Where advanced training meets compassionate care.

Treatments are an experience.

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Therapeutic Presence

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I have studied healing arts since 1992, beginning with intuitive energy work and herbology. My work evolved into therapeutic presence, focusing on the whole person, and tailoring treatment sessions to what your body will respond to.

My therapeutic presence is intuitive, flexible, approachable and trauma-informed.

You have time to talk to me about your care before and after the session.

Balance and Precision

Over the years I have worked in many different spaces from clinics, homes and spas. My customers have suffered severe back and neck injuries, and I have studied modalities spanning Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Structural Integration, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Craniosacral Therapy, Qigong Healing and Traditional Chinese Medicine and Accupressure.

I am a lifelong learner, and continue my studies in movement therapy to include Yoga, and Qigong. Currently I am a Master in Exercise Science Candidate at Bastyr University.

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Industry Leader

I believe in the massage therapy profession and have served as an advocate for insurance coverage and animal massage with the American Massage Therapy Association, and as a board member to the Washington State Sports Massage Team. Currently, my work in advocacy is in service to the Alliance for Massage Education as a board member.

I am also an educator and devote a significant amount of time to volunteering in the community and helping other massgae therapists elevate their skills and practice.

Gift Certificate

Award Winning Sports Massage

Professional profile card of Essie Hicks for the Washington Marathon Championship, featuring a portrait of a smiling woman with hillside and water background, and a logo of a hand holding an umbrella over mountains.
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Award-winning massage therapist, educator, and mentor Essie Hicks brings more than two decades of experience in clinical massage, sports recovery, spa wellness, and massage education. A Silver Medalist in Sports Massage at the 2025 Pacific Northwest Massage Championship, she also served in leadership roles with the Washington State Sports Massage Team from 2000 to 2006.

Since 2000, Essie has helped shape the next generation of therapists through teaching, mentorship, and hands-on clinical practice in both wellness and medical settings. She continues to teach massage therapists in advanced techniques through her business Dreamspace Natural Therapeutics

Her patients have been and are:

  • Active duty military and Veterans

  • Rodeo Athletes

  • Golfers

  • Competitive and amateur weightlifters

  • Football players (High school, College, and NFL)

  • Professional and wooden bat league baseball players (youth and adult)

  • Marathon runners and cyclists

  • Dancers: ballet, Fancy Dancers, traditional Irish and Scottish, circus

  • Backpackers and hikers

  • Martial Artists

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Essie Hicks and Associates is a Proud Sponsor of the

Roy Rodeo

Our studio in the news!

Thurston Talk Article
A massage therapy room with a massage table covered in a purple sheet, a small black pillow, and a folded towel. There is a black rug on a wooden floor, a black shelf with various bottles and boxes, a potted plant in a red container, and several lit candles on wall shelves. Additional items include towels, a diffuser, and massage oils.
Nisqually Valley News Article