Meet
Pam Fichtner, RMT

The seeds to me venturing into the field of massage therapy began after I received my sociology degree, my Bachelor of Arts and worked up North as a social worker. I then moved to Vancouver BC to work at the Downtown East side Women's Centre. It was challenging but rewarding work with women- many of whom were living in poverty on the streets or in single occupancy hotels, most struggling with addictions, after having lived with experiences of childhood sexual assault, and domestic violence. Many women were also first nations, coming from reserves in the north into the city and not being fully supported by the social network. Basically, women were experiencing racism and sexism at its extreme.

I found it meaningful supporting and getting to know the women from the centre; however there was one missing piece with all the talk that we shared between us and that was touch. I found that just putting my hand on their shoulders or arms or giving them a hug, it made such a difference in their lives- more than words could say. It was through this understanding after working there for a few years that I came to realize that I wanted to work in the field of touch- to become a massage therapist and be of support in a different way. I had experienced massage therapy treatments myself, for general relaxation and to heal from various car accidents, which I found to be quite helpful. I also had received craniosacral therapy and reiki sessions which were crucial in my own healing journey.

Initially, I worked in a variety of places to gain experience with massage therapy- a spiritual healing centre, a drop-in Gathering Place in downtown Vancouver, a Spa, a rehabilitation center, along with offering sessions to various non-profit women’s groups. It was a time of honing my skills for a few years until I decided to open my own healing centre, Sephira Healing in Vancouver, with a focus on women’s health. It was, and still is, important for me to name, acknowledge and lift up women’s health concerns, and how massage therapy might help to alleviate some symptoms in each area: Breast Health, Body Trauma, Bone Health-Osteoporosis, Reproductive Health, Eating Disorders and Heart health, including supporting LGBTQ people. Sephira Healing Centre in Vancouver operated for about 4 years until I became a mother and we decided to move back to Saskatoon to be near my family.

I chose the name Sephira because she is the goddess of divine intelligence and creativity- that which permeates everything. This symbolism is the guiding light for me for the healing with my treatment room, encouraging people to connect to the divine wisdom within their own bodies. To me, it's about acknowledging that people's bodies have their own wisdom and when I take the time to listen to them, to work with the client in my treatment room, then we can notice what comes up for them and work together to come to resolution in a variety of ways for them. Recently adding in my Somatic Experiencing training, I have received a certificate in supporting clients to heal from their trauma experiences in a body-centered way. It is through this lens that I hold space for my clients to deepen into their body felt experience and let go of any tensions in their bodies on all levels.

Since moving back to Saskatoon in 2003, I continued to deepen my practise and have enjoyed every minute of it! One of the quotes that I have on the wall in my treatment room is: I know that touch was and still is and always will be the true revolution by Nikki Giovanni. For me, it means bringing change not only to tissue but also to the mental, emotional and spirit self. It is what led me to working in this field. I have seen immense change, growth and healing in my treatments over the years and continue to provide various new ways to be effective in supporting and nourishing my clients.

May it inspire you to connect at a deeper level to that inner knowing of self as you come for a healing session with me.

Guiding ethos:

Connecting to your Spirit Within