Thomas Lavi

  • CA License #: 88302
  • 38

Certified Massage Therapist

**NOTICE: On temporary extended leave for 2023**

I am a 33 year old, transgender man working in Oakland, CA (he/him/his). I am a graduate of the San Fransisco School of Massage and Bodywork, a 600-hr program approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and I am certified via the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).

I practice massage to provide a safe space and facili...

**NOTICE: On temporary extended leave for 2023**

I am a 33 year old, transgender man working in Oakland, CA (he/him/his). I am a graduate of the San Fransisco School of Massage and Bodywork, a 600-hr program approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and I am certified via the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).

I practice massage to provide a safe space and facilitate healing for all people and all bodies. My primary philosophy is that none of us can truly be at peace until we find comfort and safety within our own, individual bodies. As a therapist I focus on delivering services to those less often offered the opportunity to experience transformation and connection through safe and healing touch - such as transgender and queer folks, people of color, elderly folks, folks with neurodiversities, and folks with marginalized body types.

Prior to developing my career in massage and bodywork, I obtained my B.S. from Iowa State University in 2013 and my Ph.D. from Purdue University in 2018.

Book a Bodywork service with me today

Licenses
Massage

CA # 88302

Education
2021

San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork

600-HR Massage Therapy Program

Experience
Bodywork

AMTA Bob King Scholarship Winner

2020 recipient of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Bob King student scholarship.

ABMP EveryBody Award Winner

2022 recipient of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) EveryBody Award.

REVIEWS for my Bodywork services

by Shannon on Jun 14
I had an incredible massage experience with Thomas that I can’t recommend highly enough. From the moment the session began, I felt completely at ease—safe, seen, and genuinely cared for. What stood out most was Thomas’s in-depth knowledge of the body. Every movement was intentional and informed, not just routine, and he clearly understood how to tailor the session to what my body needed that day. His communication was exceptional—clear, respectful, and collaborative. He checked in with me at thoughtful moments, never interrupting the flow but making sure the pressure, pacing, and techniques were working for me. When something needed explanation, he shared just enough to help me understand without overwhelming the experience. I came away not only feeling physically better, but more connected to what was going on in my body. He worked with pressure and movement in a way that felt deeply intuitive but also technically precise—adjusting, responding, and guiding my body toward release and relief. It never felt like he was just “doing” something to me; it felt like a dialogue, with my body and his hands in constant conversation. Truly one of the best massages I’ve ever had.
by Anonymous on May 29
Thomas is excellent! Highly recommend him for massages, he is very good at explaining what he is doing and adjusting his approach for your comfort. I always feel so much better after my massages
by Anonymous on Jan 29
empathic, trauma-informed, consent-centering and support space co-created.
by Anonymous on Jan 14
Thomas is an incredible communicator and a skilled body worker. I left the office floating and feeling like tension spots had melted away. Love the new office and space. Thanks Thomas!
by Anonymous on Dec 02
I had such an amazing experience getting a massage from Thomas and will definitely see him again. He made me feel extremely comfortable and targeted the areas we discussed prior to the massage. I left feeling like I was walking on a cloud!
by Anonymous on Nov 27
I appreciated the open communication with Thomas, before during and after the session.
by Anonymous on Nov 06
Thomas is incredibly skilled and works with you to personalize your experience. Great for getting regular body work that changes as your needs do.
by Anonymous on Dec 15
Thomas is the nicest person and made me feel really comfortable and safe right away. This was my first ever massage and it was one of the most relaxing and rewarding 60 minutes of my life.
by Anonymous on Nov 28
Absolutely incredible. Best massage of my life. It really does make a difference to have another transmasculine person be the one taking care of my body. Thomas was exceptionally skilled at listening to what I had to say and reading my body language. I never let myself get fully physically vulnerable with a stranger, but when he told me to let my head get heavy in his hands, I found that I actually could. That's special.
by Jes on Oct 19
Thomas always listens and adapts so well to whatever is going on for me coming into a session. I know I'll come out feeling deeply soothed. 5/5 all around!

SPECIALTIES: Bodywork and Massage techniques I perform

Bodywork & Massage

  • Deep Tissue

Check my availability and schedule appointments for a Bodywork service