Matthew
Sebastopol, CA
?
Rates
Sessions start at $80 for 45 minutes in the studio. A 60-minute studio session is $120—right at the Sebastopol average—and I also offer mobile massage within a 10-mile radius of Sebastopol, with rates beginning at $155 for 60 minutes.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 45 min | $80 | Ask |
| 60 min Popular | $120 | $155 |
| 90 min | $150 | $185 |
| 120 min | $195 | $230 |
- Longer sessions available.
Accepted Payments
Discounts
About
A PhD in Education and decades of classroom work taught me how people learn and grow. Then, in 2022, I completed my 700-hour certification at the National Holistic Institute in Santa Rosa and discovered my true calling: using my hands and intuition to help bodies remember how to heal themselves.
I'm Matthew, and I've been working as a massage therapist in Sebastopol for the past eight years, operating out of my studio at Thriving Oak, a two-acre sanctuary that feels like stepping into a space designed for deep rest. My clients often tell me they feel held here, safe enough to let their bodies release what they've been carrying.
I don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. On any given day, I might blend deep tissue work with Shiatsu, myofascial release, Thai massage, hot stone, or trigger point therapy. I also incorporate energy work and sound healing whenever the moment calls for it. What matters most is that I'm truly present with you, reading what your body needs, and moving with intention and strength.
I'm a former professor, so I bring curiosity and care to every session. I speak fluent Spanish and Portuguese, and I'm deeply committed to supporting my LGBTQ+ community and the beautifully diverse people of Sonoma County and beyond. My healing practice is rooted in a spiritual tradition that teaches we are all One, and that belief shapes how I show up for you.
Eighty percent of my clients return regularly because they feel the difference. They leave with not just relief, but also practical self-care tips and a sense of genuine connection. If you're ready to take the next steps in your healing journey, reach out. I'm here.
Techniques
Testimonials
I was disconnected before my session. After Matthew's massage and energy work, I feel more connected than I ever have.
My healing journey with Matthew continues to deepen. His hands learn my body, and my body learns to trust his hands more with each visit. He's offered me practical self-care suggestions too, like a neck stretch for tight mastoid muscles that actually helped.
I've been coming to Matthew for four years, and every single appointment reflects his intention, intuition, care, and professionalism. His ability to sense what's happening in your body goes far beyond what most therapists can do. He's also genuinely kind and authentic. I'd encourage anyone to book with him.
I'd recommend Matthew without hesitation. He grasps how mental and emotional well-being connect to physical health. His intuition and strength shine through every session, which is always shaped around my specific needs in that moment. As a healer and a member of my wellness support system, he's irreplaceable.
I highly recommend Matthew. He understands the connection between mental, emotional, and physical health. He's intuitive and strong, and every session is customized to exactly what I need that day. Matthew is a genuine healer and an invaluable part of my wellness team.
Thank you so much for yesterday's massage work—it really helped me a lot. Your place is such a beautiful sanctuary; the calm and well-being start the moment you arrive. I hope to see you soon. Wishing you an excellent week and blessings.
I first met Matthew at NHI Massage School for a student session and was so struck by his talent and touch that I made calls to track him down afterward. He understands massage and the human body on a deeper level than anyone I've encountered. His sessions have changed how I move through my daily life and taught me to relax more fully. I trust him completely. He doesn't just lay you down and work—he checks in about how you're doing and where you're at in life, then creates a massage tailored to your body and mind that day. He has your best interests at heart and brings not just skill but also genuine friendship, care, and concern.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently praise Matthew's ability to sense what their body needs and customize each session around their physical, mental, and emotional state. His 80% repeat client rate reflects his reputation for creating a genuinely safe space, offering practical self-care guidance, and bringing both skilled hands and authentic human connection to every appointment.
Many clients note that working with him has changed their relationship to relaxation and body awareness over time, with lasting effects on their daily life. His intuition, strength, and willingness to check in about a client's life and concerns set him apart as both a therapist and a trusted member of their wellness team.
Education
Sept. 2021 - June 2022
Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator
National Holistic Institute, Santa Rosa, CA
Sept. 1998 - Dec. 2004
PhD in Education
University of California, Davis, CA
Sept. 1980 - Dec. 1983
MA in Linguistics and Cognitive Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Location
Douglas Ln & Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol
Mobile within 10 mi
Hours
| M: | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tu: | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| W: | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| Th: | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| F: | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| Sa: | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Additional Services
Mobile Extras
Affiliations
FAQ
What types of massage does Matthew offer in Sebastopol?
Matthew blends multiple techniques based on your needs, including deep tissue, Shiatsu, Swedish, myofascial release, Thai massage, acupressure, trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, and sports massage. He also incorporates energy work and sound healing when appropriate during your session.
How much does a 60-minute massage cost in Sebastopol?
A 60-minute massage in Matthew's Sebastopol studio costs $120. Mobile massage within 10 miles of Sebastopol is $155 for 60 minutes.
Does Matthew offer mobile massage near Sebastopol?
Yes, Matthew provides mobile massage therapy throughout Sebastopol and surrounding areas within a 10-mile radius. He brings a heated massage table, massage table, and music to your location.
Is Matthew available for same-day appointments in Sebastopol?
Matthew is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Contact him directly to check availability for same-day or next-day bookings.
What makes Matthew's massage different from other therapists in Sebastopol?
Matthew combines 8 years of massage experience with a PhD in Education and training from the National Holistic Institute in Santa Rosa. His clients report that he reads their body with unusual depth, customizes each session to their mental and emotional needs, and creates an environment of safety and genuine care.
Does Matthew offer discounts or gift certificates?
Yes. Matthew offers discounts for prepaid bodywork packages, has gift certificates available, and provides special discounts for first-time clients, students, dancers, and other massage therapists. Contact him to ask for details.
What is Thriving Oak, Matthew's studio in Sebastopol?
Thriving Oak is Matthew's two-acre sanctuary studio in Sebastopol, designed as a healing space. The studio includes amenities like a heated massage table, sauna, and hot towels to support deep relaxation and recovery.
Does Matthew speak Spanish or other languages?
Yes, Matthew is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, making him accessible to clients in those languages.
From the Hemasseur Team
Matthew is a certified massage therapist in Sebastopol, California, with eight years of professional experience and training from the National Holistic Institute in Santa Rosa. What sets him apart is his uncommon educational background, including a PhD in Education, which informs his intuitive, person-centered approach to bodywork. He works from Thriving Oak, a two-acre sanctuary studio, and also serves Sebastopol and surrounding areas within a 10-mile radius through mobile massage.
Matthew draws from a broad range of techniques, including deep tissue, Shiatsu, Thai massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and energy work, adapting each session to the client's specific physical and emotional needs. Clients—approximately 80 percent of whom return regularly—report feeling genuinely heard, held in a space of safety, and guided toward deeper body awareness. He speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese and is deeply committed to serving the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse population of Sonoma County.
