"Although I’m a highly imaginative person who sees the world in terms of possibilities, Stacey Butcher changed my life in ways I never imagined were possible. Working with her as my Somatic Experiencing® (SE) therapist and Open Floor Movement teacher has been the best surprise of my life. She has such a nurturing, thoughtful, protective, intelligent, and steadfast presence. In less than two years of working with Stacey, she has helped shape me into a more mature, sensitive, and fully embodied person. I may resist doing shapes on command, but I truly appreciate the variety of forms my body can feel, know, and inhabit because of the “resources” Stacey has taught me: “self-soothing,” ways to find support in my body and also from sources outside of myself in “moving and including everything,” how to “activate and settle” my nervous system and emotions, how to “center” myself and come from a place of strength that is in touch with my heart, the ability to “set boundaries” in an open way that is comfortable for me but still honors my needs, how to turn my greatest fears and desires into “an inquiry” and release the ones that don’t need to be held onto any longer, and much more.
Stacey puts all of herself into her work, and therefore allows her students and clients to become all of themselves as well. For the first time in my life, I feel like a whole person who can experience the range of human emotions, something I have always yearned for but didn’t think was actually possible for me until doing this deep work with her. Stacey is so affirming and also challenging, which gives her work a very real healing power. She is able to hold a truly spiritual space that has brought me to profound self-transformations in one-on-one SE sessions, as well as on the open floor. I can understand Jack Kornfield’s words in A Path With Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life: “Spiritual transformation is a profound process that doesn’t happen by accident. We need a repeated discipline, a genuine training, in order to let go of our old habits of mind and to find and sustain a new way of seeing” only because Stacey offered me those things—a new way of experiencing and seeing the world in a sustained practice. In fact, one of my favorite things about Stacey is that she likes to have us dance with our eyes open in order to really see and be present with what’s arising in us and to accept it. What’s arisen in me through my work with Stacey is that acceptance of myself, of others, and the interconnectedness of everything. It’s sometimes painful, but it’s real, and it’s powerful, and Stacey always leads me back to where it feels good again."
Stacey puts all of herself into her work, and therefore allows her students and clients to become all of themselves as well. For the first time in my life, I feel like a whole person who can experience the range of human emotions, something I have always yearned for but didn’t think was actually possible for me until doing this deep work with her. Stacey is so affirming and also challenging, which gives her work a very real healing power. She is able to hold a truly spiritual space that has brought me to profound self-transformations in one-on-one SE sessions, as well as on the open floor. I can understand Jack Kornfield’s words in A Path With Heart: A Guide Through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life: “Spiritual transformation is a profound process that doesn’t happen by accident. We need a repeated discipline, a genuine training, in order to let go of our old habits of mind and to find and sustain a new way of seeing” only because Stacey offered me those things—a new way of experiencing and seeing the world in a sustained practice. In fact, one of my favorite things about Stacey is that she likes to have us dance with our eyes open in order to really see and be present with what’s arising in us and to accept it. What’s arisen in me through my work with Stacey is that acceptance of myself, of others, and the interconnectedness of everything. It’s sometimes painful, but it’s real, and it’s powerful, and Stacey always leads me back to where it feels good again."
- Kelsay Myers, M.F.A, Writer, Artist, Teacher
Movement/Dance Testimonials
"Wow.......Wow. That's all I could say at the end of Stacey's workshop. I looked for more words and I could still find none. After Ive returned home and settled again I can now say wow and...what an experience. Stacey's skill and expertise and obvious love for this work shone in every thing that was said and shared, and how it was held and guided. Such a sensitivity and deep understanding of this work and the human journey of healing and embodiment. Lived experience was the biggest quality that touched me. Embodied guidance is what we received, and I came out deepened as a human being, more embodied and deeper connected to all that is me. I love this work. Deepest gratitude and I will surely see you again! ...Wow! Really.."
"The Bare Bones weekend dance workshop with Stacey Butcher was an amazingly profound, fun, explorative, funky, energetic, hilarious, exhilarating, releasing and calming weekend of dance, connection and community. Wow ... I so loved it!!
Thank you Stacey for facilitating such a beautiful and memorable journey. I will be forever grateful for the healing that happened as a result of the workshop and the positive changes that it has brought to my life. My mind, body and spirit had a deeply uplifting experience over the weekend. After losing my mother to cancer in my twenties I have felt a lot of sadness, loss, grief and disconnection over the past 20 years since her passing. During the workshop and the weeks following I have been able to connect back to my essence ... a true dancing spirit who is empowered, resilient and strong. I can now live my truth, shine brighter, love deeper and connect in more ways than I could ever imagine possible. I can soar like a bird ... free and unencumbered. Thank you Stacey for a life changing experience and for a weekend of amazing music, lots of laughs, new friends and incredible dance experiences. I would love to do it again one day!"
"Stacey has mastered the art of creating a safe container for movement, expression, healing, connection, and depth. I appreciate the way Stacey honors everyone in the space by putting heartfelt energy into music choices, curriculum, boundaries, and agreements for how we share space. Stacey reminds me that I'm on the floor not only to have fun and get my heart rate up, but I'm primarily there to work, practice, heal and connect."
"I attended Stacey's Inquiry in Motion recently and just wanted to acknowledge my appreciation for how Stacey created a safe gentle container for expressing my truth, whether in dances or in exercises. I had been feeling some disconnection to self when I arrived Friday night and at some point on Saturday realized that I had reconnected with heart again and found myself in deep gratitude for my dance community and Stacey for helping me make this journey so quickly. Stacey has a real gift for helping a group bond so that the full richness of a community can be accessed and ultimately integrated into self to heal."
“Inquiry In Motion (Stacey’s Open Floor & Somatic Experiencing Workshop) was such a big experience that I am still digesting the work, and will be receiving the gifts of the experience for some time to come. Before learning this approach to movement I didn't realize how often I had been "leaving my body" during Ecstatic Dance. I would allow my mind to drift, soar and escape, to carry me through uncomfortable moments. I was unpracticed in was being able to bring myself to pure sensation. In fact, it brought up emotions and compulsive responses that I would have never guessed were there. Stacey was able to hold incredibly deep space, call me back ever so gently from my pattern of escape. It felt like I was able to integrate and choose a new way of being inside my body. By the end, I not only felt empowered to be able to face and work with deep fears, but also felt incredibly supported by the group. It was an honor to experience a piece of work that was well-crafted and facilitated with a kind of grace that Stacey has embodied!”
“I attended my first Open Floor event, Inquiry in Motion, this past weekend. I am an elder and dance is my practice of remaining non-reactive with a sense of peace and happiness. Stacy provided a safe space for deep exploration. As I entered the sacred space I immediately noticed a young dancer who embodied my younger self. Her gift to me was to remember the pain in my life before I found peace and joy and mine to her was to give her the experience of joyful presence. No rehearsal our experience simply unfolded. I found all parts of my being in others and was delighted to share any part of myself to be of benefit to others. I relearned that we are all one and when I say yes to each moment the floor opens to the interconnection to all and my need to be in community of loving inquiry.”
"Stacey is incredibly gifted at holding a safe, comfortable and loving space for her students. Her classes are a blast and the sense of community is visible on the dance floor. The balance of movement and stillness in the practice that she leads really make the experience of dancing a contrast that brings about both inward inquiry and opening toward that which lies beyond the individual. "
"Stacey is a very warm and compassionate teacher who brings a unique spiritual dimension to her teaching, based on years of meditation as well as 5Rhythms teaching experience. Her workshops and classes are well-planned and very approachable for beginners or long-time students. You will find her to be very present and in the moment while running the class."
"Stacey has brought a whole new meaning to movement and expression for me. I have recently started taking her 5 rhythms classes after a long hiatus from formalized dancing. She not only creates a safe environment for self-expression but inspires movement patterns and connections to emotions that have allowed me to renew my relationship with dance and my body in an entirely new and inspiring way. She is completely devoted to this transformational work and has helped many others like myself connect, engage and process whatever they bring into class. I’m so grateful to know Stacey and for her classes."
"I have been attending the Waves of Awakening dance class weekly for many months, and it has become the highlight of my week. Stacey creates a space for us dancers to feel safe and comfortable to show up as ourselves and connect with others on the dance floor. It is so beautiful to witness people having fun, being able to freely express their joy and creative energy. I highly recommend her class for both beginning and advanced dancers alike. Come and take advantage of this special opportunity."
"Stacey creates an incredible dance and meditation space. Her classes are always mesh wonderfully with the energy I'm feeling that week. We process and move through the energy, feelings and events of the week. Through this practice, I dance through life in a way that's more graceful, solid, confident, fluid, fun and grounded. Stacey truly unites meditation with dance, and each class is a unique journey."
“I love Stacey's teaching so much -- I flew her out to Hawaii to teach for my wedding! Stacey is an amazing teacher. Many guests who had never had exposure to the 5 Rhythms or the conscience dance movement, were moved to tears. She is warm and welcoming, she leads her class beautifully, and her music is spot on. She knows when to lead with words and when to allow for quiet transformation. When someone makes something look effortless it mean an enormous amount of effort and time when into it. This is Stacey. I cannot recommend her classes enough.”
"Stacey is so welcoming and warm. I love to dance with her. Her music, her vibe, her positive energy just light me up. When I've had a hard day -- or hard month -- regardless, I feel so at ease in her classes. All of my moods and all of my moves are welcome, and that gives me the space I need to open up to whatever's next in my life. I encourage you to dance with Stacey a few times, and see what magic opens up in your life!"
"Stacey is a caring and intuitive healer and guide along the path of self-realization. I have worked with her for several years, her work always providing insightful teachings on and off the dance floor."
"Stacey's Dance sessions are rejuvenating! She provides wonderful music and amazing energy!! Her Reiki classes are life changing. I admire her knowledge and her spirit. She also conducts all that she does with a touch of humor."
"Stacey is an exceptional Teacher. Her knowledge and dedication to the practice is beautiful to witness. This dance is a healing practice and Stacey is a true healer. She is serious about the dance but allows for personal creativity and joy to shine through."
"It is a rare occasion when you can find a teacher who can hold both form and formlessness, provide guidance and allow autonomy, and work with life's paradox with such skillful grace and ease. Count yourself lucky when you do. And if you haven't had the good fortune of such an encounter, hurry to one of Stacey's classes so you can experience this particular gift. She is masterful."
"Stacey offers a deep container for movement meditation in her 5 Rhythms Class, at one presenting a cogent and powerful teaching she prepares each time and reading the room to adjust her with whatever the feel is in the movement. Her own movement through the space allows a sense of community, fun, and connection. I always leave moved and more open"
“When I leave Stacey’s class I feel dropped in, supported, and in touch with myself and my body. Parts of my life that feel ancient & permanent are starting to move. 5 Rhythms and the dance community is a magnet for healers. I was in bad shape in so many ways when I started dancing a bit over 3 years ago and have healed in so many ways. The dance saved my life.”
"I love Stacey's 5Rhythms classes. The classes allow me to dance/move like a child again... whether its because I can "skip" around or twirl, or just do whatever my body wants to do without hesitation, without some inner voice telling me I'm not doing it right. Also, I've never thought of myself as a "good" dancer - I can't do the two person lead/follow thing very well, for example, or learn dance steps well - but in 5Rhythms those messages are going away and I feel quite liberated. I feel the 5Rhythms practice moving with me in my daily life as well."
"Stacey holds the floor and the activity there with grace and poise. I never feel "agendized" or overly-facilitated... She strikes a good balance between allowing and guidance in the Rhythms... Go dance with her... she'll rock you!"
“I love Dancing to your music with the Fiery and Fierce energy you put out to share. It is so easy for me to lose my stories once captured by your music.”
“I celebrated my birthday at your Embodying the Sacred daylong, and I cannot think of a better way to have celebrated my birthday. It was a wonderful workshop that I highly recommend to anyone interested in deepening their experience of dance. What made it an especially great celebration was the sense of safe space and the beautiful, caring group of people who came from all over to attend this workshop. We didn’t want to leave each other when it was over!”
"Stacey creates a beautiful safe space. The minimal but sufficient structure allowed me to totally follow my own path into whatever it was I needed to move through and feel safe at the same time."
"From the moment you enter Stacey's healing space, you know that you will be gracefully energized. After dancing and workshops with Stacey, my wife gifted me a bodywork session, so thoughtful so perfect."
Women's Class & Workshop Testimonials
"I've done a few workshops with Stacey and can't say enough about what a supportive container she creates, and how amazing all of the women are who show up."
"I loved being part of Stacey's women's series. I could truly let everything go... no worries about what the men in the room were thinking of me.... no worries about the shape or size of my body... just a room full of women accepting each other as we are. Yay!"
'"After completing one Women in Motion series, I immediately committed to the next. It is such a treat to dance with sisters in the supportive, loving, and conscious way that Stacey facilitates. And she knows just when to encourage us to explore our edges- something for which I am truly grateful!"
"Stacey's Women in Motion class nurtures and soothes the soul. This wonderful commitment to dancing each week brings meaning and joy to my dance practice. I love dancing with so many amazing women and feel relaxed and free in their company. Stacey's lovely guidance and leadership cultivates deep feelings and transformation within. The class has been a reflective time for me and it has provided countless opportunities for expression and release. It is a creative body experience! I love and appreciate this class series, the teachings and the community. I have taken two series and will continue the next series with Stacey in the fall."
"I've recently completed a second round of Stacey's 5 Rhythms all women committed series and it has been one of the greatest gifts I've given to myself. As someone with no formal dance training and who 18 months ago was not even comfortable dancing for fun, this practice has completely changed my perception of myself and the way I present myself to others. Stacey is very down to earth and is truly passionate about not only movement practice, but she is committed to women and providing a space where women can come together and dance together. While I love dancing with men, there is something very special when it is just women. It is hard to define, but it is undeniable. It is safe, supportive, inspiring & powerful. I am able to let me guard down and try things on in this environment that I am not able to do in other ones. Each week I leave feeling like I was able to not only able to receive from the other women in the group, but I feel like I contribute as well and that give and take creates a wonderful bond that stays with me throughout the week. If you've been dancing for years, come try this class. If you've never danced before, come try this class. Women need women and this class reminds me of that every week. It reminds me of the power that women possess and has encouraged me to really strengthen the female bonds I have off the dance floor as well. Thank you Stacey for creating this space, playing kick ass music and giving your entire heart to us week after week. "
Click here to read more testimonials about Stacey's Women in Motion work.
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Bodywork Testimonials
"When i went in i was crying and in deep need of letting go of a lot of old stuff hanging around. During the session i felt everything, knew everything i needed to know and felt the exact moment my spirit came back to me. Hmmmm. Yes that is really what happened. It was soft and warm and i am grateful that i had the experience and cant wait for my next session. As i got into my car i was laughing and laughing and i felt amazing. I think i even woo hooed right outside her door into the gorgeous hills behind her studio. Stacey is the real deal and i recommend a two hour session. Lifechanging."
“Working with Stacey is a blessing. Her magical, intuitive hands ease my pain and balance and restore my energy. She’s gentle and generous with her time and knowledge, which is considerable. She’s completely devoted to her work and it shows in the results. One of the things I like best in working with her is that she’s able to combine all her trainings to be the most effective for whatever your body needs at the time. Not only do I get an hour of gentle, peaceful touch in a sacred space, I leave feeling better than when I arrived and, over the weeks of working with her, I get to see an upward trend of overall improvement.”
“To become proficient at something you must practice. Stacey embodies her practice in body, mind and spirit. She is an extraordinary healer who is engaged in multifaceted life learning, all of which enhances her practice. Multi-dimensional healing can be yours with her guidance. She can help you change and heal your body, mind and spirit. She’s come as an angel of healing several times in my life, comforting, holding tenderly, massaging me back to health. The effects of her work are felt for days, weeks, months. Make a visit to Stacey a part of your regime and speed your recovery, head toward wholeness, heal and grow.”
"Stacey is a healer, and her bodywork sessions are relaxing and resourcing. And her work is extremely effective! There are many times when Stacey has addressed my problem with lymphadema and has significantly decreased both the swelling and discomfort. She works from a foundation of knowledge in massage, reiki, and acupressure that is guided by a strong and clear intuition. And I also value her insightful use of crystals and healing stones. Stacey's own spiritual and psychological practices enhance her wisdom and skills. I always leave sessions with Stacey feeling comforted and renewed, so I recommend her enthusiastically!"
"After my session with Stacey, I feel totally relaxed, and my body feels refreshed. Stacey is an exceptional healer. I have tried other healers and none have had as positive an effect on me as Stacey. I recommend her without reservation. She has a special gift. A good friend told me about her work, and I am glad that I had the good sense to schedule an appointment."
“As a longtime fan of the therapeutic massage, Stacey introduced me to the added joys of energy work with her Reiki practice. My sessions with her are relaxing and provide a full release in areas I didn't anticipate. She has a wonderful touch and is very responsive to your individual needs. I can't recommend her highly enough.”
“Stacey's extensive training and deep insight guide her right to the source of the problem. She released me from a chronic holding pattern that was causing me physical pain and fatigue. She helped spark my healing process, when Western doctors couldn't identify the problem or a solution. I'm grateful for her gifts!”
“Stacey's talent and healing abilities are the best I have ever come across. Her extensive knowledge and background in the healing arts are synergized into a unique and powerful combination on the table. My sessions with her have really moved and transformed things for me both energetically and physically. I am amazed at her acute psychic and intuitive abilities as well. She was able to dive in and then later tell me observations that resonated with me in a way that made sense both logically and intuitively. Stacey is a must for anyone looking for a holistic therapeutic touch!”
“Stacey’s work is beyond bodywork. The union of her gifts, training and intuition has resulted in a healer who not only understands energy but is unique in working with that. Come to a session with her and leave all your preferences about healing at home.”
“I have to admit I was a little skeptical about energy healing, shamanism and crystal healing before I met Stacey. All I had ever had before was regular, deep tissue massage, which I loved, but after a session with Stacey I was far more relaxed than I had ever been with regular massage. Somehow her practice seems to allow you to totally relax. Whether it’s the crystals, acupressure, shamanic stuff or just the presence she has, she seems to help your body to let go and totally relax on its own. I found it totally relaxing and calming and helped to clear my head.”
"Stacey has a true gift for releasing stuck energy, and improving the flow of chi in the body. In my first session with her I had a sudden strong release of energy through my abdomen and low back, and my SI joint pain has continued to improve and lessen since then. Stacey's gentle manner and caring expertise put me immediately at ease, and I felt both safe and greatly nourished by her treatment. I wholeheartedly recommend her work.”
"My experiences with Stacey were not only deeply relaxing but also profoundly transformative. Through her combination of modalities and her intuitive abilities, I felt her ability to read me as an individual and then to bring forward the relevant healing tools for that given moment. Her healing gifts are both subtle and powerful."
"Stacey truly is an amazing and gifted healer. I have never experienced body work to be so transformative, especially while dealing with a chronic illness. I find her body work to be a combination of massage, energy work, and acupressure, done with a unique touch that is deeply healing--not only for my body, but for my spirit as well. Four months after moving from Berkeley and my body dearly misses the bi-monthly sessions with Stacey and her mastery of the healing arts! I highly recommend Stacey's magical touch for healing, relaxation, and movement toward inner freedom, higher consciousness, and greater awareness of the connection between your body and your mind."
"Stacey gave me my first experience with Reiki and became my first Reiki Master. Her hands and knowledge changed my life probably more than she realised. Stacey's ability to calm, balance and bring the reality of new age healing is truly transformational. Not only did she bring internal balance and clarity for me, she brought a whole new dimension to my outlook on life through her healing sessions and presence. In addition, I am blessed to have had Stacey attune me and initiating my life with renewed meaning. She was key player in bringing my life positively forward and I believe will continue to do so for many that cross her path."
"I just want to thank you so much for the amazing session I had with you...I still can't quite put how I'm feeling into words, but I think it can be best described as feeling much more at peace in my own skin. There has definitely been an internal shift that has me feeling less burdened and self-critical, among many other things...Thank you so much once again. You are awesome."
"I just wanted to drop you a note to offer you another profound thank you for the work you did on me. It really, really shifted things for me...I can't explain most of it, it's very numinous and hard to see, but certainly present...It's like a block in my psyche has cracked open, and I'm more able to feel. From this new ability to feel authentically, I'm more able to viscerally know what is a truly nurturing choice for me and what is simply covering up the muck with distraction and deeper numbing...I've been waking up more vibrant with life force energy and feeling so very good in my body. I feel like the healing session with you removed energetic blocks within me for this transformation to blossom and helped nourish positive growth. I feel like it also helped awaken the hibernating forces within me that are guiding me on this path. I'm excited to work with you again."
"Thanks so much again for the amazing treatment today! As someone who has both given and received acupuncture treatments for years, I know what a profound healing experience feels like. Honestly, it was one of the best healing treatments I have ever received. When I walked out of there today I felt like I could breathe again. I can't describe it in words, but it was a wonderful feeling. Thanks again for all the loving care you put into that treatment, and I look forward to returning soon, and of course sending others so that they may experience it as well :)"
"Stacey is an incredible massage healer and bodyworker. She is professional and provides deep, healing bodywork. I recommend her highly."
"Being a massage therapist myself, I am very picky about who works on me. Stacey is one of my favorite therapists...her intuitiveness and focus are amazing! Her touch is thorough and professional. Her ability to seek out the painful areas and restore and relax them is superlative. I can highly recommend her--she is a true healer and the world needs more of that!"
"Subtle, yet powerful, is how I would describe Stacey's work. From the moment I arrived she put me right at ease with her warm and engaging presence--making sure she understood what I was seeking in the session and answering my questions about her approach and modalities. By the time I was on the table, I knew I had a trusted ally in her. Stacey's touch may be gentle but you can feel its impact as you sink into a more relaxed state of being. Her use of healing stones and crystals was especially powerful. As we were wrapping up she gave me some intuitive hits she gleaned during our session that have been extremely helpful. But most of all I loved the difference her session made--I left feeling relaxed, open, aligned and clear. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an intuitive bodyworker to deepen and heal your relationship with your body."
"I am seeing Stacey for bodywork and healing. She is amazing! She is such a compassionate and caring person that I immediately felt comfortable telling her "my story." She is intuitive in her work and was able to sense, and then relay, information to me about my body's energy, the blockages, and ways to start to heal. I absolutely recommend her. The calmness and awareness that I felt immediately following our session helped me look deeper into what brought me to her. I look forward to more sessions with her."
"Stacey is dedicated, intuitive and gifted in her healing abilities! She eases my chronic pain conditions and balances and rejuvenates my energies~ as if by magic~ but I know it's not just magic~ she has so much training, knowledge and skill. She's generous and authentic and is now sharing her special wisdoms through teaching others. She's a blessing and I feel grateful to have found her! She's helped heal my body, with long-lasting results. Plus, it feels GOOD!"
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Reiki Class
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If you've experienced Stacey's work
and would like to write a testimonial, please click here.
Contact info ~ Phone 415.755.7905 ~ or ~ Send an email
