Sara Garnier
LMT, AMTA, IAHP

I graduated from Lakeside School of Massage Therapy in 2003 in Milwaukee, WI and have been practicing since. I have enjoyed working with acute injuries, chronic pain, TMJ dysfunction, with pregnant women, and those looking to expand their awareness and vocabulary of their bodies- physical and otherwise. I truly enjoy the role of hands-on facilitator, and I hope to continue developing skills to enhance and complement my abilities to assist folks from all backgrounds and histories.

I believe that while we have a wide variety of racial, social, political, economic, cultural and emotional backgrounds, there seems to be a resonating truth; what is good for one is good for all, and the flip side of that is true as well. If we do not put stock into our inherent worth as human beings, treat ourselves and others as the beautiful creatures we are- deserving recognition, acknowledgement, care and respect- that reflects into the community in a very real and negative way. We are currently living the product of what several generations of unresolved trauma, imbalance, unreasonable goals and expectations have created. Mental, emotional and physical health is at an all time low, indigenous wisdom is disregarded, our planet is suffering as it never has before. The situation can no longer be ignored.

I believe in your ability to heal, no matter the wound. I believe that the power of therapeutic touch can assist you in your deepest transformation, if you let it. I believe if we heal one, we will eventually heal all.

 
 

My Process

I am extremely competent treating the purely physical, but we truly shine when we work together as a whole- so my favorite kind of clients are those who understand that there is more than just a direct reflection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual. When we treat the body, we are treating the totality.

Throughout our work together both on the table and off, I take on the role as a guide back to your body. As the layers start to soften and release, naturally other issues will come up, physical and otherwise. The nervous system is famous for storing our personal and collective experiences, and it’s not unusual- considering the traditional busy American lifestyle- for things to come into your awareness as things begin to let go. Self compassion and gentle curiosity is a must along this journey. If additional resources or providers are appropriate, these will be passed along to you. Integration is the most important and sometimes trickiest bit, as learning to move throughout our lives with kind regard for ourselves as we are can be a struggle, but thanks to neuroplasticity even those of us with the most tweaked systems can find peace and healing.

The magic is already happening, but I make a point with everyone I work with to encourage them to find and connect to their flow state. Good health is possible for everyone, but finding that thing - the one that you lose yourself to, the thing that serves no purpose but to express the unique flavor that is YOU, the one that brings you to your rich place - that will allow you not only joy but make all things possible.

 
 

Education & Certifications

  • Certificate in Massage Therapy, Lakeside School of Massage Therapy, 2003

  • Infant Massage Instructor Training, International Loving Touch Foundation

  • Birth Doula Training, International Childbirth Education Association, 2005

  • Beginning and Advanced Myofascial Release, Seah Riehl

  • Craniosacral Therapy 1 & 2, Upledger Institute

  • Somatoemotional Release 1 & 2, Upledger Institute

  • Advanced Craniosacral Therapy 1 & 2 with Chas Perry, Upledger Institute

  • Touching the Brain: Stimulating Self Correction through the Glial Interface 1 & 2 with Tad Wanveer, Upledger Institute

  • The Body Alchemy of Relational Neuroscience: Treating Trauma and Abuse with Rebecca Ridge, Upledger Institute

  • Craniosacral Therapy for Cranial Nerves with Karen Axelrod, Upledger Institute

  • Integrative Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Connecting Primitive Reflexes and Brain Imbalances to Polyvagal Theory to Improve Learning, Behavior and Social Skills with Robert Melillo

  • 5 month Meditating with the Body program, Dharma Ocean Foundation

  • 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training

  • Certified Level One Embodiment Coach/Bodymind Psychology training with Susan Aposhyan

  • Embodied Spirituality Leadership training with Susan Aposhyan