Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Burnett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into becoming a healer started in 2015. At the time I was competitively weightlifting at Weber State and working on a degree in Exercise & Sports Science. I received my first massage and was blown away, it was like a lightbulb moment for me. Within a week I was touring a massage school and shortly thereafter I was signed up to start as a full time massage student the following semester. After graduating massage school and becoming licensed I went back to Weber State and finished my degree. Since graduating in 2018 I have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to expand my knowledge and tool belt. Since 2020 I have been shifting my focus from the purely physical to the mental emotional taking courses in energy work, Craniosacral therapy, the Rosen Method (somatic therapy), and even some training and work in the psychedelic therapy realm. So today my sessions tend to combine a little of everything which often is very effective as I can intuitively work with many different tools to meet the needs of each unique individual rather than using the same “recipe” or protocol with everyone.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like anything in life that is worth pursuing it has had its challenges. When you are first out of massage school you don’t necessarily feel ready so there is a confidence building stage as well as a stamina building phase as well because it is a physically demanding job. Staying physically fit and injury free takes continued effort as well so it is imperative that I also am receiving bodywork to keep myself in tip top shape. Overall I think for me the hardest hurdle was getting to the point where I really believed in myself. It was so easy to fall into the trap of “just one more certification and I will feel confident,” when really I was already doing amazing work for people. I was receiving plenty of validating feedback from clients and helping a lot of people yet I struggled to fully receive that for a while. Lastly it has been a journey of it’s own being self employed. Having no prior business experience it was daunting at first and I stumbled my way through learning along the way, but it is so worth it when compared to working at a spa.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the moment I am a single operator and my wife does some of the backend work for me. I am currently working on finding talented healers to start the “collective” aspect of my business. I have been working on plans for a destination wellness/retreat center that will have a unique collection of healers that will work together to offer comprehensive healing opportunities and programs for people.
I personally specialized in myofascial release/orthopedic style massage in school. So working with injuries, scar tissue, helping people avoid surgeries, etc. Nowadays my work is shifting towards more nervous system regulation, emotional release and trauma informed care. So I help people with pain that has stress/emotional/trauma roots that typical massage will only relieve for a day or two.
What truly sets me apart from other therapists is my diverse education and continued education as well as my ability to be fully present with you. When I work with you I am not doing a protocol, I am hearing your needs, listening to your body and giving you what you need in the moment. You might be surprised how hard it is to find a massage therapist that doesn’t just run through the same protocol for every client with 5 extra minutes in the area that was your main complaint. And many are just going through the motions or even listening to music/podcasts in one ear while “working” with you. Another thing that sets me apart is that I also offer mobile massage and bring my whole set up with me so clients can receive in the comfort of their own home.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the access to the outdoors, the mountains really captivated me when I came to Utah for the first time in 2007. Ogden’s downtown has great vibes and the community is wonderful if you get out there and meet people.
What I like least is the non-stop development of open spaces, it seems we are hell bent on putting an apartment complex on every possible open lot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elevationwellnesscollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationwellnesscollective/#
