About Megan
Megan Farnsworth, PhD utilizes her Licensed Massage Therapy (LMT), Oncology, and WATSU® certifications to listen to and witness her clients' embodied stories. Megan provides comprehensive client wellness with educational and somatic tools, with focus on Trauma-Informed Care and regulating the nervous system. She earned her PhD in Multicultural Special Education (University of Arizona), and was an educator in K-12 schools for 10 years, and in post-secondary institutions for 14 years. Dr. Farnsworth's current academic research explores the ways self-regulation and self-advocacy builds safety, dignity and resilience, which are needed for belonging and co-regulation with others.
Megan also taught swim lessons for 25 years with her mother and sisters at the Farnsworth Swim School, which cultivated a deep aquatic familial bond. In 2012, Megan experienced a tragic loss, and fell to the bottom of a raging sea. Through the healing of aquatic therapy, she slowly floated back to the surface, returning to her aquatic roots. As an educator, she is now fulfilling her dream of combining education with Aquatic Bodywork for trauma release.
Megan's research has been published in 10 peer-reviewed academic journals, as well as co-authoring one textbook, Determining difference from disability (Routledge, 2018).
Click to view book on RoutledgeFor more information on Megan's certifications see Integrated Resume:
Integrated ResumeTo see full academic history and publications, see Curriculum Vitae:
Curriculum Vitae
WATSU®
Aquatic Shiatsu
A passive form of aquatic therapy that supports and gently moves a person through warm water in graceful, fluid movements. This aquatic bodywork applies the stretches of Zen Shiatsu, which releases blockages along the body's meridians through which our lifeforce flows. WATSU® is based on being with another and stretching, which oxygenates the muscles and increases flexibility and range of motion. Warm water provides continuous support to free the spine, which takes the weight off the vertebrae and relaxes the muscles. Gentle movements relieve the pressure a rigid spine places on the nerves. The receiver experiences greater flexibility and freedom during and after the session. WATSU® has profound effects on the neuromuscular system, including decreased heart rate, increased depth of respiration, increased smooth muscle activity (improving digestion), and an enhanced immune system response.
What to expect in a water session
Please bring towel, swimsuit, and toiletries for after-session shower. Pool is maintained between 94 - 96°F.
Therapy Pool and massage room is located in a home in a residential area near Jacksonville, Oregon. Address will be given after services are agreed upon and payment is made.
1. Arrival
Please arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled time (if possible) to take in the magnificent view of the Rogue Valley! Leave most personal belongings in your car. Walk down the concrete stairs to the front door of the house. Knock, and meet Megan to begin connection and intake process.
2. Land Session (approx. 10 mins)
Together we will talk through the intake form and create a session plan. Client will then take a cleansing shower and walk to the dome.
3. Water Pre-session (approx. 3 - 5 mins)
Megan will meet client at the door to the dome and show area to hang up towel. As you walk into the pool, notice sensory information (what you see, hear, smell, and feel of the water). This "orienting" brings awareness to our bodies and establishes conditions for setting intention(s) for the session. If client desires, they can set an intention quietly, or with words, shared or private. Megan will walk client around the pool affirming the pool depth (4.5 feet) and client's ability to be always in control of the session (e.g., can stand up at any time, stop session say "stop," if uncomfortable, etc.), give beginning instructions, offer ear plugs and place floats on legs.
4. Water Session (40 or 60 mins)
Megan will gently lower client into water in horizontal resting position, allowing water to support client, and adjusting client's neck and head as needed on Megan's arm, as "pillow." The water will be on client's cheeks and may come up to corners of eyes and around mouth, with nose always above the water. If the water feels too close to client's nose or eyes, clients should make their own adjustments to stay above water in comfortable, relaxed way. Session will involve movements, gentle stretches, and pauses. When client feels the wall against their back, Megan will place their feet on the floor, so they will know the session has ended.
5. Post water session (approx. 5 - 8 mins)
After a session, some people may wish to talk about their experience, and some may not. Either is great. Client will be offered water and walk around pool to ground before exiting. They will gather belongings and return to shower (if desired).
For most people, WATSU® is a deeply relaxing experience. However, everyone responds differently. Sometimes it evokes strong responses, feelings or memories. People laugh or cry, and everything in between. Each person has their own unique experience, whatever it is, and is exactly what is meant to be.