Zentherapy®

About Essie

Essie Hicks is a Licensed Massage Therapist and seasoned educator who has spent over three decades weaving together the art and science of therapeutic touch. Her credentials span a wide spectrum of healing modalities, including Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Aromapoint Therapy®, Pregnancy Massage, Deep Swedish and Sports Massage, Hydrotherapy, Zen Triggerpoint Anatomy®, and ZenBodytherapy® — a Structural Integration technique rooted in mindful, holistic bodywork.

Essie is a proud member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the International Association of Structural Integrators. Since launching her practice in 1999, she has cultivated a reputation for excellence not only in treatment but also in mentorship. She currently teaches continuing education at Bodymechanics School of Massage, Port Townsend School of Massage, and The Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics, where her passion for sharing knowledge continues to inspire both new and seasoned practitioners.

Away from the studio, Essie is an artist and homesteader at heart — living in Tumwater, WA with her husband, two of her five beloved sons, a gentle lab named Stormy, and a quirky cat named Nibbler. She finds joy in nurturing fruit trees, spinning hand-dyed yarn, painting landscapes, and photographing the quiet beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors to her massage studio may even spot a few of her original artworks on the walls.

Read more about her journey in Thurston Talk.

Roots & Professional Journey

Essie’s massage journey began in 1992 in Yreka, California, where she apprenticed under master bodyworkers and herbologists at Mount Shasta Herbal Company. There, she studied energy work, body mechanics, and traditional Swedish and sports massage, while also learning the alchemy of crafting natural body products from herbs and essential oils.

She formalized her training at The Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics in 1999 and immediately stepped into an educator's role — blending her passion for teaching with her expanding therapeutic skill set. During this time, she also earned a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, studied Zen philosophy and Aikido, and taught spa modalities, medical massage, and aromatherapy until 2007.

Essie launched Absolute Relaxation Therapeutic Massage in the South Sound, where her earliest clients included professional rodeo athletes, Elders of the Nisqually Tribe, and military personnel. Her approach is deeply informed by years of experience treating PTSD, chronic pain, geriatric needs, and post-traumatic injury. She also served as a consultant for spas and massage clinics across the region, helping other practitioners elevate their client experience and operational flow.

In 2007, Essie transitioned from full-time practice to pursue degrees in Social Science and Public Administration. She graduated with honors from South Puget Sound Community College, Washington State University, and Seattle University. These academic experiences deepened her systems thinking and broadened her approach to integrative health care.

Her return to hands-on practice was paired with fresh energy. After further training in Craniosacral Therapy at Bastyr University, she stepped into leadership as the Spa Director at The Lodge at St. Edward in Kenmore, WA — shaping an experience-driven wellness program from the ground up.

Philosophy & Evolving Practice

Essie believes that healing should be felt in body and spirit: grounded in safety, rooted in listening, and expressed through intuitive, restorative touch. Her sessions are known for relieving pain, restoring mobility, and offering a profound sense of calm.

Her passion for learning remains as vibrant as ever — she is currently deepening her studies in advanced Lymphatic Drainage, Forest Therapy, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification to bring even more integrative tools to her clients.

Practice Location & Booking Information

Essie now brings her holistic expertise home to Yelm, WA — where her journey first began. Her private studio, located within Northwest Advanced Spinal Care at 503 1st Street, is a welcoming space for clients seeking therapeutic massage and compassionate care.

She is currently accepting Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, medical reimbursement clients, and self-pay appointments. A 10% discount is available for Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and seniors over 60 — just bring a badge or ID for your first visit.