Episode 37: When Words Escape Us - Rethinking Consent, Boundaries, and Connection in Dementia Massage with Nicolle Mitchell - Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up for clients when you’re scraping the bottom of your own energy barrel, this episode’s going to hit home. Nicolle Mitchell opens up about what actually shifts the quality of care for people living with dementia—not just fancy hands-on techniques, but the real, relational groundwork: slowing down, truly attuning, and making consent a living, breathing part of every interaction. 

The biggest takeaway? Sustainable, nervous system-aligned practice isn’t about doing more, it’s about carving out genuine space for connection, boundaries, and curiosity. And honestly, that’s what lets you stay present without burning out (even if the work gets heavy). This episode is full of real tools and permission to check in with yourself, not just your clients—so you can keep showing up, in a way that actually feels good.

Click here to explore more of Nicolle’s work! 

If you’re a massage therapist who wants your practice to feel sustainable again, the Sustainable Bodyworker Membership is where we go deeper. Inside you’ll find practical tools, honest conversations, and support for building a practice that actually works for your body and your life. Click here to learn more and join us.

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The ideas and techniques shared by our guests on the Sustainable Bodyworker Podcast are their own unique perspectives and don’t necessarily reflect those of Gretchen Popp or the Sustainable Bodyworker team or community as a whole.

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