Sue Coughtry, L.M.T. Licensed Massage Therapist, CranioSacral Therapist, Reiki Master / Teacher Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor, Certified Music Practitioner, Certified Fitness Trainer

Sue Coughtry, L.M.T.

Licensed Massage Therapist, CranioSacral Therapist, Reiki Master / Teacher Tai Chi / Qigong Instructor, Certified Music Practitioner, Certified Fitness Trainer

Reiki Master and Massage Therapist Sue Coughtry

While I was studying for my Bachelor's degree in biology in the 1970s, I read a National Geographic article about China. In that article there was a photograph of a woman who, while undergoing open-heart surgery, was awake and sipping orange juice from a straw. The only anesthesia being used was acupuncture. That opened my mind to the realization that Western science and medicine were not the only viable paths and did not hold all the answers.

I was fortunate to be able to stay home to raise my children. During this time I was extensively researching alternative and complementary health care modalitites. Over the years my family and I have relied on homeopathy, herbs, vitamins and nutritional supplements, acupressure, Reiki and therapeutic touch; our need for conventional medicine had always been minimal. I began to realize I wanted to use this knowledge to help others.

During this same time period I discovered and taught myself the Celtic harp. Music has been essential to me since I was 8 years old, and the Celtic harp was the instrument I had been seeking my entire life with which I could really express my soul. Medieval and folk music of the British Isles played on harp brings me comfort, peace, and inspiration. This became my profession, playing for weddings and various special events, which I still do.

I became interested in using the harp for healing after I played for my father-in-law as he was dying of cancer. The music visibly soothed his pain and agitation, and he passed on peacefully a few hours later. I was in awe the power of the music as I played for him. I felt that it wasn't me playing; that the music was coming through me into him.

That encouraged me to enter the Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP) to learn to play at the bedside of the ill and dying as a Certified Music Practitioner. I have found that live music can be such a powerful ally in the healing process, creating the space for someone in pain or stress to dramatically relax, which allows for healing at a much deeper level. It can also bring a deep comfort to the dying. I was so impressed with the MHTP program that I joined its faculty upon graduating. For years I have offered healing sessions including live harp music therapy followed by Reiki. The two blend together so well, each working on different vibratory and energetic levels, complementing each other.

I became interested in pursuing a college degree in massage therapy because most of my personal health problems over the years have stemmed from poor posture and muscle imbalances. I found that I truly loved giving massages - feeling tight muscles loosen and relax under my hands as I worked: seeing my clients leave feeling so much better than when they arrived.

I was inspired to learn how many medical benefits there are to massage. I especially enjoyed learning Shiatsu, since that is based on the Asian philosophies of healing that had influenced me so many years before. A turning point in the emphasis of my work came when I entered a training program in CranioSacral Therapy from the prestigious Upledger Institute. I am amazed at how effective it is while relying on such gentle touch. I love blending all that I have learned to be of service and bring comfort to my clients.

I do not see myself as a “healer.” Rather, I facilitate and support a person's own healing journey. I feel that this work is truly sacred work and I am honored every time a person trusts me to work with them, be it through bodywork or music. Each person is an individual on his or her own unique path to health and wellness, and I assist each person along that path with whatever combination of skills that I can offer.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of the team of health professionals at the Center for Integrative Health and Healing. Working as part of this special team of practitioners in an integrative environment allows me to offer even more possibilities to my patients so that they can achieve the health goals they are seeking.

Experience

NYS Licensed Massage Therapist
Nationally Certified in Massage Therapy and Bodywork; National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Massage Therapy; Columbia-Greene Community College
CranioSacral Therapy Training; Upledger Institute
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology; SUNY Geneseo
Professional Celtic Harpist
Certified Music Practitioner; Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP)
Certified Reiki Master/Teacher
Certified Personal Fitness Trainer; American Council on Exercise (ACE)