“How do you do really sensitive work in a deep way?”
This question from Jessica Fagan speaks directly to the focus of her two upcoming workshops at Still Point Wellness. This November, we welcome Jessica back to Asheville to explore the neck, shoulders, abdomen, and psoas, helping massage therapists develop greater skill and confidence in areas that call for thoughtful, sensitive touch.
Jessica brings more than 30 years of bodywork experience and a background in Eastern and Western body therapies, psychology, and the arts. Her connection with Esalen began in 1997, when she joined the Institute’s Healing Arts department
In a recent conversation with our co-owner, Robin Fann-Costanzo, she shared how these classes bring together detailed structural work, awareness of the whole body, and responsiveness to the person receiving touch.
Specialized Esalen® Massage: Neck and Shoulders
November 13, 2026 | 8 CE credits
Working with the neck requires anatomical understanding, careful pacing, and sensitivity. This workshop focuses on techniques with the receiver lying face up, exploring how the neck, shoulders, and chest work together and how their muscular and structural relationships influence balance. The class also considers the emotional and energetic dimensions of these areas.
In the interview, Jessica described an approach that moves gradually from superficial to deeper work, alternating soothing, comforting strokes with focused structural techniques. Throughout the session, she stays attentive to the receiver’s breath, hands, and whole-body response.
“We’re responding moment to moment to what needs to happen,” she explains.
That response might be a pause, a change in pace, or a return to lighter contact. The class offers practitioners an opportunity to refine this sensitivity alongside their technical skills, bringing greater care and confidence to neck and shoulder work.
November 14–16, 2026 | 24 CE credits
Core Connection is a three-day intensive exploring the abdomen and psoas through the attentive, whole-body approach of Esalen Massage. For massage therapists looking to build confidence working with these sensitive areas, the class offers time to deepen your understanding and expand your approach to focused structural work.
In her conversation with Robin, Jessica described working gradually, incorporating breath and imagery, and allowing time for the receiver to soften.
“Esalen Massage lends itself to metaphors and, as an expressive arts therapist, I think it’s such a beautiful place, connecting to a fluid-like nature in the abdomen, working with the breath. And I think that’s why we see a lot of emotional release happening in this area.”
Her approach also speaks to a question many therapists encounter: how to remain grounded and supportive when emotion arises during bodywork. Through attention to pacing, pauses, and the receiver’s responses, practitioners can explore how to bring depth and sensitivity together, developing skills they can carry into their own sessions.
We hope to welcome you
At Still Point, our massage practice is rooted in Esalen-inspired touch and deepened through advanced training and mentorship. Welcoming Jessica reflects our commitment to bringing world-class instruction to Asheville and creating opportunities for massage therapists to refine their skills, build confidence, and find fresh inspiration in their work.
We invite you to join us this November to deepen your practice alongside a community of dedicated bodyworkers.
