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Expert Level Myofascial Release Therapist, trained by John F. Barnes

CranioSomatic Therapist, trained by the Hancock CranioSomatic Institute

Cranial Core Synchronism Practitioner, trained by Keagha Carscallen

Certified "Big Leap" Somatic Life Coach, trained by Katie and Gay Hendricks

My Approach to Healing Work

Healing is a transformational process that brings you to the next level. It's not simply about getting you back to where you were before; it's about embodying a self that is greater than it's ever been. It could be on the physical, emotional or spiritual plane; often, it involves all three. This is especially true when healing from trauma.


I work intensively with clients using a mixture of hands-on myofascial release and cranial therapy as well as somatic coaching to help you achieve this higher level of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. My intention is to empower you reclaim your vitality and live the life you really want - not to make you dependent on a therapist, myself included! The healing process is co-creative - we work together as a team to get you where you want to go.


My approach to healing is a melding of decades of professional training, spiritual practice, and cultural experience. I am deeply dedicated to excellence and empowerment. I believe in kindness and compassion, evolution of the spirit and the healing power of nature - including our own nature. I believe in cultivating joy, love, integrity and abundance and dedicate my work to helping others do the same.

How I Got Here: My Background and Training

I began my career in health and healing back in 1996 at the National Institute of Mental Health in the field of neuroendocrinology, where I studied the links between the body, brain and behavior. It was fascinating and I loved the inquisitive nature of the work, but I knew something was missing. Sometimes I felt like the physicians I was working with were operating with blinders on - wasn't there more to being human than just our biochemistry?

I was becoming more and more interested in alternative and traditional healing practices, so I soon joined a pioneering scientific research team studying acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine and mind-body therapies for pain management at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. I got as much experience as I could in all areas of health care including family medicine, gynecology, mental health, acupuncture, herbalism, homeopathy and manual therapy. But I knew I didn't want to spend my life just researching healing - I wanted to help people directly. 

When an unexpected death occurred in the family, I had to face the fact that life is short and it was time to deepen my exploration of healing work. Living and traveling in both Greece and India for many years, my understanding of health, wellness and the role of the healer took a quantum leap. Although I had studied traditional medical practices from around the world as part of my academic career and private study, when I was overseas, I was directly exposed to a vast system of ancient healing methods in use for thousands of years. I deepened my awareness of the healing potential present in an authentic therapist-client relationship, something I believe has been tragically lost in the modern American healthcare system. 

I was especially impressed with the effectiveness of the hands-on therapies I explored. I eventually discovered the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Approach, and I haven't looked back since! Myofascial release is by far the most profound and effective body therapy I have discovered around the world. I was especially drawn to the deep power of cranial work, so I chose to receive additional, specialized training in this area. Myofascial release combines ancient healing wisdom with modern physiology, which my inner scientist and inner healer absolutely love! It has been an essential and powerful part of my own healing journey and the journeys of countless others, and I feel deeply honored to be a practitioner of this work. 
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Life can be beautiful! 
I am committed to helping you heal and find your joy, freedom and authentic self
As I continued exploring and evolving, I began searching for additional tools to help people bridge the gap between the treatment table and everyday life. I wanted to give people even more tools to heal themselves and shift old, dysfunctional patterns in order to create long lasting change. One thing led to another, and I eventually found the somatic coaching techniques of Gay and Katie Hendricks. This work was deeply transformational for me as well. I discovered healing can be fun, and that vast amounts of joy, love, clarity and abundance are accessible to me - and to everyone! The combination of myofascial release and somatic coaching is more powerful than I can describe in words - it has changed my life and I am deeply grateful.

Today, I dedicate my work to helping other people do the same - achieve a higher state of health and wholeness through a powerful blend of scientific knowledge, ancient healing wisdom and authentic self discovery. It is a unique combination of knowledge, experience, and insight from many sources. My experience and belief is that profound healing occurs on multiple levels of our body, mind, and spirit, and that revitalization and healing are accessible to everyone. Each person's healing journey is unique, so I work closely with each individual person to help them release their pain in their own way, discover the healing potential of their own body, and integrate all the parts of themselves into a unified and beautiful whole.  

My journey has been rich with exploration. In addition to myofascial release, cranio-somatic therapy and somatic life coaching, there are other practices that have shaped my life and work. In particular, my years of practicing mindfulness meditation and the martial art aikido have had a huge impact on me and the presence I bring into therapeutic sessions. I also love to dance - my favorite is Argentine tango, a dance that is deeply sensitive, responsive and has expanded my understanding of harmony, energy and balance. Before all of that, I practiced Ashtanga yoga and Tai Chi for many years - they were my first explorations of mind-body-energy and laid the foundation for everything that was to come. And more than anything, I enjoy being connected to the natural rhythms of life - whether it's while gardening, exploring nature, dancing or sailing. All these things have all shaped me, resonate through my work and brought me to where I am today. I would love to share them with you if you are willing and ready - I look forward to helping you create the deep healing and transformation you are longing for!



Elena Gournelos, BS, LMT


 FL- MA79195     MD- M06235