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Wendy Flynn, MA, LMBT #12276
Funny how life takes us down unexpected paths. Initially, my interest in massage was purely academic – to explore how memory and emotions are stored in the body and lead to dis-ease. I never intended to be a practitioner myself. And then, the magic started happening. Witnessing the benefits, first within myself and my classmates and now daily in my Willow clients, I am a true believer in the capacity of bodywork to create the space for healing to occur. Not that I am the healer, I am just the facilitator, the vessel, providing support for others on their healing journeys. Massage therapy is a second career for me. I spent 10 years working as a counselor with troubled youth and their families. While I loved my work, it felt incomplete, as though I was leaving out critical aspects of self by attending to only the emotions and thoughts and ignoring the physical self. Discomfort with this approach spurred a quest to better understand the mind-body connection. I quickly realized that there are many paths, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, prayer, breath work, and of course, massage, that with the integration of cognitive therapy, can help heal the whole self, relieving emotional and physical pain. I have integrated several of these modalities into my daily life and can attest to their efficacy. Massage, Reiki, and yoga have been especially helpful in helping me recover from physical, emotional, and spiritual blocks. In 2011, after moving to Weaverville from my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I completed the massage therapy certification program at the Center for Massage and Natural Health in Asheville. Since graduation, I have furthered my studies in Neuromuscular Therapy, Structural Integration, and Shiatsu, and earned additional certifications in Pediatric Massage and Infant Massage Instruction. To be of better service to those healing from trauma, I was trained in Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT), which helps heal trauma by connecting physical sensations with thoughts and emotions. I am also a Reiki Master practitioner, trained in the Usui Tibetan tradition. I am forever seeking to expand my understanding of the deeper things in life, such as relationships, spiritual matters, and mechanisms of growth and healing. Reading, biking, hiking, gardening and doing yoga consume most of my free time. My top priority and loves of my life are my wonderful husband, two amazing kids, and crazy fun labradoodle, Reese. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you find greater ease and comfort in your body and your life! |
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