Kelly

Santa Barbara, CA

I arrived for my first Rolfing appointment with hope that the work might help loosen up some of the tension I hold in my neck and shoulders, and address some poor posture habits I'd accrued after years of working at a desk.. The impact Rich's work had on my physical and emotional well-being was far, far greater than I'd hoped.  Through realigning the structure of my body as it relates to gravity, I left each session feeling more grounded, balanced, and with a great ease in my movements; a new lightness of being in so many ways.

Rich is experienced, intelligent, and kind, and was always willing to talk through what he was doing or work in silence as I worked on increasing my awareness and paid attention to what I was feeling. Everyone can benefit from this work, and everyone should - it is healing and revitalizing, it's powerful way to ease pain and re-inhabit your body, and it's an invaluable means of achieving a holistic sense of well-being.

Linda

Santa Ynez, CA

As a massage therapist, people often ask me who massages me. I always say I don’t get massages, I get Rolfed instead. Only rolfing and only by Rich Goodstein. This has been the case for the last 17 years. He fixes me every time. People ask if it hurts… not the way Rich does it.

That is the truth!!!

Bill

McLean, Va

I'm 72 and have had chronic spinal arthritis for 30+ years. Massage and chiropractic manipulation worked for a while, but the pain kept increasing and I was becoming immobile. I found Rich more than 25 years ago and after a few months of sessions with him I was more flexible and had much less pain. The arthritis has "burned out" now and all the vertebrae are calcified, but periodic sessions with Rich over the last 25 years (and regular exercise + aspirin) allowed a largely pain-free normal life with as much flexibility as possible.
 

I'm a big fan of Rolfing in general and Rich in particular.

Tom Edwards

Easton, MD

In the Fall of 1987, after eight straight years of painting houses, I decided to try some Trager work to deal with the gradual hardening and stiffening of my 41-year old body.  Nina, my perceptive Trager practitioner, began our first session by lifting my legs and pronouncing, "Your back, sir, is a mess."  While I found her manner a trifle direct, I couldn't fault her perceptions...and after a few sessions she gave up on me and referred me to Rich Goodstein. Rich became my Rolfer and still is to this day. That's 29 years by my count. We did the first series and then the second, and I experienced a great deal of relief and opening in my body. From then on I would go to Rich whenever I felt the need...probably 2-5 times a year, depending on my financial situation.

After Rich moved west, he made periodic 3-4 day long Rolfing trips back to the Reston, VA, his old Rolfing grounds, to work on former clients who missed his skills and had not been able to replace him with anyone of comparable ability.  I have continued to see him on this basis as often as my finances and schedule permit, and have benefited tremendously as a result.

An amusing footnote: in the 90's I worked in a health food store on the Eastern Shore, before Rich left for the West.  Sometimes I'd go over for a Rolfing session late morning and then return to work, only to find my co-workers amazed at how much taller I had become in just a few hours!  Suddenly I was "looking down on them" from a greater height...and they were leaning back to stare up at me with a look of amazement and disbelief in their eyes!

You gotta try this!  You won't regret it!

Erika

Santa barbara,CA

Rich Goodstein has been my mentor for over 7 years. He is very patient, kind and willing to explore all different aspects of bodywork. He explains specific techniques and why he is using it, as well as the purpose and intention. He makes it very easy to understand the intricate details of the body’s alignment.

His knowledge of the body and Rolfing is extraordinary, as he incorporates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects to align the whole structure. I am amazed at how gentle and specific he is when he works on me and I consider him a true master of his work. Furthermore, I continue to learn more about consciousness through the body and we have deep conversations that bring about interesting discussions.

Rich also emphasizes how important it is to have keen listening skills. His guidance has helped me become a more skilled practitioner and to trust my own intuition. Rich is very devoted to his work and is always ready to help. I fully trust him and have complete gratitude for our friendship.

Allan

Chevy Chase, MD

Rich Goodstein is an extremely skilled and empathic model for the Rolfing community. His diagnostic ability is legendary among his clients. His work makes a palpable difference in health and structural integrity.

I entered my first session with Rich as a skeptic. I left a full inch taller. I learned through the years that his application of bodywork was both effective and flexibly responsive to symptoms occurring  at the time. A clinician (psychologist) myself, I deeply appreciate his work and can recommend him without reservation.