Testimonials

“The entire staff are always so welcoming. I really can’t say enough about Amanda, she is a burst of happiness and positive vibes. She always alleviates my pain and stress levels. She is a sincerely passionate therapist.”

-John Lacy

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“I have been going there for several years now. My regular therapist, amanda, is truly amazing!”

-Bob Gilbert

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Gary Williams – Merkel Cell Cancer

My name is Gary R. Williams and I have been diagnosed with Merkel cell cancer at the end of May, 2008. Merkel cell cancer turns out to be a rare and aggressive cancer that very few people have any knowledge about, including the medical profession. In fact, in discussing it with many medical people, they grouped it into the general cancer area and tried to treat it the same way, such as with chemotherapy, radiation, etc.

I am an attorney at law and deal in factual information and need specific answers rather than a generalization, so I sought alternative treatments. The initial prognosis after being diagnosed with this type of cancer was bleak.
After going through routine cancer treatments (i.e.) surgery and removal of lymph nodes, I felt I had to do more. That’s when a friend of mine, Don Massat recommended his company, Beyond Wellness, and I was leery at first but felt a strong need to try it. Although not skeptical, I did not put a great deal of expectation that it could help me with this medical condition. With some degree of apprehension, I was introduced to the Beyond Wellness program and to, of course, Don Massat, Carol Malin and Beth Pizzotti. At the conclusion of the first session, it had already made a difference in the way I felt and developed comfortableness with the treatment.
As I continued on with treatment, I looked forward to the next treatment and after many treatments, I can actually say that it definitely helped my condition mentally and physically.
At the date of this letter, I can state that I am currently clear of cancer and I can affirmatively state that Beyond Wellness has helped my condition and would continue to recommend it to others. I am grateful for having known Don Massat and his suggestion for encouraging me to try Beyond Wellness.
I remain,

Gary R. Williams

Therapist Comment:

Even the diagnosis of Merkel cell cancer, or the word “terminal”, has little meaning to us at Beyond Wellness. We have the understanding that ALL disease cannot exist in the highest vibration. Gary’s positive attitude and trust, along with several Lightworkers holding this space, escalated this vibration. Working with Gary was a delight.

~Don Massat

 

By taking a leap of faith and experiencing an unfamiliar, not to mention outside-the-box therapy, Gary set aside his analytical mind and allowed himself to receive energetic healing by trusting in the practitioners and the process during each session. I feel honored to have been a part of the team during Gary’s sacred journey.

~ Carole Malin

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Michael B – Paranoid Schizophrenia

I was driving home and my son called to discuss the success he had in selling a new line of sunglasses inventory in the baseball park. The ball park had been very busy and he had a great sales day. I hung up the phone thinking of how far we had come and how blessed I was.

Flashback to January 2008 – My son had been exhibiting signs of mania since December. He was very high strung and was not sleeping. Ten months earlier he went to the survival camp in Idaho for similar issues. While it helped and he was healthy, here we were 10 months later with the same symptoms but worse. We went to Holistic Naturopath who tried to change his diet but this really did nothing quickly. The mania got worse and finally I took my son to the emergency room where he was diagnosed as bipolar with paranoid schizophrenia. They put him on strong medication that was $1200 a month. After 11 days he crashed into depression and his personality totally changed. The doctor’s response was that could also be put on antidepressant. My son, who was 18, decided to stop taking all medication. We started weekly acupuncture and few homeopathy treatments. While that calmed him down he still was paranoid that someone was trying to kill him. I went to work one day and was called by the state police that he was on the highway at the toll booth complaining that he was being followed and that he should be put in the witness protection program. After that incident I then began driving my son everywhere. I dropped him at a friend’s and was called several hours later. The friends decided to go to another person’s house who my son didn’t know. He called me telling me he was certain that they were plotting to kill him. I was at my wits end when a friend of mine told me about Beyond Wellness and the Cranial Sacral Therapy. My son started to see Don weekly. Immediately the treatments seemed to calm him down but he still suffered from the paranoia. Don suggested Miasm Release Therapy. The MRT was amazing. Similar to Cranial Sacral Therapy but with 2 therapists and the treatment was able to completely get rid of the paranoia issue in one session! Don created a completely safe atmosphere that involved both my son and I and gave us hope (the medical model wouldn’t give me any information given his age). We went from a very scary situation with the medical recommending I classify my son as indigent with little hope for a normal life.
Currently my son has 2 part time jobs delivering pizza and selling sunglasses at the ball part during baseball season. While he has some issues with focus /follow through, he is totally medication free. He goes for CST about every 3 weeks and just knows now when his body needs it. He even has taken the first level of Cranial Sacral Therapy training and hopes to continue in the future. In the fall his goal is to begin classes at the local junior college for Medical Technician Training. Like I said, I feel very blessed – all because of Don Massat and others at Beyond Wellness. I can’t thank you enough!!!
~ Cindy B

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Roland – PDD – NOS

Our 5 year old son, Roland was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at the age of 3. He began early intervention thru the state at age 2 for speech delays, motor planning sensory issues as well as unprovoked aggression.
It has truly taken a village to raise our son. At 3 years old he was transitioned to our school district and has spent the last 2 years in the early childhood program. Through strict behavioral techniques, special phrases and constant follow thru – and all of us being on the same page… Roland has made huge strides.
We still saw in him – times of unprovoked aggression, OCD tendencies and so many anxieties. It broke our hearts to see him doing so well in some areas and being unsuccessful in social settings with his peers and in any changes with his “norm” and with transitions.
Laura Okerstrom of Beyond Wellness offered us another option to tackle these issues – Cranial Sacral Therapy. I have gone through some sessions myself and was comfortable having Roland try this. I was a bit apprehensive, however, about how he would react to this type of massage work and how would be able to stay still?
We certainly did not expect a cure all we were told to expect subtle differences. And YES- there have been. Subtle sounds so minor – but for us it has made the difference between Roland being able to have 45 minute play date with a friend versus leaving after 20 minutes because he struck someone or didn’t respect space. Subtle made difference between Roland helping me pick up a few items at Jewel on the way home from therapy versus him bursting into tears because we CAN”T stop anywhere – we ALWAYS MUST go straight home from therapy. He is calmer, less anxious, and less aggressive.
Our Roland looks forward to his sessions with Laura. He happily lies on the table and goes into an “altered state”. He is very relaxed going home. We are now going to Beyond Wellness once a month for Roland’s Cranial Sacral Therapy – for us it is now part of his treatment. We are very happy with the results. We are very grateful fir the care and attention from Laura and Beyond Wellness.
John and Solange, Lisle, IL
Therapist comment:

Children such as Roland have an extraordinary capacity to feel and afe extremely gifted. The gentle, non – invasive Cranial Sacral techniques balance the nervous system and improve the overall health and responsiveness of nerve tissues. Through this therapy, children become more centered, are better able to focus on task /assignments and their natural gifts are enhanced.
Working intuitively, I am able to connect with Roland energetically and ‘speak’ to his psyche. As Roland and I communicate in this state, new paths or ways of being are created (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) that help Roland assimilate his experiences in life.
~ Laura Okerstrom

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Diane F. – Anxiety / Depression

Progress Report
On Diane F

From Jessica Skorupa
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Diane F. sought psychotherapy with me approximately 18 months ago to address difficulties with chronic bulimia, depression, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, post –traumatic stress symptoms and career/educational concerns. For months, Diane found it difficult to stay in the therapy for sustained periods of time and “dropped out” on numerous occasions for weeks at a time reportedly when she got close to hot emotional issues in the therapy process. She also had a tendency to seek outside validation and advice from many people on routine and long – term decisions, and would feel frustrated when advice from these various people conflicted. At these times, she would “give up” and retreat back into her bulimic and self – defeating behaviors which exacerbated her depressive symptoms.

It does appear that the Miasm Release Therapy has helped her to move past the “emotional blocs” that have prevented her from optimally benefitting from psychotherapy. Given the exciting results, it seems that this type of bodywork may be beneficial for individuals struggling with past trauma and depression.

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Andrew J. – TMJ

Hello Don,

I wanted to write to you and tell you about our experience with Beyond Wellness. As you know, we came to you to see if Cranial Sacral Therapy would help our 5 year old stop grinding his teeth. We did not want to just fit him with a mouth guard and still have the root cause remain. Something was causing him to grind his teeth at night.
After the first session, the change was dramatic. We estimate that the grinding went down about 80%. After three sessions, it has just about completely resolved. We could not be more pleased and relieved that you were able to help, and so quickly and dramatically.
We were, of course, skeptical to try something like Cranial Sacral Therapy, but we are sure glad we did. It truly is a very gentle and effective therapy. I would urge any parent to talk to you and see if the therapy would be a good match for their children.
Thank you!!
Andrew J.
Therapist Comments:

Grinding the teeth and tightness of the Temporal Mandibular joint is caused not only by physical but emotional imbalance. Cranial Sacral Therapy is ideal for this.

~Don Massat

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Silvia – Schizophrenia

Some say that I have schizophrenia. Now I don’t say that I have that, but that’s the bracket my doctors have placed me in. What is true is that I have had several episodes of schizophrenia like psychosis which have resulted in my being in and out of the hospital for many years. Just as I’d recover and get back on my feet again boom I’d get hit with another schizophrenia episode and wham I’d be in the hospital again. Now it’s not to say life was all bad for me but it was very hard; I wasn’t able to keep a normal job or have very successful relationships as you might imagine.

I knew there was more to it than met the eye and it seemed when I’d call on my guides when in an episode of schizophrenia it seemed to make things go easier; yet there was much for me to learn I was sure.
Then enter Don and Beth from Beyond Wellness. I started out in some of their classes and boy did I learn a lot. It was starting to make sense to me. They confirmed my knowing that these schizophrenia like episodes were openings in my psyche and my potential. Gifts were shining through but it was too much and I didn’t have the tools yet to master all the “voices”. Don and Beth patiently taught me ways to clear my energy, how to stay grounded and many other tools that later proved to come in handy.
Most importantly I started seeing Don and Beth as a client. They did miasm release, cranial sacral, esalen and other energy work with me. This continued to help clear me physically, psychically, emotionally, etc. and eventually gave me the tools to self clear some as well. The miasm release particularly taught me and gave me practice separating what was me from what was “them” or other than self.
Now I know all these things helped me because the last time I had a schizophrenia like episode I didn’t have to go to the hospital. Yes, it still knocked me out of my everyday life, but I was able to walk through the “madness” with greater ease. The biggest gift was that I was able to separate what’s me from “them” a lot more.
I don’t know about you, but to me Beth and Don have given me the greatest gift of all; they have given me my life back. Practicing what they have taught me and continuing to see Don regularly, it’s been over 2 years since I’ve had any schizophrenia like episode. So this stuff is really working. Now I’m able to live a normal life. In fact I’m now engaged and going to get married.
So many thanks to Beyond Wellness and Don and Beth.
Therapist Comments:

Silvia’s trust and openness to a new belief system has created a whole new journey for her. Silvia, through Miasm Release Therapy, has now opened her gifts and is one of the most incredible body workers in
Chicago.

~Don Massat

I would look forward to Silvia’s sessions and learned so much from experiencing her light body. Silvia’s unique, ethereal qualities enhanced the power of the healing energies offered to her by Don and me throughout the sessions.

~Beth Pizzotti

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Dr. Jose Abreu – Shoulder / neck pain

When his wife recommended he see a Massage therapist and C.S.T. for neck pain that had traveled to his arms and should, Abreu, and Anesthesiologist at a south suburban hospital was skeptical. “I had never heard about him or the type of medicine he practices. It was something unfamiliar to me.” he says.

Abreu agreed to visit the center because he began experiencing numbness in his fingers. He also wasn’t having success with physical therapy, and the medication that he was taking was a bit harsh on his system. In an effort to solve his impending health challenges, Abreu met with a neurosurgeon hoping to discuss the possibility of surgery, but he really didn’t want to go under the knife.
He admits that visiting Beyond Wellness, a natural health care center was a last resort. “When you are suffering excruciating pain, you are willing to try anything that gives you hope for improvement.”, he says.
After his first session, he noticed massage therapy was gentler on his body than physical therapy. He also realized that his body had stopped aching. Abreu says that he saw definite improvements after the third massage session and decided to see the massage therapist twice a week instead of having surgery. “Don (Massat) uses Massage and Cranial Sacral Therapy on me and it works. I’m delighted I found out about this place (Beyond Wellness) because it has saved my life!”, he says.
Article: Natural Health Centers
by Darlene Paris
Conscious Choice Magazine
Vol. 12 No. 10 October 1999
Therapist Comments:

Sometimes when we try something new, we achieve different results. I comment Dr. Abreu’s willingness to explore this alternative. We like to say we are complimentary to the medical model.

~Don Massat

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Dennis B – Stress / Neck Pain

I am an executive in the computer field and get my fair share of stress on a daily basis. Beyond Wellness has become an escape from stress that I have come to rely on.

I have been receiving massage therapy for over 15 years. Having started with chair massage to relieve stress and expanding to full body massage focused on deep tissue work to relieve muscles that had been ignored for so long. I have been lucky enough over the past years to receive massage by what is considered the best all over country. Having been in an car accident in 1999, I have used a combination of massage and Chiropractic to relieve numbness and neck pain. The occurrence of pain is not chronic but when it flares it can last for 2-3 months.
I tried Amanda 4 years ago and realized she was something special. She works in an intuitive way that lets me relax and let her do the hard work. Amanda has tried several modalities on me over the time I have known her. She recommended an Esalen massage to me two years ago, and I found the massage to be different yet the same. The Esalen is a 90 minute massage and allows for some deep work to be done if needed. I recently had a neck flare up and was scheduled for an Esalen session. I considered canceling and having some specific neck work done but decided to do the full session. I found the session not only relieved my pain but made me feel energetic. I have found the Esalen to be slightly different each time but wonderful none the less.
It took many sessions for me to pinpoint exactly why I requested this above the other modalities. When I thought I figured it out I wasn’t sure anymore. The more I have experienced the massage the more in tune to touch I have become. The massage does not focus on an area so you can not anticipate the next stroke, I believe this works to relax the mind as you can do nothing more than experience the moment.
I want to thank Amanda for introducing me to the style and caring about what she does and how she treats her clients. I have not had the opportunity to work with other staff but would be sure they are as competent as the master.
Dennis B.
Therapist Comments:

Esalen massage is a dance between the client and the therapist. Working in a meditative state, I am able to let all preconceived ideas disappear, and follow where the client needs to go, physically and energetically. When a client is as open to the work as Dennis is, the possibilities for healing and growth are endless.

~ Amanda Clark Reed

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Bill Scales – Depression

Upon reflection, I realize that I have gained a different perspective and greater appreciation of the power of cleaner, clearer energy flow and a higher level of that energy which has created a brighter vitality through my visits to Beyond Wellness.

The last six months have revealed a downward spiral akin to a death spiral. Life having been much as the roller coaster analogy of before with the twists turns, ups and downs in all requirements. It took as long as it has, stumbling through the process of clearing my past. It feels now as if shadows long existent, and varying in status and power at times, has left. Cognitive Therapy, Analysis and the other models failed to effectively handle the shadows… “Energy work” did.
It all seemed to have led to the last three weeks and “Energy work”. It is ALL about energies! And the wizards who can work energy magic!
Trust, implicit trust, was absolutely and fully felt from moment one when encountering the aura of Don Massat. Quite literally presented to you was, with no hold-backs, body, mind and spirit. Having long been attuned to all three allowed you, I feel, to work his magic, with each time being different. Each session I found him activating energy systems and raising energy levels. When he did this, changes of cleaner flow of energies created clarity of deep thought and feeling coupled with a lightness of being.
I must share with you Don, that what you do is not for the masses, which I am sure is no surprise to you. Upon relating to three different friends the affect you are able to create, all in their own inimitable way, looked a tad cock-eyed and nodded in a very disbelieve, patronizing way. Their loss.
To be open minded seems a stretch for the masses, but I can fully attest to what shifting energies to a healthier pattern can engender. Thank you for that fact. And now to the last chapter of this fellows stint here, with new knowledge and health. “Thank you”, Don, for what you are and do. Those things make this world a better place.

~Bill
Therapist Comments:

Depression is always related to suppressing emotions. Miasm Release Therapy, along with Bill’s courage to explore his “inner work”, was instrumental in his healing process.

~Don Massat

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Jennifer – Psychosis/Schizophrenia

I was first introduced to Beyond Wellness, Don Massat and his staff two years ago. As young as I can remember I’ve been tormented by demonic presences. These occurrences eventually broke me down. My mother was the one who introduced me to this therapy and Beyond Wellness. She had been participating in chakra and spiritual therapies for years and felt this therapy would be an excellent solution to my problems. Being that I was tired of doctors misdiagnosing me and putting me on medications my body refused as unnatural and unstable to my nervous system, I agreed to try the therapy.

My mental illnesses have varied in the past but a majority of them were aggravated by not a genetic nature. The first disorder, I was diagnosed with was anxiety attacks at fifteen, a common disorder amongst millions. The second was at nineteen, which was a psychosis brought on by a spiked drink that contained a highly controlled substance. I believe the psychosis also was aggravated by a near death experience and accompanied head trauma. My diagnosis was manic and bipolar disorder. Throughout the years the illnesses seemed to come and go but I noticed that the demonic presences were much more severe before my big breakdown. My symptoms varied, but usually would be fast heart beat, severe headaches, racing thoughts, disturbed sleeping patterns, decreased appetite, depression, paranoid thoughts, and anxiety.
My first session that I attended two years ago was a little uncomfortable to me because I didn’t know what to expect. I admit I was close-minded and skeptical. Since I was raised Catholic I believe miracles come only from God, church and praying and I say this because I experienced a small miracle one day after praying at a grotto. However that day I was proved wrong at Beyond Wellness, as my story will unfold. My very first session was very relaxed with comfortable lighting and therapeutic music playing. Don & his partner brought me into a dream-like state. He asked me to describe these exorcist hell raiser type demons that had been tormenting me since age three. As I described these demons I felt Don and his partner slowly pulling these low energies from my body. I actual felt the spirits leaving and as they left I felt much lighter. It was if a pressure was taken right off my soul and body. After the session I felt lighter and more receptive to positive light energies around me. I was steady and my bodies equilibrium was back and no demons tormenting me.
It had been two years since I had that session until 4 months ago. The last year has been very hard for me, I lost the dearest and loved person, my grandfather. He was not only my grandfather, but more like a father and best friend. It was extremely difficult for me, I felt so much grief, sadness, and loss. As soon as I started feeling those negative thoughts the low energies returned. So once again I felt compelled to go visit Don.
When I entered the session it was the same as I remembered from my first visit. Upon entering the room I visualized a cloaked demon screaming at the doorway. As I was taken into a dream-like state I saw more demons. I saw a group of thirty cloaked with hoods, some carrying wands of crystal, some carrying candles. They were walking in a row towards a sacrificial monument and they appeared to be underground in a dark cave-like environment. Don and his partner removed these evil energies slowly and carefully. They were difficult to remove but in time they were once again removed. The demon I saw upon entering identified
himself to Don was the hardest for him to remove. As Don pulled and pushed this demon away from my body, I got a visual of the demon screaming in anger as he fell to a bottomless pit. Don also removed the pain of losing my grandfather. During that time Don said he heard my grandfather’s voice and two statements intended for me to hear. It was impressive what Don told me because the statements Don repeated to me were two statements my grandfather would say to me a lot while I was growing up. After that I saw orbs of colors spinning like a colorful light show. Soon after I saw a tall, handsome man then myself meeting him. I saw me and the man dancing together and colors swirled around as if we were in love. I then saw him proposing to me on a couch in a living room I couldn’t recognize and lastly my twins, a boy and a girl. Strangely these things were already predicted by my grandmother on my dad’s side of the family who is a little psychic. I left the session once again feeling light more receptive to light, but this time my predictions for life were confirmed and that made me feel more content.
A month later I went back for a second session. I felt fine physically and mentally but I went because I wanted to get rid of negative feelings such as pain, loss, shame, guilt, denial, and so on. There were no demons in this session, just release of negative thoughts. Don and partner went to work on these bad thoughts, identifying and erasing them from my mind. I once again saw visuals of my husband and children to be. I got a glimpse into one of my past lives. I will describe the one I knew of faintly and the most interesting. I was a woman in my mid-twenties and it was in the late 1960’s, I was a songwriter, writer, artist or photographer. I was famous, rich and partied with musicians and celebrities of the Woodstock era. The next thing I saw or better yet felt was unexplainable. All of a sudden in session a light flashed before my eyes, I could see my old soul the woman I described. I was actually in the living room of this woman’s house, I was looking right at her but could only see the back of her. She was much more petite than me, she had long wavy, light, ash brown hair secured by two barrettes. She was wearing a peasant top with a brown suede fringed vest and a belt with a bohemian skirt. The room was lavishly decorated somewhat like Janis Joplin’s style at the time. She was going to get a record, when there was a knock at the door. She forgot the album and walked towards the door. she opened the door without hesitation after peeking out to see who it was. She appeared to know the man didn’t seemed surprised he was there. As soon as she let the man in and closed the door the man’s hands were around her throat and she was wrestled to the floor. I was then immediately thrown into this woman’s body and strangely felt like I was repeating something. I felt his hands on my neck I gasped for air as I cried, “no please don’t stop, why are you doing this to me?” I saw my long hair flying in front of my face as I struggled to get away or claw the man in the eyes. Sadly I couldn’t because I was too weak. I felt myself slipping away taking my last breath as my (the woman’s) spirit floated away, At the end my second session I felt complete knowing about my past lives because I believe I am now a reflection of those past lives. I didn’t make too much headway on banishing the negative feelings but I knew it would surely be taken care of in the next session.
The third session I had a few weeks ago. I went back again to release those bad emotions and had a breakthrough. I fell into a dream-like state quickly in session and began to see saw two native American Indians, one young, and other old. They were both dressed traditionally and wore face painting. They helped assist Don work the low energies out of me. While Don worked I saw the Indians using feather wands to dust away the negative energy. The Indian men joined hands above me and chanted while colors and images changed in their hands. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed in my life. Soon after I was blowing out a windstorm of breath non- stop. I believe it was negativity racing out of me. Towards the end of the session the Indians presented Don a dove and his partner a feather wand. When I woke up everyone was out of the room and I instantly felt peace in my heart and soul.
Thank you Don Massat and staff, you’ve made a big difference for me and my life.
Therapist Comments:

Schizophrenia has always been something the medical model has struggled with. Miasm Release Therapy has set many like Jennifer onto a new journey in life!

~Don Massat

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Laura D. – Schizophrenia

Dear Don & Beth

I believe that I’ve been given a rare opportunity to clean my life. A real blessing that surely has come unexpected.
Thank you Don and Beth for being the facilitators in my healing process. Thank you Beth for sharing the important verbage from your guidance stream.
I look forward to more good things to come and continue
In trust,
Laura D.
Therapist Comment:

As Laura breaks out of her inner confusion, she is finally able to dance. This painting says it all.
~ Don Massat

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Lori Ceresa – Eye sight / Arthritis

I get very excited when I talk about Beyond Wellness, but I find it hard to put into words how much Beyond Wellness has helped me.

I first went to see Don Massat at Beyond Wellness, because I was told my circulation was very poor. So I went to see Don to see what he could do to help. Not only has my circulation improved, other problems have improved also. When I first started going I had to have someone drive me because my eyesight was horrible. Now I make the 1.5 hour drive one a month. I also have arthritis in my feet. It would be very painful to walk; now very seldom do I suffer from pain in my feet. There were time I suffered from depression and moodiness. The Cranial Sacral Therapy helped me and at the same time gave me energy. The benefits seem to be endless for me. I was very intrigued with the process and wanted to learn about it.

Everyone at Beyond Wellness has such a positive attitude and is very friendly.
Lori Ceresa