Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Randi Kofsky. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Randi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.
A handful of the Craniosacral Bodywork trainings I attended was on top of a green mountain with views overlooking a ridge onto the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. While on the table as the “client”, beyond the focused, sensitive touch of fellow students, I could literally feel the force field of this magnificent natural landscape as another calm, direct contact to my nervous system. Like many Healing Practitioners/Therapists learning to take in and Receive care from others was a key hurdle for me. Accessing the constant presence of nature on the body level that day was something I carry with me and I aim to bring that same level of inner stillness to each client, every session.
As a Psychotherapist I feel lucky to have met and created connections with Therapists from around the world. I meet regularly with colleagues from different countries. I’m also in advanced training for Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, which focuses on unconscious mechanisms in the mind. Learning this with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and with varied identities adds strength to the efficacy of the work and its relevance for helping with a wide range of mental health difficulties.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started in public health research and then moved into Complementary Medicine, providing information on Naturopathy, Chinese Medicine and Nutrition and assisting with research on energy healing for cancer patients. I provided Massage Therapy bedside as well as at a Women’s Wellness Clinic at a Medical Center before opening a private practice. As my Bodywork skills expanded I wanted to know more about the psychological aspects connected to anatomy and physiology and went to graduate school to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’ve practiced some form of mind-body therapy for over 15 years.
Current bodywork clients often see me for one of three reasons: they’re in pain and have tried standard options (medication, physical therapy) without relief; they’ve been working on anxiety, depression or other emotional related issues with their psychotherapist and want to address where they hold trauma in their body; they’ve moved from a city where they had a Bodyworker, Craniosacral Therapist or Rolfer they loved and are looking for someone similar in LA.
Psychotherapy clients work with me on stress in relationships with partners, family, bosses, co-workers and friendships, as well as overcoming anxiety and depression, especially when feeling chronically depleted.
With couples, I focus on the process of healthy differentiation and how it strengthens the connection to have well-defined, whole individuals in a relationship.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Using the same holistic care model for myself and my business that I bring to my clients is paramount. Many healers/therapists/clinicians have a well-oiled capacity to look after the needs of others. This is a wonderful thing, but when it becomes the only focus, the flames of burnout licks at the heels. Learning to surf the waves of a full practice involves balancing the administrative aspects to support financial growth, as well as staying in tune with how I am operating – physically, emotionally and spiritually. My dedication to these areas sustains a focused attention and heart space for each client I see.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Having a clear networking strategy and a genuine curiosity in learning about and being of service to the growth of other businesses.
Landing in a new city and beginning an in-person practice often has at least one harrowing aspect and for me it was around establishing a client base. I arrived in Los Angeles from San Francisco in 2019. 6 months before I packed my bags, I contacted different practitioners in LA who I thought would be good fit referrals that align with my services. From there, I regularly connected with these folks when I rolled into town. Eventually, a few of us created a discussion group in support of connecting with other professionals whose clients could benefit from our work.
I also find joining with other practitioners online is a tremendous resource. Whether it be related to accountability for business administrative things, a book group, or peer consultation, getting to know other people who understand What you do, How you do it and your Why, can only be of benefit as you grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.innerwavebodywork.com and www.innerrichestherapy.com
- Instagram: @innerwavebodywork @innerrichestherapy
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Innerwave+Bodywork/@34.0204081,-118.4539443,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x80c2bb9fe042bcff:0xf79ba66ea5b0680!8m2!3d34.0204081!4d-118.4539443!16s%2Fg%2F11h5vz6m5b?entry=ttu
Image Credits
Marina Babigian, Bee Street Studio