We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Grueschow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
My brand Courtney G Bodywork has become specialized around therapeutic massage therapy and my sessions are never one and done. I have learned throughout my career the best advice I can give to clients is to recommend a multifaceted approach to their healing process.
Many of us fall into a daily grind cycle of work, exhaustion and nutritional deficiency which all manifests into our physical/mental health.
Although clients come to me for relief from muscular tension or physical pain, they are often so depleted energetically, emotionally and mentally. After our sessions they feel so much better, but that reprieve maybe short lived. I love to give tips on self care methods that will bring them lasting relief.
My advise is a combination of specific PT exercises, hot/cold at home therapy, tips on healthy food choices and adequate sleep. All meant to be a reminder to be an active participant in their wellbeing and lifestyle choices.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Born an LA native, I set off on a transformative journey around the world at 21 to explore the wisdom and history of ancient cultures. For over a year I traveled through India, Nepal, Thailand, Bali, Australia and New Zealand discovering alternative healing practices and amazing eco spas.
Inspired by the therapeutic power of touch, I followed my passion and became a licensed massage practitioner in the healthcare field in 2001. Since then I have trained in many Eastern and Western modalities, but specialize in Therapeutic, Deep Tissue Structural Integration Bodywork, Lymphatic Drainage, Pre-natal, Traditional Thai Massage, Sculptural Face Lifting and Buccal massage which is a specialized anti-aging facial massage.
More recently I became an Electrons Plus – PEMF (Pulsed Electro Magnetic Frequency Therapy) practitioner!
Today I have a thriving private practice at my home studio in Woodland Hills as well as on location in the LA area.
My clientele ranges from A-list celebs to local moms in need. My 24-year practice has evolved into a unique brand of bodywork, which is a customized east/west fusion combining many modalities. Each session integrates hot/cold therapy, world music, aromatherapy, and hot stones for the ultimate therapeutic massage experience.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
To really be successful as a massage therapist you have to be passionate about helping others and committed to the health and wellness of your clients! Offering an array of services gives clients more reasons to book and helps to prevent exhaustion, burnout or even repetitive use injury.
In addition, pulling out all the stops really helps to stand out from the crowd. For example, continuing to add new things for extra pampering with a heated table and tempur-pedic topper for added cushioning. Using a hot towel caddy with aromatherapy scented hot towels and stones takes a regular massage to a luxurious one.
Finally, dressing and acting professional is a big one, especially in a service based field. An amazing massage therapist is very hard to find, once you impress someone they will be a lifelong client and send all their friends to you!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to network with other professionals in the beauty and wellness industries. We are all in word-of-mouth based field and working together for referrals has been key, especially in online in local Facebook groups!
In addition, I have found that even one special client will bring many more so I always treat each and every person with the same respect and appreciation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courtneygbodywork.com
- Instagram: @courtneygbodywork
- Facebook: @courtneygbodywork
- Yelp: Courtney G Bodywork
Image Credits
Rachael B Photography