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The story behind the story of Casa Therpie™ began in Melbourne.
I was caring for my elderly mother with dementia in an aged care home. An understaffed and overwhelmed system unfortunately only provides basic needs care, leaving many residents deprived of the love, care and profound healing which touch therapy can provide. Similarly family members often feel powerless..

For several months, multiple days a week, I visited to help care for my mother using my therapeutic skills in bodywork healing, desiring desperately to bring as much comfort, love, connection and care possible, despite the difficult circumstances and conditions. This emotional experience was transformative for me and my beloved mother in a matter of weeks, proving the healing power of touch.

Over the course of a few months, I (and the nurses) witnessed almost miraculous changes – in my mother’s (Meropi) cognition and physical health. Upon learning that dysphagia was preventing her mother from eating well or at all, I proceeded to use my knowledge about the body, pathologies, anatomy, physiology, symptoms and techniques – all to help improve functions contributing to swallowing and intake of food.

I designed a treatment for my mother that used a special type of touch therapy of I specialise in, which uses gentle motions on the soft tissues (Bowen Therapy), included mobilisation techniques to reduce the spasticity my mother had, relaxation massage for the face, acupressure to stimulate meridian pathways, reflexology, aromatherapy and some movement techniques : a blend of many skills of which I had gained throughout my long career in bodywork and natural health.

In a short time, much to the surprise and delight of staff, my mother gained weight for the first time since arriving (I also spent hours to feed her nutrient dense foods on each visit), and showed visible signs of improvement and vitality.

It is generally accepted in medicine that late stage dementia typically has a poor prognosis. This never deterred me in my quest nor my mother, in receiving my undivided attention and healing touch – touch that sent ripples of love into her days. And so, the final several months of my mothers life were filled with love, care, comfort, less pain, and a significant period of improvement.

When her time seemed to approach nearer for her transition, I continued to give love and comfort through the healing therapies – providing for a comfortable and loving process to lead mum into the journey of the afterlife.

Being able to treat my mother for many, many months in resident care – with what I have now named Casa Therapie™  – was the greatest, most fulfilling and nurturing gift for mother and daughter to experience, connecting us always and for eternity.

It is from this emotional and heart-filled experience that I decided to teach my integrated method of healing for the elderly.  The therapies provided not only pain relief, but also connection, comfort and dignity for my mother during an otherwise difficult time of discomfort, fear, disconnection and isolation.
Casa Therapie™ is in memory of and dedicated to my beloved mother, Meropi Petridis.

May your loved one also experience the healing power of touch.