It took me months to be able to share about this publicly because of how traumatic my experience with Alex at Centered Spirit was. I reported him to both the state and national board of massage therapy, but no action was taken (other than learning that he was not nationally certified, though he claimed to be). I think it's important to speak up against harmful behavior, so I'm sharing what happened here in an effort to avoid someone else experience the discomfort I did. BOTTOM LINE: There is a continued pattern of not respecting women and their bodies and thinking his (Alex's) knowledge and technique are more important than the experience of the client on the table.  MY EXPERIENCE: I had a Mayan Abdominal Massage with Alex Jackson in May 2022. I sought him out because he specialized in trauma-informed body work. At the beginning our session I brought up a concern I had around a negative Yelp review I read about him. His response - "it's hard to be a male therapist during #MeToo" - he said he even talked to a lawyer to see if he could remove the negative Yelp review about him. His inability to take responsibility was a red flag. I felt trapped to continue the session since I was already there (MY MISTAKE!). The reason I have not spoken to him directly about my complaint is because he proved in the conversation above that he cannot receive criticism or hold a respectful conversation about concerns brought to his attention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF COMPLAINT: 1. Claiming to heal trauma without being trauma-informed or trauma-responsive His sessions are structured in a way that elicit trauma through the extreme pressure he uses, the in-depth and intimate intake questions he asks around trauma and sex (such as have you been raped and how easily do you orgasm), and how he wants you to revisit the trauma while naked on his table and connected to your "inner little girl". He was acting like a therapist in a way that seemed to be an attempt to exert control over me. 2. Ignoring my boundaries At the beginning of the session, I asked him if he could use lighter pressure. I told him the pressure was too much, I was having trouble breathing and it hurt. Instead of respecting my freedom of choice (lighter touch) in the session, he told me the light pressure was just a "spa massage" and wouldn't provide any benefit. If I wanted the benefits from his work, he said it had to be deep pressure (that hurt). This felt like an exploitation of trust: that I was supposed to trust him because he was the therapist even though my experience of the session was painful.  The pressure that Alex used was unlike anything I have ever experienced. It literally took the breath from me. I was bracing myself every time he pushed down on my body. I could hardly speak, let alone advocate for myself, because he was working with such intense pressure it knocked the wind out of me.  Other than natural childbirth, I've never endured such physical pain. All the while, he kept saying "you're doing great sweetheart" (this was the first time I met him). 3. Continued dismissing feedback Toward the middle of the session, I started feeling dizzy and nauseous. I told him I get hypotensive easily and have a tendency to pass out. He told me my lightheadedness was not from my medical condition, but was from the extra oxygen I was breathing in. Every time he applied pressure (which was constantly) he told me to exhale. That required me to breathe fast, almost like I was hyperventilating. He did not do anything to help me feel less dizzy. At the end of the session my body was shaking uncontrollably and I was disoriented. He said that was common. Upon reflection of how the body can elicit a freeze response to trauma by shutting down and not feeling, he willingly seems like he's trying to induce this reaction in bodies to not feel anything and go numb by the sheer force of pressure he's exerting on our bodies. The amount of force and how it was applied felt abusive to my body and spirit. A massage worker creating a trauma response is not ok, especially when he's been notified the pressure is too intense.  The massage therapist is in a position of power as the practitioner and naked clients are much more vulnerable, especially in a healing space. 4. Dealing with physical and emotional effects after the session Because I've received a lot of bodywork before, I know that working on tissues can bring up emotions. The repercussions of my session with Alex Jones were completely different from other bodywork and energy work I've received. Instead of feeling relief or healing from this massage, I find myself feeling traumatized from it. I don't want anyone else to feel the way I did, which is why I'm sharing this. read more

I have worked with Alex at Centered Spirit for over a decade. Not only do I see him as a client, I also refer many clients to him for a variety of conditions. His work has helped me heal a variety of problems, often when no one else could help me. Dozens of my clients have had great results with his works also and have become regular clients of his. I arranged to have him come to several of my group retreats to work on multiple people in a day. Some participants reported that his work was more powerful and healing than any work that had previously experienced. Alex is a true and committed healer for many years and we are fortunate to have him serving our community in KC. read more

The Centered Spirit is a wellness center that according to their web site, because I wanted to get it right, focuses on healing traditions of Central America, Mexico and Europe. I won't go into everything they do because my main interest in coming here was to follow my acupuncturist who decided to move her practice here vs. the long, grueling commute to Lawrence. Acupuncture, massage therapy, those would be my personal interests, but there's far more here, and I may not be the one to go into those details. That might entail community classes, sauna therapy, Chinese medicine and other wellness practices. What I immediately liked though was one of the owners who took time to chat and show me around the building which is beautifully designed, very inviting and relaxing. They also house a French tea room near the entrance where you can peruse imported teas. Stepping into the interior is really to leave the busy area and Wornall behind. The sound insulation must surely be first rate because once inside, it's totally quiet and relaxing. I'll probably stick with my long-time massage therapist in Lawrence but if I was in Kansas City, I'd be looking to bring my service here. Everything about the place, the vibe, the people, the setting all seem to hit a sweet spot for me. I'm sure I'll be back. read more

Centered Spirit - Massage Therapy Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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I went to see Alex after working with his teacher Rosita Arvigo in Belize. I'd been guided to visit her specifically for spiritual healing and was happy to find Alex as therapist I could continue the work with at home. My first session was very intense both physically and emotionally, but it was also just what I needed to integrate the work around the trauma stored in my body and spirit. Alex brings his full attention and healing to each individual and session and although the work was intense and difficult at times, I always felt safe on his table, trusting him and the process. After one session I felt better; after three I felt real healing. I still go back once in a while when I need bodywork, but I appreciate that Alex's business model isn't the kind that requires lifetime visits to help. Alex is a highly trained therapist who believes passionately in his ability to help others with this work. His integrity and dedication to service is at the center of his core, work, and his business. I highly recommend Alex and Centered Spirit. read more

I love centered spirit. The minute I walked in the door, I feel relaxed and comfortable. Emilie's tea shop is adorable and the tea is really good. Alex Jackson is amazing and really knows his craft. I highly recommend him. read more

I've been receiving sessions regularly from Alex for about 5 years. This is the best healing work I've ever done, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Not only has it healed my menstrual cycles and digestive issues, but I've also had so much inner child and emotional healing. Alex is a nurturing and gifted healer, and he upholds the highest professional standards. His deep wisdom, innate ability, and extensive training, with his obvious heartfelt intention to help others, creates an incredibly safe space. I always feel safe to do the deep work of releasing what's stored in my body and emotions, and all areas of my life are better because of it! Especially coupled with relaxing in the tea room afterwards. :) Thank you Alex, Emilie, and all of Centered Spirit! read more

To write in a review the process and benefits I've received with Alex's help seems merely impossible but I want to tell you, the benefits I've seen from working with Alex and his help has been life impacting. How? He has helped me get to a point in my grieving process where I feel grounded. He has helped me process so much emotionally that I had not had the skills to handle on my own. He has taught me breath work that helps me not internalize as much. I've learned awareness, I've learned more about myself, my needs, desires, how to handle relationships better, how to teach my son skills that can help him begin at a young age to process emotions. Working with Alex, I've seen physical and emotional, and even relationship benefits. My periods have always been painful and they have become more manageable. He was recommended to me by a good friend that is my physical therapist. My husband has also seen Alex. He saw incredible benefit from his visits as well. The bloating in his abdomen went down from an almost size 38 waistband to a 34. It helped his back and abdomen pain. I believe with him having a good experience before my visit helped me go in to my first visit comfortably, he recommended it to me. I knew beforehand a bit more to expect. In writing my review, I hope to provide that comfort to you before your first visits. Alex truly is a caring person, with a lot of skill. Going in with the mindset of being willing to trust is key. Trusting him, and trusting yourself to work with him. To see benefits, in my experience, you have to do work too and not put up a wall. If you're expecting a spa like relaxing massage, it would be good to look more into the details of this type of body and mind work. For me, it's been an emotional process and it can be painful...But the painful part is holding on to the tension, the pain, our traumas. Pay attention while you are there to what your body needs, and let it go, cry, laugh, breathe. I look to Alex as a coach in the challenging times of the session, he can help guide you through so you can get relief. This may be through physical work, emotional, talking through your feelings and thoughts. I can't believe the things I have emotionally held on to for years that had caused me pain. To feel the difference is a manifestation that working with Alex is truly beneficial. Aside from the emotional benefits, he has helped me a lot with my menstrual cramps as i had mentioned, SI joint pain, shoulder pain, tailbone pain, feet pain from plantar fasciitis, obvious improvement in being able to breath fully, as he works on helping to get the upper and lower diaphragms able to move. I am currently pregnant with my second child and believe working with Alex has helped me to get to this point, as I have PCOS and am nearing 38. I wasn't sure it could be possible. But here we are! I'm excited to work with him through my maternal care as well! I sing praises about Alex to anyone I can recommend his help to, no exaggeration. read more

Centered Spirit in Waldo has to be one of my favorite wellness centers. I have seen and referred Alex for years for abdominal massage and acupuncture. He is very professional, and I always love hearing back about how he has helped someone I have referred. They often have lovely wellness workshops I have attended, and the cutest tearoom (Emilie's French Teas) is the perfect place to read a book and relax. read more

I have received abdominal massage and acupuncture here. All of my experiences have been very healing and professional. I highly recommend this place for anyone seeking deep healing. read more

Centered spirit is truly an oasis of health, healing, and love. I have been seeing Alex Jackson and other providers at centered spirit since 2015. Alex Jackson and centered spirit helped me through years of multiple health issues and unexplained infertility. My children and husband have also received the amazing therapeutic and healing benefits of this holistic and sacred space. The level of knowledge, understanding, and skill provided by the practitioners of centered spirit has greatly impacted my life in the most abundant and positive ways one could imagine. I highly recommended this place of peace,safety, and healing. read more

I have been seeing Alex Jackson for 3 years as well as other practitioners at Centered Spirit. They are all experts in their field and deliver quality and professional care each time. I have referred many friends and family members and hear nothing but positive reviews. Grateful for this place! read more

If a 5-star review is the highest rating, I wholeheartedly give 6 stars to Alex Jackson, a holistic health practitioner and massage therapist and co-founder of Centered Spirit in Waldo. Suffering from post-surgical abdominal adhesions and emotional scar tissue for years, I was seeking an alternative medicine approach to my increasingly painful and debilitating gut episodes. I found that--and more--when I met Alex. His extensive experience in "curanderismo" (traditional Mexican folk healing) was the answer to my prayers: Maya Abdominal Massage. The results were amazing. His deep tissue massage actually released my adhesions. My gut felt soft and relaxed. Even tingling in my arms and legs after treatment was a great feeling: renewed blood circulation and nerve flow. Not only had he helped my "second brain" (the abdomen) but, consequently, my "first brain" as well. I was freed of emotional scar tissue from years of pain. Alex is a caring, sensitive therapist in whom I feel complete trust. He respects his clients' needs and feelings and is clearly deeply dedicated to them. We are so fortunate to have such a truly gifted, uniquely trained "curandero" as Alex Jackson here in Kansas City. read more

I went to see Alex because of some traumatic baggage I was carrying around with me. I knew it was holding me back in so many ways, physically and emotionally, and a friend recommended I try a Mayan Abdominal Massage. I thought....why? The problem isn't in my gut, it's in my head. But I agreed to look for a practitioner and was surprised to find that we have a Mayan-trained 'curandero' right here in Kansas City. I feel so fortunate to have found Alex Jackson at the Centered Spirit Wellness Center (in a beautiful and relaxing setting, including a lovely tea room.) I had received regular massages in the past for my tension headaches and neck pain, but the relief was always short-lived and muscular. It did nothing for my muscle memory of whatever it was that accounted for my chronic tension. When I met with Alex, he thoroughly and patiently discussed my issues, my past, and explained that our guts hold they key to so much of our physical--and emotional--pain. He explained that abdominal massage is essential for increasing circulation to our organs, and releasing blocked energy and emotions. He was honest and upfront that the restorative journey I was going on could be difficult. I was nervous at first, but Alex has a very caring nature that made me feel safe, so I was open to it. I left my first session with Alex feeling as if my entire being was lighter in spirit. Same on the second visit, and every one after that. I feel much more centered in every way. Alex is an amazing healer and I wholeheartedly recommend anyone who wants an holistic and caring approach to their healing journey, no matter what ails them. He's a truly gifted professional. read more

I write this from a place of respect for the healing community and practitioners and for people who need healing. Doing this is extremely uncomfortable, but staying quiet about something within this realm of healing regarding people trying to heal their minds, bodies, and spirits is something I won't do. Unfortunately, trying to find closure around this previous session has been a bit challenging. I would advise anyone going into a session with Alex to use caution and make sure that how he proceeds as a healer within the session is to be spoken about and made clear before subjecting your body into his hands. This doesn't just go for him; this goes for any healer working with the human body, male or female in a spiritual setting. My underwear was removed during the session without my consent. At that point, I had probably been on his table for 2 hours or a little more and was in an entirely emotional state of mind from what I assumed was traumas being released emotionally. Sadly, when he removed the underwear, I did not stop him or say no/stop, nor did he ask if it was okay to take them off. I went along with it feeling like to heal and get better; this was a part of the program. What is strange is that after the session I even thanked him personally via email. I thought I had gone through a major shift and was even excited to share my artistic work with him as he said he could help me in making connections acting wise before the session had began. Twenty-four hours later, I woke up in a state of being that felt violated. I confronted him and his wife about the matter with my mother. I had asked if taking off the underwear was what he did with other clients. He said no and that in our session he was connecting with 'spirit' and can't always remember what happens. While I recognize that a lot of people walk into sessions like these undressing completely, I was/am not one of those people. This man knew my history of personal body trauma (regarding men) and emotions around that. Even knowing that he did not use his position of being a healer responsibly. This was my experience. Everyone will experience something different, and I hope it is positive. I write this from a place of having respect for myself, my body, and other women, men, girls and boys, who feel like they don't have the courage to tell their truth around subject matters like this. Use your own judgment and listen to your gut (I should have listened to mine) before you place your well-being in someone else's hands. Make sure to make your boundaries extremely clear, and if you can, say NO when in doubt no matter how eager you are to heal. Make sure your practitioner understands boundaries and never let anyone remove an item of clothing without your consent. read more

I've been going to see Alex at Centered Spirit since 2014, and I can't recommend his work highly enough. Over the years, he has helped me make great strides with some difficult physical and other issues when I couldn't find help anywhere else. He has a deep professional caring that he brings to all of his sessions, and it comes through in all that he does. The traditional Mayan abdominal massage is a unique and profound practice steeped in deep tradition, one that you have to experience to truly understand. I feel that we're extremely fortunate to have an experienced practitioner like Alex here in Kansas City -- not everyone can say that. When you add in all of the additional services that the Center offers (acupuncture, massage, infrared sauna, etc.) in a lovely, simple, sedate setting, and top it off with a cup of something French from Emilie's Tea Room, you wind up with one of the most restorative and enjoyable healing spots in town. read more

About 14 years ago I found Alex Jackson after learning about Maya Abdominal Massage and was seeking a practitioner. I had an issue related to menopause that I had not been able to resolve through any other means and was facing surgical intervention. I had one appointment with Alex, and my issue resolved completely over the next couple of days. My session with Alex was respectful, informative, deeply healing on many levels and very obviously effective. I was so relieved! I found him to be a very educated, dedicated and caring person who was considerate of me and my emotions while being direct and honest so that I was able to heal. In the time since that first session, I have worked with Alex on other blocks and issues, some that were deep and difficult that I was grateful to work through and release. Over the years, I have referred other women to Alex for various reasons. His work with the body is more than just a massage as working with the abdominal area is not generally in the scope of massage therapy. I have always felt very safe with Alex and the work that we did and continue to do together. read more