Rebecca Roberts

Like many Bowenwork practitioners, I did not set out thinking it would be my life’s work. My path to Bowen was winding and, looking back, I can easily see how each job experience – from retail and banking to creative entrepreneurship, caretaking and Reiki – prepared me. Once I discovered Bowen, I felt there was no question; this is what I am here to do.
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My ties to the coast of Maine are strong, as I am a descendant of generations who not only chose to remain in the same town but also on the same road for nearly 300 years! Appreciation and stewardship of this land was instilled in me at an early age and so, once I graduated summa cum laude from Wheaton College, the decision to return home to Kennebunkport was an easy one. This is the community I love. This is the community I want to serve. I got involved as a trustee of our local land conservation trust and it was there that I met my friend and colleague, Juliet Altham. Together, we worked alongside others to plan and build a community labyrinth. One cold winter day while walking through the woods in search of boulders for the project, Juliet casually asked “have you ever heard of Bowenwork?” 

My interest in complementary medicine was sparked in my teens after a serious car accident left me with residual symptoms including migraines, TMJ and hip issues. I was intrigued by Juliet’s question and quickly pursued a session with her. It was different from any other bodywork I had experienced before - its “moves” gentle and similar to acupressure, but with pauses in between the moves which allow the body to integrate the work. The session itself was calming, and I felt the side benefits of improved sleep and reduced anxiety for several days afterwards. At the time, I was skeptical that such light touch could make a lasting difference but, as I continued with sessions and noticed my familiar symptoms start to dissipate, I became fascinated by Bowenwork and its ability to help the body heal itself even after all these years.
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To me, there is a natural correlation between taking care of the land and taking care of our bodies. Bowen interests me because, rather than imposing upon the body, it works with the body. When given proper time and space to do so, the body will naturally find its way back to balance – just like Mother Nature. It is because of this philosophy that I dedicated myself to train and certify with the American Bowen Academy, under the inspiring mentorship of Ainslee Farrington, and joined Maine Bowen in 2019. I have since pursued certification in specialized procedures and continue to learn and develop my innate skills. I am frequently amazed by the physical and emotional impact Bowen technique has for my clients. As a practitioner, I bring love and intention to my work and strive to help others recognize their own capacity to heal.

Juliet Altham

Currently not acc​epting new clients. 
My original background is a world away from the healing work of Bowen; investment management, specializing in social and environmental responsibility. Like many practitioners of this remarkable therapy, I came to it through my own experience of its powerful and long-lasting effects. Following an experience of childbirth that left me walking more like an 90yr-old woman than a 30yr-old one for several years, I finally sought help from chiropractors and other therapists. Initially helpful, I didn't seem to be able to sustain my progress without ongoing and frequent appointments. It was only after being recommended to try Bowen that I found myself, hugely surprised and relieved, walking upright and pain-free after a handful of sessions.

A native Briton, I moved with my family from the bustling city of Manchester, England to the rural southern coast of Maine during the great snow storm of December 2010 - a nice shock to the system! As part of settling in the family to our new community, I instinctively sought out a Bowen practitioner close to home to provide ongoing back-up for myself, husband and young children. I was lucky enough to find the wonderful Ainslee Farrington in Portsmouth, NH. Ainslee had a twinkle in her eye from the onset - she knew better than I did that she had met a potential recruit... 

After my very first introductory class, I was completely hooked. After trying out my new moves on many friends - and seeing their responses - I knew this was something I needed to do. In December 2014 I received my certification with the American Bowen Academy and have since continued with specialized procedures qualifications.

The ongoing scientific research in all areas of holistic healthcare keeps me excited and curious, but nothing is more satisfying and awesome than witnessing clients' healing - in ways both hoped for and unexpected!