Atifa Asghari
Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist • Bellywork
Having had a severed connection to mind, body, and spirit through her family’s forced displacement from their homeland, Atifa (she/ they) found a safe home in herself through embodiment practices. They're on a journey to walk alongside others whose connection to self has been severed and are on the path back home to self.
Deep listening, embracing discomfort with compassion and curiosity, receiving insights from dormant untapped parts of yourself - some of what you can expect from working with Atifa.
Inspired by practitioners of decolonized therapy, Atifa approaches bodywork through the lens of dismantling hierarchical power dynamics between “healers” and the ones to be healed.
Atifa says...
“I first felt a sense of arriving home in my body under the cloak of a chilly summer night, meditating on a tree stump at the base of Mt Arapiles (Dyurrite). Lost in life, seeking a greater purpose, and cold. As I meditated, I realised that no matter the backdrop, my body and my inner world were the one constant "place" I could always return to.
Since then, I've tended to this internal home through movement, stillness and a curious heart.
In the Zenthai dance, I am a gracious guest in the internal worlds of those who join me on the mat. Each person carries heaviness flavoured by their life's circumstances. With your consent, we can hold, acknowledge and release the currents that move through you.
You are whole and hold within you the ability to return to this wholeness. Allow yourself the grace to get lost in life and when you're ready, find a new path to return home to wholeness."
Reflections from clients...
"Highly recommended. Atifa was professional and skillful. She spent time before the massage talking with me about my issues and expectations. Her technique was authentic, caring and adaptive. This was my third appointment and I will continue with more because I am getting tangible benefits in terms of reduction in pain, plus a genuine feeling of overall well-being."
– Les Tate, retired
"I found my session with Atifa to be very moving; not just physically but mentally and spiritually. Atifa took the time to ‘meet me on the mat’. She had a gentle and caring curiosity about where I was ‘at’ that precise moment in time and I felt very comfortable to share my story with her. I felt that her treatment was tailored to my specific needs, not a one size fits all routine. I found Atifa to be a very generous and sensitive therapist who treated this work as her calling."
– Maroussia Vladi - writer, theatre maker, & cross cultural consultant
"I’ve had three sessions with Atifa and they won’t be my last. What sets Atifa apart is her extraordinary presence and the profound sense of care she brings to her practice. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely held in a space of safety and trust. Atifa has this rare ability to be fully present and attuned, creating an environment where my body could truly let go. There’s something deeply healing about being in the hands of someone who understands that true relaxation and release can only happen when we feel genuinely safe and supported. My body was able to release tension I didn’t even know I was carrying, and I left feeling not just physically restored, but emotionally renewed. Thank you Atifa for always bringing your whole self to each session. It is truly felt and appreciated."
– Thi Thavonesouk
