An interview with Tamara Cornehlsen, LMT
When did you start your practice? When did you join CLINIC?
I started my practice in 2018 and joined CLINIC in 2022.
After graduating from massage therapy school, I worked in a spa setting where I had the opportunity to use and build my skills and get used to the physical nature of the work. I learned so much but once I could see that this was not the space where I would thrive, I decided to start my own practice and began renting a room from a local acupuncturist. It was a great space but I was often in the building alone, working on evenings and weekends when I wasn’t taking care of my babies. This felt lonely and although I knew I wanted to continue running my own business, I dreamed of doing it in a collaborative space. That’s when I found CLINIC, met Jen and the rest is history…I get to do the intentional work I am passionate about with a diverse group of clients surrounded by a community of wonderful practitioners. What a gift!
What is distinctive about the way you practice?
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist that specializes in deep tissue work, myofascial release and trigger point therapy. I have an additional specialization in pre and post-natal massage and am passionate about working with my clients and their families during and after pregnancy. I love working with women, family units, people with body limitations and anyone looking to disrupt the habits and patterns in their body that don’t serve them anymore.
I take my time - I try to wait for the tissues to let me in without forcing the work. Although I do a lot of deep tissue work, it is with the permission of the body and not with force and aggression. I do not subscribe to the “no pain, no gain” mentality! That is not to say that the work is never uncomfortable or painful, but pain is not the goal. Also, I make a point of sitting down with each of my clients - both new and returning - before every session to check-in on how things are going, what is currently at play in their body and how they are doing overall in order to create the most effective treatment plan. This time is not taken away from the hands-on massage time and I schedule clients to allow for this time. I feel strongly about running my practice this way.
What do you like best about your business?
I love working for myself, running my business in the way that I believe in and having a schedule that allows me to be present and available for the important people in my life, especially my children and my partner. It is a complicated time in the world, and this healing work, although often challenging, is also a haven for me. I feel joy in the responsibility of creating a safe space for people; one in which they can be still, fall apart, and be in their body.
What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?
I am a former varsity athlete (basketball) that grew up as a “sporty” kid but I am actually not very competitive. I love a good challenge but I don’t feel a strong pull towards “winning” and never really have. I believe that the body is capable of taking on great challenges but also that it requires much more rest than what often feels acceptable in our society; especially in a competitive, athletic space. I find myself thinking about these ideas a lot…
What other background (work, education) do you have that comes in handy in your treatments/ business? How does it impact your work?
I came into this work in my early 30s after many years in the fields of recreation therapy and social work. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many people from all walks of life, a wide range of ages, abilities and circumstances. I am well aware that this world can be a challenging place to live and exist, especially for those who are struggling with their health or navigating the world with body limitations. The aging process can feel difficult and unfair but it is something our bodies are meant to go through.
The perspective I have gained from my clients and all those I have crossed paths with in life and work is that often we feel broken but that these “cracks” are a part of moving through this world. If we can let ourselves feel and address our pain, our injuries and our challenges head on with an open mind and a willingness to work with our body honestly, I believe that the path can be smoother. Never easy, of course, but smoother. I see myself as a guide for my clients in that process.
Is there something you’ve been reflecting on in your work lately?
I reflect often on how I can better address the body as a whole in my work. Throughout the process of reading and researching how to do this, I have become fascinated by the concept of tissue decompression which can be done much more effectively with cupping than with our hands. For many of us, our tissues and fascial systems are often quite bound up and compressed; especially at former sites of injury and in chronic areas of tension. Orthopedic cupping can be very effective at bringing space into the layers of tissue in order to improve healing, circulation and range of motion, which is why I will be offering it in my sessions soon! I am also fascinated by visceral manipulation therapy and feel a pull to incorporate more work on the belly and core into my practice. I will be taking the visceral manipulation level 1 training soon…