Testimonials
Greg O'Connor, martial arts instructor, age 62
My first session with Elena was incredible. And I don't say that lightly. I've had regularly monthly bodywork for the past 25+ years and have experienced everything from deep tissue to Swedish to reflexology to Lomi Lomi, all of which are great, but I'd never experienced such dramatic results as I did with Elena's approach with MFR.
I had been hit with a case of severe vertigo from a flight and had been dealing with it for several days when I had my first session with Elena. Immediately after rising from the session I was shocked to find that the vertigo was entirely gone! In addition, her work on my hip, which had two trauma issues going back forty years, allowed an opening and letting go that I'd never had before.
I've experienced many gifted body workers over all these years from far and wide but Elena's knowledge, energy, demeanor and insightful intuition combined with her MFR expertise is a combination that, for me at least, was a profound renewal and resulted in lasting relief. You can't go wrong by giving her capable hands and heart a chance to help you.
Anita Birrer, supported employment specialist, age 54
Elena Gournelos is an amazing woman who understands how the body works. She has “listening hands” connected to her heart, soul and spirit. She is compassionate and highly trained and educated. I went to see her because I needed help with irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. Also my jaw, neck and shoulders were tense. After 90 minutes treatment from Elena, I could move my neck freely in all directions and I felt relaxed and “at home” in my body. I sleep better, I breath deeper and I feel more overall more whole. I had normal bowel movements ever since and I feel only bloated when I ate too fast or too late in the evening.
Using primarily Myofascial Release as the treatment method, Elena has been a blessing to my health, both physically and mentally. If you want something that works, and someone who can achieve that for you, call Elena!
Kathleen Prucher, dance instructor, age 57
When I began treatments with Elena, I was suffering from severe chronic cough, as a result of a bout with tuberculosis. This cough was so severe that I would end up vomiting at least once a day. This had lasted for 5 years and showed no signs of abating. I tried traditional medicine and was given inhalers, etc., which minimally helped. I tried other forms of alternative medicine, rolfing, ayurvedic medicine, which helped some, but the cough persisted.
My first treatment with Elena was amazing. I felt things in my body I have never experienced before. It was like it began reconnecting. The tight band of fascia that had gripped my chest began stretching. It was quite obvious that Elena was extremely gifted. She listened to my body as she was treating me and used many different methods to get my body to release. After several treatments, the transition was amazing. Yet, still, the cough persisted, at a much softer level. Elena then worked with me to begin releasing what I kept buried inside of me. After months of searching, I finally was able to let go and have learned not to let that stress build and release it immediately. My cough had gone away. Now, I find it has come back, but due to my own stress levels, and at a much diminished experience. I am arranging other sessions to fix what I have undone.
I am amazed at the depth of Elena’s knowledge and the level of her intuition. She is an incredibly gifted healer.
Since the initial sessions, Elena has helped me heal with stubborn broken bones and surrounding atrophied muscles and bunched up fascia. As a person with severe osteoporosis, I've dealt with lots of breaks. Each time is harder than the last to recuperate and gain my flexibility back. Myofascial release has helped my recovery tremendously and Elena is an exceptionally gifted healer. When you find someone as gifted as she is, you know you have a prized resource. I couldn't recommend her more.
Jill Baillio, clinical psychologist, age 45
Elena is amazing. When I get off of her table I feel like I stand taller, I am completely relaxed and I’ve let go of tension I didn’t even know I was holding in my body. Elena has opened my eyes to the importance of fascia - which I now believe is the bridge between emotional pain and physical pain. As a psychologist specializing in anxiety and trauma, I regularly recommend clients seek Elena’s services to help address trauma on the somatic level. I can’t recommend her enough.
Whitman Magruder, chef, age 36
I highly recommend Elena. I first went to her about 6 months after a major surgery and was amazed at how much better I felt afterward. You don't realize how much your body is protecting and compensating while you're healing, and just how much your entire body is effected in addition to the surgery site. All of those surrounding muscles do overtime and in my case, I was just getting used to being constantly uncomfortable and in some pain. Then, the day after my massage with Elena I woke up with ZERO pain or discomfort! That alone would be worth returning, but also Elena herself is wonderful to work with. So kind and compassionate, I always leave her feeling emotionally better as well as physically. :)
Victoria Ebin, anthropologist, age 66
I've seen Elena only a few times but she has already made a tremendous difference in my health and sense of well-being. I went to see her for neck pain that's plagued me for years and for which I've seen every type of healer--osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists and other practitioners. I would occasionally have temporary relief from pain and stiffness, but never for long. With Elena, I've found the healer I've been looking for. She finds the root of the problem and doesn't just work on the place that hurts. She delves deeper into the underlying causes, and, as a result, gives her patients a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to and maintain their own health.
Unlike other practitioners I've known, she doesn't create dependence in her patients. She just helps them get better and resume their lives with a renewed energy and sense of harmony.
George B., cyber-security specialist, age 49
Whole.
Healing.
Those two words are pretty much all you really need to know about Elena Gournelos’ Whole Healing Mysofasical Release practice. But let me tell you more anyway. This is a story best consumed whole, so read on …
Rachel Schneiderman, writer and Spanish translator, age 65
In my 40 years of bodywork, after a series of wonderful practitioners, I never expected to find one with such a gift as Elena Gournelos possesses, and gives in such generous measure. From my first session with her, I realized that in spite or because of all I’d experienced before, I’d been on a search for a truly collaborative yet guiding healer, yet hadn’t known it.
Over a year ago I remembered one exquisite component of a session with a chiropractor in NC. It was called myofascial release, and after moving to FL and dealing with unresolved body problems, I longed to find someone who did exclusively that kind of healing. I searched online and Elena’s website appealed to me in its language and approach. Little did I know how much fortune smiled when I was drawn to her.
The moment she began to map my body, I could feel a transformation flowing over it on all levels at once: physical, emotional and spiritual. She went into a silent healing zone and, by example rather than words, she showed me that the less I talked, the more I could focus with her, on allowing my body to speak to her so she could heal it. I learned and am still learning how to express what my body needs to keep and what to let go, in a way that helps our teamwork.
Elena brought out the strength and resilience that lay in me, waiting to emerge through the layers and layers of emotional stress, spiritual trauma, physical injury and the combination thereof. I was also amazed that each session, there was still more within me to discover, uncover and set free.
Then I was distracted from the healing process by a vain attempt to improve my financial and professional situation. Ironically, as if in answer, I was further distracted by a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer of the lung, liver and bone. My veteran oncologist, who was unfailingly kind and empathetic, gave me the finest available treatments. Nonetheless, I was allergic to all of them, my colon failed, and everything else began to break down. I was so depleted I felt very close to death.
I lost touch with myself in the face of overwhelming demands on my body and spirit, and thus lost touch with my healer, Elena, when I needed her guidance the most. Finally I regained my natural wisdom and reached out to her. When I returned I was a withered, drained, shadow of my former self, and had a thick layer of edema on one leg that seemed intractable.
We both now recall that Elena could hardly touch me, I was in so much pain. Yet, she was able even under that limitation, to make her way back through the initial layers. The next morning I not only felt amazingly limber and lighter of heart, but the edema had all but disappeared. I knew this was a metaphor, a shedding of unnecessary “protective” matter, and a sign that things were moving again, I had not become stagnant after all. Since then she has made the kind of progress with me that would take another practitioner years to uncover.
With Elena, healing is revealing, not just a result but a fluid, ongoing process. Though it takes practice in deep breathing and surrender, it’s beyond worth it. It's ever easier to let her go gently but firmly, deeper and deeper into the layers of pain, until they release into positive, powerful fuel for living, my own sustainable energy program. This transformation occurs more easily and quickly each time, as if I’m learning a language through repetition, yet exploring new avenues of expression as each one is understood.
She’s guiding me on a journey we’re taking together, for we both share the same sense of wonder in the miracle that is the human body. We celebrate each breakthrough. I can only hope to be so fortunate as to keep releasing the old layers, to return more and more to my essential self, and to collaborate with her until my last breath on earth.
Jacqui Linder, craniosacral therapist, age 55
Elena is an intuitive bodyworker in a class of her own. I have had many styles of work in the last 30 years and hers tops the list. She has helped my body change permanently. I have more fluidity and range of motion and less pain everywhere. She has the hands of a wise old sage. I highly recommend her.
BJ Andryusky, entrepreneur and social activist, age 59
I was introduced to MFR about 6 years ago by friends and had a wonderful MFR therapist who treated me regularly for a couple of years. Circumstances in my life changed and I was unable to receive treatments for the last 3 years.
Very recently, I met Elena through mutual friends. Because of her warm, welcoming, loving energy, I made arrangements for MFR treatment from her right away. I am completely amazed that with only 2 treatments, I am now waking up without pain every morning! Pain has been a part of my waking up process almost everyday for the past 3 years!
I'm excited about continuing treatments and watching my body heal and change with Elena's help. Life is too precious to be stuck in pain when MFR can help!
Sara Gangster, business analyst, age 35
Elena is amazing! I have seen her for many health problems and issues that regular doctors could not figure out or wouldn't spend the time to investigate. She is kind, thorough, caring, intuitive and great at tuning in to your body and figuring out what is going on. You can tell that she's had many years of experience and training!! I have seen her to help with TMJ, back pain, hip pain and neck pain as well as help recovering from car accidents and surgeries. If you're considering seeing her, you should do it!
L.R., personal fitness trainer, age 53
Elena has the grace of a gazelle and the strength of an ox. I came to Elena with stiffness after a major surgery, and after the very first session my body felt much looser and more supple. I am very grateful for the work we did together.
Greg Gard, retired, age 67
My experience with Myofascial Release began several years ago with a therapist who helped me understand the benefits of MFR as it relates to one piece of the puzzle in my overall health. Two years ago I moved to Florida and sought to find an MFR Therapist near my new home.
Not being familiar with anyone in the area, my previous therapist recommended someone whom she was familiar with only through their website. My visit with that therapist was less than I had anticipated. However, I was not ready to give up on MFR but was in need of a knowledgeable, caring therapist who could employ their skills and understanding of the human body in addressing my needs after having experienced the effects of radiation and cancer surgery some years prior.
Unbeknownst to me, my wife spoke to Elena prior to Christmas 2016. She then presented a gift certificate to me for a session with Elena. My faith in a therapist who could practice her art and craft was restored.
Elena is a very gifted therapist whose hands are comparable to a ballerinas feet. Her hands dance slowly and precisely over ones body much like a ballerina moves her feet so purposefully and gracefully as she moves about the stage. Elena's precision touch is sensitive to the needs of ones body as she applies just the exact amount of pressure that is needed to the area of the body which she astutely recognizes as needing a gentle touch or more firm pressure
Elena possess a superior ability to recognize and be sensitive to the physical force a specific area of the body needs in order to promote restoration and wholeness.
If you have never experienced MFR, or have had a poor previous experience with MFR, or are interested in finding a master MFR Therapist, consider making an appointment with Elena. You will enjoy the relaxed and professional environment Elena provides as she uses her years of training and experience to bring her holistic touch to regenerate your body, mind, and spirit.
Alea Birbeck, certified public accountant, age 41
I have been working with Elena for 15 months or so, and the progress I've made in that time amazes me - I credit our partnership for much of that progress.
Elena has a rich collection of experience and knowledge - she is also very approachable and easy to connect with. Like her work, Elena is calm, gentle and nurturing. But don't let that fool you - the work she does is also incredible deep and profound.
There's a great quote that I first saw in her office which I think nicely sums up my experience of her work: "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength."
Christine T., social worker and medicaid specialist , age 33
I have had chronic neck and shoulder pain for the past 3 years and had tried everything with no success in alleviating my misery. At first I was a bit skeptical about Myofascial Release since I had tried all the other various recommendations by my doctors with no relief. However my hope was renewed and for the first time in 3 years I have less pain! Needless to say I am hooked and continue to go Elena. She’s been my saving grace because I’m an active 33 year old who thought that pain would always be a constant presence in my life and that I had to come to terms with the fact that I’d have to give up on the adventures of rock climbing, white water rafting, or hiking I loved to do so much because of the chronic, debilitating pain, but I haven’t. Anyone feeling discouraged or hopeless from the physical pain they’re experiencing owes it to themselves to explore and try Myofascial Release, because life is too precious to not experience and enjoy to its fullest.
Daniel Fortesque, registered nurse, age 73
I am so thankful I found Elena at Whole Healing. I can't say enough about how she has changed my over all well being. After I had a near death experience with sepsis over 6 years ago, I had limited mobility, strength and continuous muscle pain. Physicians ordered physical therapy etc. steroids, injections without any real relief. I also tried working out at the gym, chiropractic and homeopathic treatments with no improvement.
After my first visit with Elena, I felt that finally I found someone who understood what I was feeling and going through and would help me. Elena has increased my mobility and flexibility and reduced my pain to where I rarely think about it. Her warm, caring ways and teaching have given me an new perspective on living well and peacefully. I can't recommend her highly enough! Thanks Elena!
Louise Fox, retired, age 70
I am pleased to recommend Elena Gournelos for Whole Healing Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. She is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and intuitive MFR therapist.
For a number of years I have been struggling with lower back pain and hip discomfort. At the time I began MFR therapy with Elena I was barely able to walk without experiencing constant pain. Through her extensive knowledge, calm presence and quiet nature she was able to sense what approach was needed and chose an appropriate hands-on technique for reducing my pain and increasing my muscle movement.
Elena's MFR expertise has relieved my physical and emotional challenges; I am more active, and my pain has subsided substantially.
Elizabeth Isom, acupuncture physician, age 48
I highly recommend Elena for MFR. She is a truly gifted and skilled practitioner. Her calming presence, knowledge and keen intuitive sense set the space for deeply healing work.
Stephen Hutto, data systems specialist, age 38
Elena is a gifted and skilled MFR practitioner. I have been seeing her regularly for 9 months and my lower back pain has been significantly reduced. In fact, I recently experienced a breakthrough, which prompted me to leave this review. Elena was patient and worked hard to uncover the cause of the numerous physical symptoms I exhibited. Each appointment revealed some tensed up part of my body that I was completely unaware of. If you have chronic physical pain, I encourage you to make an initial appointment with her. Even if you are skeptical of alternative medicines, its worth it to find out if Elena's MFR techniques are a good fit for you. She will also enlist you as an active participant in your recovery, both physically and mentally. For myself, I wouldn't keep returning if it wasn't delivering noticeable, measurable improvements. In my case, one of the measurements I use is how many crunches I can do in the morning. It used to be 0!
Father Alfred Montalto, episcopal priest, age 72
Elena Gournelos is a very effective therapist. She has helped me tremendously with major surgery on my leg and anxiety. Her approach is gentle, caring and professional. She has a gift which, for me, helps my spirituality which comes from her positive energy from the universe. The results from her treating me has been tremendous. I feel like a "new person" after her treatments. I highly recommend her.
Lourdes Rocha, student, age 22
I have nothing but great things to say about Elena. She knows what she is doing and definitely has the healing touch. When I had my first session with her, Elena was working on some hip issues I’d been having. I started the session not expecting anything other than maybe to walk better. By the end of the session I not only had better posture and no pain, I had a clearer mindset on my personal emotional issues. Myofascial release had somehow released the pent up emotions I was holding in.
That emotional release helped me make some important life decisions, and is so memorable for me because it had such a big impact on my life.
By the time I felt I needed another session it was well over a month, and that was only because I had done some really heavy garden work. It had been a long time since I’d been out in the garden, the weeds were out of control and I overdid it. My back hurt so much I had to stop. I got a session with Elena as soon as possible, and I left her office feeling like I had never worked that day and have continued to feel great ever since! If I ever have a problem again, I know where to go.
Linda Bux, retired massage therapist, age 68
For 5 years, I had significant pain in my hips, legs, and feet that made it difficult to walk, especially without shoes. I feared my leg would give out from under me and I could only take really small steps. During this time, I had experienced different therapies. They all helped to some degree , but after a few days it felt the same way and I'd say “Why?” I felt that there was an essential element missing. As an LMT, I was familiar with Myofascial Release and had taken several of John Barnes workshops. However, I didn't know anyone local who practiced MFR.
Then I found Elena, a gifted, caring therapist. Elena tailors her treatments to what she feels and sees my body needs. She has taken my hips and legs to places they have not been in years. And the changes are lasting! I'm thrilled and excited about the future.
While I have moments of discomfort now and then, they are less frequent. I was limping less after each session and I can say in the last week that I am walking “normally”. Pain stopped me in my tracks before, and was frustrating, but now I can envision a future without pain. Elena encourages self-care to maintain the changes, and being mindful of the emotions the work helps release. I am so very grateful!
Sharon H., organizational coach and consultant, age 50
When Elena did my first session, I was recovering from ACL surgery in my right knee. A year had passed since the surgery, but I still had a lot of stiffness and felt out of balance. The work Elena did with me was very useful in relieving that. Additionally, we explored other levels in the sessions which I really appreciated.
She is a talented therapist and a kind, thoughtful and intelligent person who made me feel very comfortable, and I felt open to explore during the sessions. As an outcome of her work with me, I gained a deeper understanding of my healing and I appreciated very much the different levels on which we worked in the session. I highly recommend her!
anonymous, age 42
Working with Elena Gournelos has been a guided exploration of my access to full stature, complete range of movement and freedom from muscular and connective tissue contraction since my initial Myofascial Release sessions a year ago.
I came to Elena curious for healing from martial arts injuries, ready to release related patterns of use that had become habitual and default postural sets limiting my being ready at rest and poised for response. Compensating for injuries past was compromising my natural use now.
Myofascial Release has become an awareness training beyond a knowledge of anatomy that has developed my kinesthetic sense and deepened my sense of self - gradually accepting Elena's invitation to know my “self- embodied” and reaching deeper levels of connection that seem unsustainable, if not unachievable.
How working externally with the biggest muscle, psoas at the center, radiates throughout the body, relieves pain and restores the glide to joints that were chronically stiff within two days of my last sessions is unfathomable and yet very real in my experience. I am more confident and capable in my aikido practice and in my life this Monday as a result of my Myofascial release work last weekend. Our work continues and I look forward to the next session newly curious.
