FAQs

  • 1- Review the Scent/Fragrance & Covid Policies
    2- Review the Frequently Asked Questions
    3- Book a session HERE

  • Nik became a certified California Massage Therapist in 2013.  Nik started their training at Esalen in 2012 and that is where their formal training to become a massage therapist started.

    You can find out more about Nik and the trainings/education they've completed HERE

    “In the Esalen massage, four basic principles are operating:
    1.     The practitioner is working with, instead of on, the client.
    2.     The massage is a moving meditation; the practitioner is committed to being as fully present as possible for the entire massage session, bringing a full-hearted, meditative presence to the table.
    3.     The practitioner is aware that a client may be affected on physical, mental, emotional or even spiritual levels.
    4.     Long, flowing strokes, integrated throughout the massage give a sense of relaxation, connection and wholeness.

    When looking at these principles more deeply, it is apparent how interrelated they are:  When a practitioner is working with, instead of on, a client, the practitioner learns to listen and respond to what he/she/[they] is feeling both in the actual tissues and on an intuitive level.  Consequently, the Esalen practitioner responds to the unique issues presented by the individual client, instead of imposing a particular protocol, from or set way of working as in some other forms of massage.  In order to successfully feel and know what is appropriate for a particular client, the practitioner needs to develop a full-hearted presence, the ability to be truly present and focused with the client, and to listen with the whole being. 

    Often, bringing this full-hearted presence to the table enables a client to feel safe enough internally to relax and let go on very deep levels.  Formerly unexpressed emotions, the holding of tissues that often follow with trapped emotions, or even held pain due to physical or emotional trauma-all have the opportunity to rise to the surface and clear from the bodymind, frequently affecting the client on more than a physical level.

    The responsibility of the Esalen practitioner is to stay fully present and provide a safe space, thus supporting the release of the pain or emotion that was originally trapped in the tissue in the body.

    The fourth principle, the long, flowing strokes in Esalen massage, not only relax and prepare clients for deeper touch, they also easily move the practitioner from one area to another are of the body, supporting the feelings of connection, integration and wholeness.  The effectiveness of the long integrating strokes is becoming more apparent as evidenced by the number of other massage modalities have begun incorporating signature Esalen strokes.”

    ~Deborah Anne Medow – Massage Magazine April 2011

  • If you cancel after 48 hours or miss an appointment, you will be expected to pay for your session in full. 

    If Nik is able to fill the space you will not be charged.  Nik asks this in order to be fair to other clients and Nik's time.

    If you are late for your session, please contact Nik to let them know.  Expect your session time to be shortened.

  • Rates:
    New Client Special 90 mins - $180
    60 mins - $150
    90 mins - $225
    120 mins - $300

    Payments:
    *Preferred payment - cash, zelle, check
    Other payment options - venmo

    I do not accept insurance, but I can write a receipt of payment that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

  • Before your session Nik will review what you shared on your intake form to get an idea of how they can best support you.

    Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your session time.

    When you arrive, there is a waiting room for you to sit and arrive before your session. Nik will offer check in to see if you need to use the bathroom before going into the massage room and always feel free to use the restroom when you arrive.

    We'll then settle into the massage space and chat about how you are, what your body needs are and how Nik can support you.

    Nik will leave the room, giving you space to undress to your comfort level. 

    (Many people ask if they should leave their underwear on or take it off, this is 100% up to you. 
    Nik often works in the gluteal muscles and there are specific ways this work can be done when using oil that Nik cannot do if fabric is there.  And there are other ways of getting into this region that Nik can do through fabric.
    Nik always uses appropriate draping during a massage session..
    And uses warmed rice bags to keep draping in place and support your comfort.)

    Before returning into the room Nik will knock/check in verbally with you to make sure it is okay that they enter.

    Nik then begins the session.

    When the session ends Nik will let you know and leave the room again. Once you are dressed and transitioned Nik will come back in so you can chat about the session (if you like), give you at home exercises, settle payment and offer to schedule a follow up session.

  • This is up to you and it's not expected.

    *When you do pay more than the base rate, you are contributing to the capacity of the adjusted rate and trans tuesday sessions I can offer.

  • Instructions to order a Gift Certificate...

    Step 1 - Contact Info
    Send following information to BodyCuriosity@gmail.com
    •Name/Email of person being gifted
    •Your name and any personalized message you’d like included.
    •The amount of money you’d like to gift
    •How you'd like the GC to be delivered (emailed to you, to the person receiving, if USPS, please include physical address or PO Box)

    Step 2 - Send Payment
    •Zelle (BodyCuriosity@gmail.com)
    •Cash (Dropped off in person)
    •Check (Mailed to Niksen Kurtz 6950 Commerce Blvd Suite 5, Rohnert Park, CA 94928)

    •If none of the above options work Venmo is available @Niksen-Kurtz
    *Please add 3% to toåtal for fee.  If you are using non-service (friends/family) and no fee is charged you do not need to add the additional 3%.

    Step 3 - Confirmation
    Once both steps have been taken you will receive a PDF Gift Certificate attachment or you will be CC'd in the email to the person gifted.  If USPS, you will receive an email confirmation when the certificate has been mailed.

  • Yes!
    Head on over to my Last Minute Appointment Notification Form and when a session opens up, I will contact you.  Available for both Albany and Rohnert Park Locations.

  • Rohnert Park
    2 Padre Parkway, Suite 302-B
    Inside Gary Peterson’s Wellness Professions Office

    There is a parking lot with ample free parking.

  • IMPORTANT... Nik is allergic to scents and chemicals, including but not limited to perfumes & cologne, laundry detergent, essential oils and shampoos.  I ask folks to please come in as fragrant/scent free as possible to your session.
    Also, some staff members and patients of BAP/LTC   have allergies and if they are exposed it cause physical reactions, sometimes causing them to have to leave the space.

    Things that can help are; if you are going to shower the day of your appointment don't use scented soaps, shampoos, lotions, don't put deodorant on right before coming in and if you've had your hair recently dyed or treated wear a cloth wrap to contain any scents.  Let me know if you have questions and here is a link to my website that has more details and resources ... Scent and Fragrance Free practice.

  • Physical Access:
    There are two entrances to the building, one is on the south side and has double doors, it is closest to the stairs.  The other is on the north side of the building, is a single door and it is closest to the elevator.  It is locked and I need to come down and open that one for you, please text or email 24 hours in advance to arrange this.

    Bathroom:
    The office building is three floors, there are gender neutral bathrooms are on the first and third floors.  

  • Yes, I prioritize BIPOC, Disabled / Chronically Ill and Trans / Gender Expansive Folks.

    Please read the info below and if all sounds good please email Nik at BodyCuriosity@gmail.com. to schedule a session or be added to the waitlist if these sessions are full.

    *     If you are employed, working part time and/or are retired and have and/or live on inherited/generational wealth, investments, assets, own your own home, Nik asks that you please pay the standard rate. Paying the standard rate and anything above is what allows Nik to offer adjusted scale sessions and at what capacity.

    How it works-
    •If Nik has availability you will schedule your first session at the adjusted scale rate $60-$200.
    (If Nik does not have availability you will be asked if you’d like to be added to the waitlist and as soon as a spot opens up they will contact you.)

    After receiving your first session and you and Nik agree to proceed with working together…
    •Nik will ask you to come in 1 X / month for a 90 min session for 6 months.
    •If you are unable to schedule a session for any month, please let Nik know via email or text, as they hold these spots for you. These spots are limited, so if you do not show up for 2 months and do not contact Nik, they may fill your spot with someone from the waiting list and you will go back on the waiting list.
    •You will set your adjusted scale rate and receive a personalized link for you to book your sessions.
    ...Nik asks that you take the time to assess your financial situation (historical, present and future), access or non-access to different types of privilege, if you are employed, underemployed or cannot work due to health/disabilities.
    Here is an income based scale that can be helpful for reference:
    $0-$20,000 yearly income = $60-$80 per massage session
    $20,001-$40,000 yearly income = $80-$110 per massage session
    $40,001-$70,000 yearly income= $110-$200 per massage session

    Nik asks that you give from the heart and that you take some time to asses what would be accessible for you.
    •After 6 months, if there are folks on the waiting list your sessions will end and you can re-add yourself to the list.

    If my standard rate is not accessible for you and you'd like to receive monthly sessions or you have further questions please email Nik at BodyCuriosity@gmail.com

    Nik also offers Trans Tuesdays. 
    The 4th Tuesday of every month
    90 min sessions for $100.
    Find out more HERE

  • Nik only speaks English fluently and speaks some conversational Spanish.
    Nik understand this limits who has access and who might feel comfortable coming in for a session.
     
    If you'd like to come in or have a family member or friend come in who doesn't speak English you are welcome to set up someone to translate important information for you.  They are welcome to come to the intake part of the session, stay the whole time or join us via telephone.

    I am not able to pay for translators.

  • Nik is following Covid guidelines and regulations and will continue to stay in contact as things shift to give you the most up to date information. 

    Here is what you can expect from me; I am fully vaccinated, test regularly, will be wearing an N95/KN95 mask, run air purifiers, wash my hands regularly, sanitize the space between each session and I will be doing everything I can to create a relaxing space for you.

    Nik uses PureGreen24 (an EPA approved disinfectant to kill Covid-19) to disinfect massage table and chairs surfaces and alcohol to disinfect door nobs and other surfaces.
    Portable Hepa filter in the room.

    What I ask of you:
    • ALL clients must wear N95/KN95 or equivalent during sessions, regardless of vaccination status.
    •AirQUEEN masks are available (no additional cost) if needed.
    • If you are having flu/covid symptoms please call to reschedule (if you need to cancel after the 48 hour cancellation policy we can adjust your appointment to a virtual session)
    •If you have specific immune-compromised needs I encourage you to book the first session of the day and to message me to talk about any concerns or access needs you have.

  • No.
    Nik asks that you please cancel/reschedule sessions if you have any of the following symptoms:

    •Fever or chills
    •Cough
    •Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    •Fatigue
    •Muscle or body aches
    •Headache
    •New loss of taste or smell
    •Sore throat
    •Congestion or runny nose
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Diarrhea

    *If you cancel outside the 48 hour cancellation policy we will adjust your session to a virtual appointment.

  • Nik, your massage therapist uses they/them pronouns.
    More information about Why Pronouns Matter

    Some examples of how to use "they/them" in a sentence:

    "I went to get a massage from Nik yesterday and their table was so cozy, I look forward to seeing them again next week."

    "Hey, my massage therapist moved locations, they are now at the Berkeley Acupuncture Project in Albany.  You can find them by searching their name on google!"

    "I'm so excited I just got a massage from Nik at their new location in Rohnert Park, you should try them out.  They are great."

    And here are some great resources to learn more:

    •Trans 101- videos
    https://trans101.org.au/video1.html

    •Trans     Intimate - Knowing us deeper than our pronouns
    www.transintimate.com

  • I love hearing your questions!
    You can email me at BodyCuriosity@gmail.com