Learn to really listen to your body — and your partner

Girl looking down massaging someone in a white shirt

A story you reach your neck for

Have you ever noticed how the body says “no” before we do?

The other day I had a couple here for one of my couple massage workshops. The wife, let's call her Sarah, wanted to start by giving, so her husband Pete, it being her birthday gift and all, laid down first.

When we started working on his neck and gently tried to turn it, Pete said: “No sorry, this only goes so far.” His neck only turned about 20% sideways, his face grimacing with discomfort.

For the next half hour, we worked just on his neck.

And as we did, something beautiful unfolded: Space was created. It was like one long extended exhale.

It became so clear how his body had been adapting all this time—how his shoulders moved along with every turn, as if neck and shoulders had become one.

His body had been holding the weight for him.



Emotion= Energy in motion

It made me think of how many of us walk around with adjusted bodies.

Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk, and so many others have shown how our bodies literally hold emotions—in our muscles, fascia, and organs. And when we don’t feel fully safe to express something, we hold it in.



That can be as simple as:

  • Swallowing anger at a colleague’s comment and act nice in the office.

  • Pushing down sadness because “I should be over it by now”

  • Distracting ourselves quickly after being startled by a car driving suddenly past you

  • Numbing work stress with endless scrolling at night.



But emotion is simply energy in motion. If we don’t give it space to move, it settles into our tissues.

Over time, this creates stiffness, pain, and disconnection.

During the workshop, Pete realized: his body wasn’t just being “annoying”—it was speaking to him. It was saying: “Hey, something needs to be felt here. Please take time for me.”

They both left excited, understanding how she could now help him with these pains—and in return, receive regular massages herself 😉.

Women and man massaging the legs of another woman on the table

Couple massage workshops

This is exactly what I love about the couple massage workshops. They’re not just about techniques, but about learning to listen to the body—yours and your partner’s—and finding a way back to connection.

Here’s what Fabrizia shared after her workshop:

“It was an incredible experience. The workshop was exceptionally detailed and professional, providing thorough instructions that were easy to follow. Iza’s approach was both constructive and practical, making it simple to replicate the techniques at home. The atmosphere was cozy and comfortable, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment. Iza’s great energy and engaging conversations made the session even more enjoyable. Overall, I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend Iza’s workshops to anyone looking for a meaningful and enriching experience.”



Or Tony:

“No wonder Iza gets 5 star reviews, she’s just the best massage tutor/teacher. Very genuine person with total understanding of the massage process. She communicates clearly with a friendly and engaging personality. Highly recommend!’'



If you feel your body (or your partner’s) is carrying something too, this might be the perfect way to explore together.

  • Who: Any couple wanting to connect deeper and learn a skill that lasts a lifetime

  • Price: €310 per couple (private workshop, no experience needed)

  • Bonus: You’ll also receive my signature online couple massage course for free (value €89), to keep practicing at home

  • Bonus: Receive a 73+ page ebook with the massage steps + much more. (value €55)

The Online Couple Massage Course

💻 Prefer to stay cozy at home or don’t live nearby? You can also join the Couple Massage Course fully online — with the same powerful practices, guided at your own pace.

In case you first would love a preview of what the course entails, try out the Couple Face massage tutorial for free

Your body always has something to say. Sometimes, all it takes is slowing down and listening—together.

With warmth,

Iza

-

 
 

Want to continue talking for free?

Let’s explore how working with your body can help you feel more grounded, clear, and calm.

Book a free discovery call today and see if it’s the right fit for you.


 

Read more Stories With Ease

Mastering Stress and Overwhelm while Working - The power of the moments in between

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance that genuinely suits me is nowadays all about "the moments in between." For a long time, I considered this balance in a "work-hard-play-hard" manner…

Read more

A Journaling Exercise to Face Your Scariest Thoughts with Clarity and Ease

Today, I want to share a practice that has helped me countless times over the past year in navigating anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most overwhelming emotions I experience, and at times, it feels terrifying to look inward and truly face what’s there…

Read more

What to expect from an Mind-Body Reset™ class?

We’ll combine breath-work, somatic shaking, self-massage and reflective journaling. Together these tools help your nervous system unwind, release tension (physical and emotional), and activate your natural capacity to self-regulate.

Read more


Previous
Previous

Holding a professional space as a massage therapist

Next
Next

What to expect from an Mind-Body Reset™ class?