BACKGROUND
ABOUT
Walter Williams received his formal massage training at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing in Culver City, CA, in 2000. In addition to this training, he was also a serious student of Thai massage. Walter spent three months in Chiang Mai, Thailand under the tutelage of Pichest Boonthumme (known as "Pichett") who is responsible for a long line of Thai massage professionals all over the world. Although he no longer offers Thai massage as part of his menu of services, Walter still incorporates many of its techniques in his table work. After training, he returned to Los Angeles, and for the next eight years owned and operated Therapeutic Integrative Bodywork. In 2008 Walter relocated to the Bay Area. He knew it would take time to set up another massage business, so he started out working at Kabuki Springs and Spa in San Francisco.
Walter's spa experience taught him many things that he was later able to use in his private practice. One valuable lesson that became abundantly clear was that he did not want to be a "volume" massage therapist. Walter does not believe that way of practicing bodywork serves the client or the therapist. As a result, he books a limited number of clients during the week, and will not exceed that number - no matter how tempting. This boundary allows Walter to do two things - 1) to respect his own body and take care of himself so he may continue to be of service to his clients, family, and friends, and 2) it allows him to provide the same high level of service and quality to all of his clients, not just the ones who see him earlier in the week. Pacing himself, understanding and respecting his body and having clear boundaries have allowed Walter to have longevity and success in an occupation where most burn out in the first two years.
YELP! REVIEWS
"I first saw Walter in September of 2012. Hands down, it was the best massage I have ever received. I've had massages all over the world and nothing compared to his soothing hands. I was in heaven. I left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed! It was the first time I fell asleep while getting a massage!"
Sandra V. / San Lorenzo, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"I've availed myself of Walter's skills four times, once for Thai massage, the other times for deep tissue. Here's why he's my choice for bodywork: Calming presence - it pours out of him, and you can't help but be touched by it | Intuitive - he listens to and acts on what my words and muscles tell him | Designed for me - it's not the same massage each time--it's what's needed | Guidance - tips to follow outside his studio for reducing stress in my body | Mad skills - he's an absolute wizard My wife sees Walter every two weeks like clockwork, and I totally get why. He's amazing, and I can't recommend him enough."
Eric U. / Oakland, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"As a yoga teacher and psychotherapist, I am pretty picky about my massage experience and I have to say that Walter DELIVERS on ALL LEVELS! He is an exceptional massage therapist and a kind, supportive person who pays close attention to your needs and tailors your experience to meet them. I always leave feeling lighter and a little more free in my body & spirit. I highly recommend him!"
Lisa D. / San Francisco, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"Walter is awesome! He has such a wonderful calming energy, I felt as ease right away. His massage space is comfortable and clean. I wasn't sure what to expect because I'd never had a Thai massage before but I loved it! I left feeling energetic and taller! Thai massage is done clothed so you can go straight to an appointment without feeling all slimy from oils used in other massages. I'm looking forward to my next session with Walter!"
Scooter K. / Oakland, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"I have gone to massage therapists for over 30 years and no one comes close to Walter in terms of professionalism, ability and skill. He is a beautiful person and his goodness resonates in his healing hands. Walter is a gift and I am grateful he is in my life to help me heal."
Mary S. / Oakland, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"Walter is amazing. I see him about every 5 weeks for Thai massage and this review is long overdue. I find that Thai massage really helps keep me limber (I run and do other events). In addition to being a talented massage therapist, Walter is a very kind and likable person."
Liz M. / Oakland, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"A massage from Walter is a mandatory part of my self care. He takes the time, uses his skill and intuition to thoroughly let my body relax and rejuvenate. I constantly leave feeling nurtured and whole. I have a lot of experience receiving massages and I could not speak higher of Walter and his gifts of massage."
Gabriella Moreno / San Francisco, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"It's easy to find a masseuse who makes you feel good and relaxes your muscles and maybe even, your mind. Its quite another matter to find oneself transformed from within following a session. When it happens, you know you've found a master of his craft. I first worked with Walter 2 months ago, following a sports injury. It was the first time I'd tried Thai massage and had no idea what to expect. His professional, grounded and profoundly intuitive manner enabled me to trust, let go and literally allow myself to be in the hands of a true healer. I was back on my game by the next day - a recovery I could not have possibly achieved alone. I've danced 25 years, have worked with at least 20 or more different types of body workers, and I have never encountered such high quality work. I didn't think to write a Yelp review after this first session because, to be candid, 5 STARS fall short of indicating his level of expertise. But after having a second session today with him, I realized that 5 is better than nothing when it comes to letting others know. But don't take my word for it."
Robin F. / Oakland, CA
YELP! REVIEWS
"Walter is wonderful. He has very healing hands and a sensitive, intuitive approach to massage. I started seeing Walter after a knee injury, when the rest of my body was getting stiff as a reaction. Walter has been using a combination of massage techniques with me, and he creates a seamless flow among them. I've experienced a lot of massage, and Walter is one of my favorites."
Mary Ann W. / Oakland, CA
