Questions and answers (and inspiration!) with Allie Whitney, owner of Studio A Massage + Bodywork at 111 E. Main Street in Brownsburg.
When I first connected with Allie, I admit I had no idea what trauma-informed bodywork was... and then I dove into her Facebook page. This beautiful description immediately told me how critical this service could be for many people:
| "Traditional psychotherapy has its place, but if it doesn't somehow incorporate the body, healing will be stunted... This is what trauma-trained bodywork is all about. It's mind-blowing what memories are stored up, inaccessible to the person's cognition, but suddenly re-emerge to the surface during bodywork sessions. And then we work with it, process it, help it to integrate so it no longer remains a fragmented part of the person that is too painful to face. And through the process, the nervous system builds capacity to handle future stressors or painful memories that arise, because it sees that it can be done given the right, safe conditions." |
1. What (or who) inspired you to start your business?
When I first learned about somatic (body-based) work to resolve the symptoms of stress and trauma, I knew right then that I wanted to do that. To realize that the traumatic things that happen to us don't have to be a life sentence, but can be resolved with a body-based approach, was so inspiring and gave so much hope.
2. What do you love most about the work you do?
I love seeing people freed up from patterns of tension and pain in their body that they thought would never go away. It gives people a new lease on life and shows their body a new way to move through the world.
3. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
It's a lot of work, but if you are passionate about what you do then you'll have all the "fuel" you need to propel the vision forward and make it a reality. Surround yourself with people who will cheerlead you on and support you, and go for it!
4. What do you do to take care of yourself, and how do you make/find time to do it?
The biggest form of self-care I do is watch my schedule closely and make sure it doesn't become too full. Between homeschooling my three kids and running the business, plus still attending occasional trainings for my work, I have to maintain fierce boundaries around where I spend my time and what I'll say "yes" to schedule-wise. Giving myself space and personal time is very high on my priority list, and wouldn't be possible without my very supportive husband, plus family to take the kids once in a while.
5. What can we readers do to support you in the community?
Simply spreading the word that there is a trauma-informed massage/bodywork therapist here on the west side helps cultivate awareness, because we are few and far between. I am so happy to be able to bring this kind of work to my hometown area of Hendricks County, and it is so needed.
6. Favorite spot to go around Hendricks County?
We love our local parks, and spend a lot of time exploring them as a part of our homeschooling, even in winter time.
Do you know a local woman entrepreneur who is an inspiration to others? Nominate her today to be our next Business Boss!
