Important Update: Rebranding & Massage Services Pause & New Entrance

Rebranding

Exciting changes are coming! Westwood Masseuse is rebranding as Soma House as part of Farnaz’s transition into clinical counseling. As of May 2025, massage services will be paused while she works with regulatory bodies to ethically integrate massage as somatic therapy. More details will be shared in March/April 2025.

Below, you’ll find treatment descriptions and pricing. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Wellness Spending Account (WSA), our services may be covered—please check with your benefits provider for confirmation. we look forward to seeing you soon!

New Entrance to Westwood Masseuse/Soma House

The new entrance to our practice is now off of Ashlee Road. You can still park along Dawkins Lane, but there will be parking in front of the new entrance as I have taken over the suite and the new space is ready for you! Look for the stairs with a handrail and the lawn signs for both Westwood Masseuse and Soma House on Ashlee Road.

Consultations

Of all the counsellors out there, how do you find the one who truly feels right for you? It’s an important decision, and I know it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I set aside time each week for you to connect with me—no pressure, no commitment—just a chance to see if we’re the right fit. Let’s take the time to discover if this is the right space for you.


Individual Counselling

Farnaz uses an integrative approach, meaning she tailors therapy to your unique needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method. She draws from evidence-based modalities to create a personalized plan that supports your healing journey in a way that feels right for you.


Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy consists of eight phases, each designed to help individuals process distressing memories and develop healthier responses. Here’s a brief overview: 1) History-Taking – The therapist gathers information about the client’s history, identifies target memories, and develops a treatment plan. 2) Preparation – The therapist explains EM... Read More

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy consists of eight phases, each designed to help individuals process distressing memories and develop healthier responses. Here’s a brief overview:

1) History-Taking – The therapist gathers information about the client’s history, identifies target memories, and develops a treatment plan.

2) Preparation – The therapist explains EMDR, builds trust, and teaches relaxation techniques to help the client manage distress.

3) Assessment – The client selects a target memory and identifies related emotions, beliefs, and body sensations.

4) Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) is used to process the memory until it becomes less distressing.

5) Installation – Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace negative ones linked to the traumatic memory.

6) Body Scan – The client checks for any remaining physical tension or discomfort related to the memory and continues processing if needed.

7) Closure – The therapist ensures the client feels stable and provides coping strategies to use between sessions.

8) Reevaluation – In later sessions, the therapist checks progress, revisits any remaining distress, and adjusts the treatment as needed.

Each phase builds on the last, helping clients process trauma in a safe and structured way.


Yoga

Melody is a talented and compassionate Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher utilizing somatic and restorative yoga practices. She is dedicated to guiding clients on a transformative journey of emotional healing and self-awareness. Her approach integrates the powerful principles of Somatic yoga and Restorative yoga and the practice of Kundalini yoga to cultivate balance within, self-compassion and u... Read More

Melody is a talented and compassionate Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher utilizing somatic and restorative yoga practices. She is dedicated to guiding clients on a transformative journey of emotional healing and self-awareness. Her approach integrates the powerful principles of Somatic yoga and Restorative yoga and the practice of Kundalini yoga to cultivate balance within, self-compassion and understanding, inner peace, mind-body connection, and conscious awareness.


Couples Counselling


Extending Session Counselling

Farnaz, the Bodyworker at Westwood Masseuse, grew up in a war-torn country and understands firsthand the impact of trauma on the body and mind. Through her own journey recovering from a car accident, she saw the impact that massage, movement, and mindfulness had on regaining mobility and relieving muscle tension and stress.

Certified in deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and Ayurvedic head massage, Farnaz is currently a graduate student studying counselling psychology. Once she completes her master’s, her goal is to integrate bodywork with therapy to address both physical pain and emotional well-being in her future practice. Please note that Farnaz is not an RMT, so her services are not covered by benefits providers.

Farnaz, the Bodyworker at Westwood Masseuse, grew up in a war-torn country and understands firsth... Read More

Melody is a compassionate Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher specializing in somatic and restorative practices. She guides clients on a transformative journey of emotional healing, self-awareness, and mind-body connection. With a focus on trauma-sensitive yoga and pelvic floor support, Melody creates a safe, inclusive space for deep relaxation and self-discovery. Her intuitive teaching style fosters balance, inner peace, and empowerment, helping individuals release stress and connect to their true selves. At Soma House, her classes go beyond physical postures, offering mindfulness, reflection, and profound restoration.

Melody is a compassionate Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher specializing in somatic and restorativ... Read More

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Soma House - Counselling & Wellness (Starting May 2025)
Located at: 238 Dawkins Ln, Suite B - Entrance off of Ashlee Road (Corner of Dawkins Ln and Ashlee Rd) , Nanaimo
Directions & Map | All Locations