Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Banteaux.
Hayley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child, I always loved to touch, at about 8, I had a calling, many years later, one night, I had a divine and rich spiritual awakening happened for me and I began oil painting, then learning and practicing indigenous bodywork, shortly after that I moved off to Santa Fe, NM and then I started throwing clay. It wasn’t enough for me, I needed to feel it out more, that’s when I began my formal training in traditional massage. Shortly after that, I began teaching Traditional Healing and Body work out in Abiquiu (Ghost Ranch) & U.N.M with such fabulous and indigenous people. Years went by and I was still going deeper and deeper in my work. What I learned was, not only was this journey of helping others heal, but it too was healing me. I have sought out to train with the best people in various types of modalities and pushed myself to keep going and yet, it was as though I was being called more and I knew I couldn’t stop. After I moved to Dallas about 13 years ago, I ended up going to SMU- Perkins School of Theology and enrolled in the Spiritual Direction program. Since then, I still keep pushing myself to learn more. If we stop exploring and learning, then we stop growing and now at almost 61, I still haven’t decided what I want to do when I grow up.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not and it depends on your definition of smooth! Honestly, it has been a vigorous, worldly ride for me. Learning how to be present with the obstacles, praying about them, trusting in God, how to navigate through them, where is the money going to come from to learn and study these new modalities, how can I afford to take off work to do this, to teach, you name it. There were even times that I did not know where food was going to come from. It was crazy, basic needs were very challenging for me, a lot of prayer and with several close friends praying for me, at one point, if my sister had not of helped me, I ‘am not sure how things would have gone and I am so grateful for her. Now days, it is much smoother and if you have a challenge to navigate through, lean into it, go deeper, and let it teach you, even if it doesn’t feel good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Bodyworker (Licensed Massage Therapist). I specialize in several things but mostly in helping people with swelling (Post Op, Lymphedema, Detoxing) and their Lymphatic System, (Manual Lymphatic Drainage), Oncology Massage, Watsu and Relaxing & Therapeutic Massage. Many have known me for my Deep Tissue work in the almost 27 years now. I love working with people who are really enduring health challenges, good and not so good issues. I am known for many things not only in massage & the healing arts aspect but also as a Professional Oil Painter from Fort Worth, Santa Fe & New York. I am really proud of the fact that people trust me, my expertise, recognize the extensive education and hard work I’ve done over the years. One of the greatest and proud times for me was being a Provider for federally funded program (Access to Recovery) working with the Native Americans on the 5-Sandoval Pueblos (NM) who suffer with Drug & Alcohol addictions & PTSD doing Spiritual Direction and Bodywork. Also for mentoring one of the top 10 therapists in the world. What sets me apart? I listen to the client’s body and the story it’s telling me, although I do use the theory and education aspect, but often it is what is left unsaid that I key in on and that is a significant difference. To me, often it’s about the feast, the tango I get to have with the body and there is always a journey to go take with it.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To put all of my faith & trust in God, to believe in myself and this I do live by- It is not always about the money, it’s about helping others!
Pricing:
- $ 145 – 60 min.
- $ 185 – 90 min.
- Oncology Massage – $ 85 I also offer a Sliding Fee Scale too
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hayleybanteaux.com
- Instagram: b.lymphatic massage
Image Credits
I certify, these are photos of personal property.
