Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Grady.
Maureen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I became a massage therapist in 1984. During my first ten years in the business, I noticed that people would repeatedly come in with the same type of problems. I happened to go to a chiropractor for some low back pain where I received craniosacral therapy. My back pain went away after only two sessions. I became extremely curious about the modality of craniosacral therapy. At the same time, I had already begun studying my first master’s degree in Human Development. I decided to open a practice in Buckhead in 1995 and was able to apply the groundbreaking work of somatic healing to individuals in the Southeastern states at a time when people were less receptive to complementary health care.
I began studying under the personal tutelage of Dr. John Upledger, D.O., founder of CranioSacral therapy in 1989. Dr. John’s work in somato-emotional release has inspired me to apply my thirty years of experience in integrative healing modalities in the field of body, mind, spiritual sciences in a holistic approach to healing trauma. I work with people who have experienced many types of illness and pain, both physical and emotional. My patients have ranged in age from two hours to ninety-eight years. In my counseling practice, I offer high quality body-mind-spirit psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families in a safe and supportive setting, facilitating the exploration of a wide range of life’s issues and challenges — emotional, interpersonal, and developmental. I have specific expertise in treating substance abuse, and I am a trauma informed counselor.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was not paved along the way, in fact, you might even say I chose to go the road less traveled. Part of being a complementary health care provider means becoming willing to put yourself out on the line to help others. I was able to get some help along the way by having two incredible mentors, Dr. John Upledger, and Maureen Morgan.
When I first moved to Atlanta, people did not even have a clue what craniosacral therapy was all about. My passion for the work, the way it improved people’s health without drugs, and the way it was grounded in empowerment of the individual were the foundations of inspiration that I needed. My passion for the work was my driving force to lead the field in the southeastern part of the country.
It helped that I came from a farming background, surrounded, literally, in fields of entrepreneurs. I am a mid-west Irish farmer’s daughter from Iowa. The rootedness I experienced growing up became part of my know-how to work hard, and strive for success where none had gone before, a true pioneer in Atlanta. At that time, the complementary health field was surrounded by deep-tissue, neuromuscular educators who knew very little of this lighter touched modality. I knew through experience that the lighter the touch, the deeper the effect. By standing in my knowingness and the improved health of others, I became a beacon of light for others to learn this modality and helped by supporting therapists in the Atlanta area for over twenty years.
Please tell us about Atlanta CranioSacral Therapy.
My company is called Atlanta CranioSacral Therapy. I specialize in the advanced application of craniosacral therapy. I am a diplomate certified craniosacral therapist. I have two master’s degrees, one in Human Development and the other in Mental Health Counseling.
I believe that more than all the certifications and degrees, what sets me apart from others is my heart and my belief in the inherent resiliency of people. I have always followed my bliss in this business. My love of helping others has always been at the heart of my work.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood includes being a cowgirl. It was my job to round up cattle everyday on the farm that I grew up on in Iowa. My family has lived there for over seven generations. I was thrilled to ride horses everyday. It’s something I miss a lot living in the urban area. I usually return several times a year to be with family and friends. Growing up in the country where I experienced the most freedom anyone could ever ask for, is really one of my greatest memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.craniosacralhealing.com
- Phone: 404-531-6433
- Email: molly@craniosacralhealing.com
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