Text me and I'll reply between sessions

  Free consultation · No obligation

Pick a time. I'll call you.

This is a real conversation with me, not a sales call. Tell me what is going on, what your doctor or surgeon has said when that matters, and what you hope will feel different.

We will work out together whether Manual Lymph Drainage makes sense for your body right now. Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it is not yet, or not with me.

You are booking the conversation, not treatment.

What it costs

Nothing. There is no charge for the consultation and no obligation to book a session afterward.

How long it takes

Usually about 15 minutes. Longer if your situation is complicated and you want to talk it through properly.

Have these nearby

  • Your procedure and its date, if you've had surgery
  • Any written instructions from your surgeon
  • A medication list, or a quick photo of the bottles
  • Anything you've already been told about swelling or drainage

None of this is required. Come as you are and we'll work with what you know.

Rather not talk yet?

Text me a question instead. I read every one myself and reply between sessions.

What happens on the call

A short conversation with a clear purpose.

You tell me what is happening

What brought you here, what your body is doing, and what you hope will feel different.

I ask what I need to know

Your procedure, health history, medications, and anything that could change what is safe right now.

We make sense of the next step

Together, we look at whether this work fits, whether the timing is right, or whether another kind of care should come first.

You decide what feels right

If you want to continue, I will send a private booking link. There is no pressure and no follow-up campaign.

Why the call comes first

Every new client starts with a conversation.

Before I work with a new client, I need to hear what happened, what your body is doing now, and whether anything needs medical approval first.

The call is the beginning of your care by giving us a space to talk about what's going on with you before we decide what comes next.

When we both feel the work is a good fit, I will send you a private booking link.

Sometimes the right answer is not treatment

The call can change the next step.

During one consultation, a man told me he had three active blood clots. That had not appeared on his form.

I told him I could not safely perform MLD or bodywork and that medical care needed to come first.

I ask questions before a first visit so I can help each person take the safest, most useful next step. Sometimes the safest step is not treatment with me.

So you're not caught off guard

What I'll ask you.

Nothing here is a test, and there are no wrong answers. I ask because the answers determine whether treating you is safe and useful.

  • What procedure you had, or what condition you're managing
  • When it happened, and how recovery has gone so far
  • What your surgeon or physician has told you
  • Whether you have swelling, hardness, numbness, or pain, and where
  • Your general health history and any medications
  • What you're hoping this will help with

Please do

What you can ask me.

Ask me anything. I genuinely enjoy clients who are curious about their own body, ask pointed questions, and want to understand how the work fits into the rest of their care.

  • How I was trained, and how you can verify it for yourself.
  • What the research does and doesn't support
  • What a session feels like, in detail
  • How many sessions you might need, and why
  • What it costs
  • Why you shouldn't just book a cheaper lymphatic massage instead

  If I am not the right person

You will still leave with a clearer next step.

Sometimes the timing is wrong. Sometimes a condition is contraindicated. Sometimes what you need first is your surgeon, a clinical lymphedema therapist, or another kind of practitioner.

Sometimes I will know a practitioner who may fit. Other times, I will help you understand what kind of clinician or therapist to look for and which questions to ask.

I cannot promise that I will always have the perfect name. I can promise that I will not pretend my work is the answer when it is not.

Another way

Not ready for a call?

Text me. One question, or ten. I read them myself and answer between sessions, usually the same day. Nobody will call you back unless you ask them to.

Text 510-808-6162

Before you book

Quick answers.

Can I skip this and just book a session?

No, and not for anyone. There's no public treatment calendar, and there never has been. Once we've spoken and I've invited you to become a client, I'll text you a private booking link that's yours from then on.

Is this really free?

Yes. There's no charge and no catch. I'd rather spend fifteen unpaid minutes finding out we're not a fit than take money from someone I can't help.

Will I be pressured to book a session?

No. If the work suits your situation I'll tell you, and if you want to think about it, you think about it. I don't run follow-up sequences and I won't chase you.

What if your treatment calendar is full or closed?

Book the call anyway. Consultations continue even when I'm not treating, so we can talk through your situation, work out timing, and have you ready to begin the moment my calendar opens. People have waited months and been glad they started the conversation early.

What if I need to reschedule?

Reschedule or cancel from your confirmation text, or just text me. No fee, and no explanation needed for a consultation call.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Not to have this conversation. For some situations, particularly cancer-related care, I'll ask for your physician's approval before we begin treatment, and I'll tell you on the call if that applies to you.

What if my surgery hasn't happened yet?

Good timing, actually. Call before your procedure and we can plan when to start, which is easier than working it out while you're sore and tired.

I'm a long way from Berkeley. Is this call still worth it?

Yes. Tell me where you are and I'll either help you decide whether the trip makes sense, or point you toward someone Vodder-certified closer to home.

Who else hears what I tell you?

Nobody. What you tell me stays with me.

Your booking details are used only to reach you about this appointment. Nothing you share is sold, shared, or added to a marketing list.

Pick a time and I'll call you

Ask Ida: free call Text