Joy Belluzzi-Caregiver, Student, Proponent

Introduction to Rolfing

 I first heard about Rolfing® in 1976 when I was living in Marin County, California. I was a transplant from Chicago, and during my time on the West  Coast I became interested in the "Human Potential Movement."  I signed up for a class titled "Body Mind Control" at the College of Marin.  It was taught by Sylvia Boorstein, who later was a co-founder of the Spirit Rock Meditation Center.  One of the class sessions was led by Bob Pritchard, a Rolfer™ in Mill Valley, who introduced us to the concepts of Rolfing.  It sounded interesting, and I soon began my Rolfing Ten-Series™ with him.  It was a fascinating experience and helped me to become more conscious of and friendlier with my physical body, but it didn't yet occur to me to actually practice the work.  My background was in English, education and counseling.

Meeting Dr. Ida Rolf

By the Fall of 1977, after 8 years of living in the San Francisco Bay area, I decided to leave my beloved California to move to Philadelphia to room with a former college friend and to seek employment as a counselor.  After a chance meeting with Robert Toporek, a Rolfer in Philly, I became interested in meeting Dr. Rolf.  At the time, she lived in nearby New Jersey, and Robert spoke of her frequently.  My first meeting with her was at her 82nd birthday party at Robert's house. After that, I occasionally drove to New Jersey to read to her, as her eyesight was beginning to fail.  Eventually, I was asked if I would replace her current personal secretary who was leaving to pursue a new career.

Working with Dr. Ida Rolf

My time with Dr. Rolf was brief.  I began working with her in July of 1978 and remained with her until her death in March of 1979.  It was a profound and remarkable experience for me.  It was fascinating, challenging, and sometimes difficult, but those nine months with her totally changed the direction of my life and my future.  Although I was hired as her personal secretary, I actually became more of a companion and nurse, as well as an occasional cook and chauffeur.

Shortly after I began working with Dr. Rolf, she was diagnosed with colon cancer.  She met this head on.  She completed her commitments for the summer and then focused on her healing process.  She explored some alternative therapies and then pursued standard medical protocol. I felt that she was experimenting with various types of treatments to see what they offered and to test their efficacy, not so much that she expected a cure at that point in her life.  Until the very end, she continued to have research papers read to her, she monitored the workings of the Rolf Institute, and she kept expanding her vision of her work.

Not only did I respect and admire Dr. Rolf for her hard work, dedication, and unique vision, but I grew to love her as the focused, committed person that she was.  I was moved by her as a human being and what she was trying to accomplish through her work.  Her hopes and efforts to improve the evolution of mankind were not only inspiring, but daunting.

Becoming a Certified Rolfer

After her death, I decided that I would like to stay involved with her work. She had touched my soul.  After completing the prerequisites necessary at that time for admission into the training program (college level anatomy, physiology and massage training), I was accepted into the auditing phase and completed my practitioning in May of 1981.  I had the privilege of working with Jan Sultan, Peter Melchior, Nicholas French, and later with Emmett Hutchins. Plus, over the years, through continuing education workshops, I have experienced the work and teaching of many Rolf Institute faculty members.

My Achievements as a Rolfer

I moved to Washington, DC, after my training and have had a private practice in the Bethesda/Chevy Chase area of Maryland for the last 43 years.  In the early days of my practice, I was active in participating in local health fairs to spread the word of Rolfing.  I helped organize a Rolfer's page in a quarterly alternative health guide, and I occasionally hosted local and regional Rolfing meetings at my home.  I also was a member of the Rolf Institute Ethics Committee for many years.

Advice to Rolfers

I have had an office in my home for my entire Rolfing career, and it has suited me perfectly.  However, I think it's important for each practitioner to find the type of environment that is comfortable and supportive for them.  I also think it is important to have some interaction with other Rolfers.  We used to have yearly "Annual Meetings," which created a greater sense of community, but even locally, we can create our own community of Rolfers.

As I look back, I feel so fortunate for the serendipitous occurrences that led me on this path.  I am immensely grateful for the gift of a meaningful purpose and a totally fulfilling profession that this body of work and Dr. Rolf have provided for me.