Meet the Owlfinches
We both trained in holistic massage at one of the country’s top massage colleges, learning to combine anatomical understanding with the best of Swedish, deep tissue and more subtle techniques with a focus on always putting the person first.
Specifically, we both hold a Level 4 Diploma in Holistic Massage, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology from the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork, accredited by the Massage training Institute (MTI). As members of MTI, we hold ourselves to a high standard of practice and professionalism.
We massage people, not bodies. We always connect with clients as individuals and adapt your massage according to what you need in the moment. It’s a creative process, not just following a routine, and we take into account your emotional as well as physical needs.
Our cozy, spacious treatment room at The Alma Vale Centre.
We have one of the few therapy rooms in Bristol where you and a loved one can get a massage together, at the same time.
As far as we know, it’s actually the only one where the therapists working with you aren’t just colleagues who happen to be on the same shift, but real-life partners who share a deep connection and have been learning and practising together since the beginning. We doubt you’ll get a cosier, more soothing experience anywhere else.
Phaedra (she/they)
Phaedra Owlfinch (she/they) is an MTI Registered, fully qualified professional Massage Therapist, having trained at the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork (BCMB). There she cultivated a deeper awareness of what it is like to be in her body, and wants to pass that on to others to help them achieve deep, embodied relaxation.
In her training in Psychology (BSc) and counselling (PGCert), she has learnt how connected the mind and the body truly are, and the importance of physical presence and touch in safety. She values consent, boundaries and communication in all treatments she offers, and wants to work towards achieving true relaxation by befriending the entire body.
She draws from principles of Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, the Polyvagal Theory, and other approaches to massage and therapy in her work, and is continuously learning and expanding her toolkits.
Her intention always is to be accepting and welcoming of everyone, and to develop an anti-oppressive practice. She is nonbinary and disabled and always strives to create a safe space for outsiders like her. Managing Type 1 Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, and Neurodivergence daily, she knows the importance of doing all we can to cope and take care of ourselves. .
In her spare time, Phaedra engages in a wide variety of shifting hobbies - most of which are creative, theatrical or playful in some way.
My Qualifications:
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Psychology (BSc Hons) - 2016
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Counselling Psychology (Grad Cert) - 2017
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The Care Certificate - 2018
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Holistic Massage & Bodywork Diploma (Level 4, BCMB) - 2021
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How to Become a Trauma-Savvy Practitioner (SCMT) - 2022
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CPD - Chair Massage (BCMB) - 2022
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CPD - Alleviating Headaches (BCMB) - 2022
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CPD - Acupressure Facial Therapy (BCMB) - 2023
Adriano (he/they)
Adriano Owlfinch (he/they) is an MTI Registered, fully qualified professional Massage Therapist, having trained at the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork (BCMB).
Adriano is fascinated by the infinite complexity of the human body and its connections to the mind. They love that something as deceptively simple as offering touch to the soft tissues of the body can have such profound effects on our stress, sleep, mood, pain, injury recovery, posture, movement.
Their focus is to connect with clients as individuals and adapt the massage according to what the client needs in the moment. They see it as a creative process, not just following a routine, and take into account emotional as well as physical needs.
A book called The Body Keeps the Score was instrumental in attracting Adriano to massage. They have been amazed by how massage can access the profound connection between body and mind when it comes to holding on to and processing trauma, chronic stress, and anxiety.
Their intention is to provide a safe, comfortable place where you can inhabit your own self, and experience the healing that massage from a safe, comfortable pair of hands can provide.
In their spare time, Adriano plays table-top role-playing games, makes podcasts and paints digital illustrations.
My Qualifications:
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Holistic Massage & Bodywork Diploma (Level 4, BCMB) - 2022
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CPD - Acupressure Facial Therapy (BCMB) - 2023
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CPD - Deep Tissue Massage (BCMB) - 2023
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First Aid Training
Our Love Story
We met at university, and after a few years of good friendship, we found ourselves in the same country and on the same page at the same time! That was in 2015, and we’ve been on the same page ever since.
We’re best friends in life, hobbies and business, and we also co-host a TTRPG podcast together called Stars Are Right.
When we decided to get married, we chose to merge our last names - which meant greenfinch and baby owl, respectively. Together, they make an owl finch - a friendly and curious little bird native to Australia.
Our Massage Story
During the pandemic, Phaedra made the tough decision to move away from working as a support worker. Adriano encouraged her to qualify as a massage therapist - presumably for completely selfless reasons!
Having enjoyed her training so much, Phaedra urged Adriano to follow suit. Phaedra had been working as a massage therapist for a year before Adriano qualified and joined the ranks.
Now, Owlfinch Therapies belongs to both, and they’re having a blast growing and learning together.