Thank you for your curiosity about me and Quintessence Living. I am Sherry Jean Olander, licensed DEI Trainer & Consultant and licensed Massage Therapist. Originally from Long Island, New York, I now live in Charlottesville, Virginia.
I grew up with various health issues and have always had a fascination with nature as well as people – both the inner workings of the mind and heart and the outer world of social interactions. All of this led to my interest in a more wholistic approach to health and eventually to practice massage and Dynamic Emotional Integration®.
Dynamic Emotional Integration®
I first discovered this work by hearing an interview with Karla McLaren, M.Ed, on NPR’s Fresh Air. I then read The Language of Emotions and was astonished at how much sense it made. I realized that much of the stress and heartache I had through life could have been avoided if I knew how to work with emotions in this way; it was frankly life-changing for me. Now, I am thrilled to be able to teach DEI, and am passionate about sharing these skills and information with you.
I believe that empathically honoring each person’s unique emotional experience of life is essential to helping them through their journey. By using the DEI framework, I work with you to create a space where your emotions are welcome and where you can learn to understand their wisdom. Through this process we work together to integrate your emotions and bring them into balance with your whole self.
Massage Therapy
I attribute my love of massage, in part, to my grandfather who would trade back massages with me when I was younger. I received my Associates degree in Massage Therapy from The New York College of Health Professions in 2003 and was licensed the following year. I incorporate myofascial release and trigger point work into most sessions and the focus of each massage is catered to your individual needs. Contact me to schedule an appointment. Gift certificates are also available! *Note* I am not offering massage at the current time, but hope to begin again later in the year.
Quintessence
from Merriam-Webster.com:
the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy
the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
You are not just your mind or your body; you are not just your emotions or your spirit. Your whole self is made up of all of these different aspects and this forms the basis of elemental theory. This way of looking at the self honors all your elements: mind (air), body (earth), spirit (fire), and emotions (water). The word Quintessence refers to the better-than-the-sum-of-its-parts result that emerges when all of your elements are working together. By honoring and engaging with the wisdom of each part of you, a synergy happens that allows you to Become Your Best Self.
It’s an exciting adventure and I invite you to begin today!