301 Franklyn St, #101, Nanaimo
301 Franklyn St, #101, Nanaimo
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Founder of Little Fern Studio | Registered Massage Therapist, Healing Guide & Educator
Gail brings over 35 years of personal development and mindfulness-based practice into every treatment she offers. Her healing journey has been shaped by an extensive background in modalities that integrate body, mind, and spirit—including meditation, yoga, acupressure, Zero Balancing, Pilates (mat, barre, and reformer), CranioSacral Therapy (Upledger Institute), and over two decades of advanced John F. Barnes Myofascial Release training. Gail continuously expands her scope through ongoing education, ensuring her work evolves alongside her clients’ needs.
Early in her career, Gail served as a Primary and Clinical Instructor at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). Her time in academia helped refine her hands-on techniques while deepening her ability to communicate body-based healing in both clinical and learning environments.
Gail’s approach is intuitive, creative, and deeply compassionate. Clients often describe her sessions as a permission slip to reconnect with their body’s innate wisdom. Her treatments are tailored to support the nervous system, unwind stored trauma, and restore natural flow—both physically and emotionally.
At Little Fern Studio, Gail currently blends the following techniques in her treatments:
Her work is particularly supportive for clients experiencing:
Gail’s mission is to offer a therapeutic experience where healing is guided by presence, curiosity, and care – one that invites each client to become an active participant in their own restoration.
Registered Massage Therapist | Relaxation Meets Results
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Lauren Benedict is proud to serve her hometown community through therapeutic bodywork that blends technique, intuition, and care. She graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy – Victoria Campus in 2022, bringing fresh perspective and dedication to her practice.
Lauren’s interest in Massage Therapy began during an anatomy course where she discovered her deep appreciation for the complexity and resilience of the human body. As a former athlete who participated in soccer, swimming, and triathlons, she experienced firsthand how Massage Therapy supported her recovery and overall well-being – ultimately inspiring her to offer that same benefit to others.
Her sessions can include a wide variety of techniques such as:
General Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue & Sports Massage
Myofascial Release
Trigger Point Therapy
Pin and Stretch Techniques
Lauren has supported clients through conditions such as muscle strains, frozen shoulder, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and hip or joint dysfunctions, to name a few. She approaches each session with a focus on comfort, connection, and therapeutic intent.
Lauren brings a grounded, client-centered approach to every session, creating a space where clients feel supported in both body and mind. She believes in building trust through consistent care and open communication, and she is passionate about empowering her clients to take an active role in their healing. Whether you’re coming in for recovery, relaxation, or relief, Lauren meets you exactly where you are.
Lauren Benedict, RMT currently offers direct billing through Pacific Blue Cross (PBC).
If you’re eligible and would like to use this service, please contact the studio to confirm your plan details.
For all other insurance providers, we are happy to provide a detailed receipt at the time of your appointment.
If you are covered under an extended medical plan through your employer, your spouse, or another provider, you can submit this receipt to your insurer or plan administrator for reimbursement based on your individual coverage.
Lauren Benedict, RMT is currently accepting ICBC patients under the following conditions:
Patients must pay their session fees upfront
You may then submit your receipt directly to ICBC for reimbursement
Lauren is not opted in for direct billing to ICBC or WCB at this time
If you have questions about ICBC coverage or need guidance on the claims process, please email us for more information.
We understand that life happens and sometimes appointments need to be changed or cancelled. To respect both your time and ours, we’ve established the following policy:
48 hours’ notice is required for any cancellation or rescheduling of appointments.
If a patient cancels with less than 48 hours’ notice more than once in a calendar year – due to illness or any other reason- they may be required to provide a credit card on file to secure future appointments.
We always aim to be accommodating, but repeated late cancellations or missed appointments impact other clients and clinic operations. In these cases, a credit card on file may be required to continue booking.
This policy helps us cover operational costs and ensure fair access to appointment times for all patients.
We accept payment by Debit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and email transfer.