty-something and I have a profound new sense of peace with my past. I'm not willing to speculate as to what about Ms. Stolte's rolfing brought these incredible changes to every aspect of my being. Whatever I might suggest will most likely sound too mystical, too evangelical, too fantastical. I'd rather just say it was so.
Andrea Garfinkel-Castro
