Sara Garnier
LMT, AMTA, IAHP

Hi, my name is Sara and I use she/they pronouns. I graduated from Lakeside School of Massage Therapy in 2003 in Milwaukee, WI and have been practicing since. I enjoy working with acute injuries, chronic pain, Lyme, TMJ dysfunction, trauma, with pregnant bodies, and those looking to expand their awareness and vocabulary of their systems- 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; we are currently living the product of what generations of unresolved trauma, imbalance, systems of oppression, and unreasonable expectation 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, and I believe that the power of therapeutic touch can assist you in your deepest transformation, if you let it. I believe that every small healing ripples out and has tangible impacts on the community.

I currently live in what is known as Duluth, MN, on Anishinaabe land. When I’m not supporting others I prefer to spend time outdoor with my partner and our two dogs- creating objects of beauty and use, making music and adventuring… remembering what it is to be human.

 
 

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, Sean 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 with Susan Aposhyan

  • Embodied Spirituality Leadership training with Susan Aposhyan