Michael Yuhaniak

About

I believe that learning from our mistakes and ignorance is a big part of life. When I first set out to help others, I used to tell clients that I was simply trying to teach them “what I wish I knew back when…” Despite being young at the time I realized that there is usually someone who has achieved what we are trying to accomplish. If I could save someone from having to fumble around in the dark, I could help them move on to what they wanted to accomplish more quickly and effectively. While trying to fulfill this goal, I also realized that no one approach provides all the answers to life’s problems. I knew that I needed to build a big tool box, one that has the right tool for the situation at hand.

In my quest to add more tools over the years, I traveled extensively to learn from industry leaders in fitness, physical therapy, and massage. Incidentally, this is how I ended up in Arizona, moving out here to be with the love of my life who I met at a continuing education workshop. Needless to say, I think that learning from the best and being certified in their methods is an important factor when choosing to work with someone.

When I started working with my hands, I became enamored with CranioSacral Therapy so I went to the Upledger Institute (the creators of the method) to learn how to best help people using the techniques. To be a well-rounded massage therapist, I chose the school that offered the best blend of Eastern and Western methods. To enhance my ability to hold space for others, I learned Reiki from the best Reiki teacher in Arizona. Similarly, when I saw how effective Fascial Stretch Therapy was at making people feel better, there was no choice but to study under the Fredericks at the Stretch to Win Institute since they created the entire industry. I’ve always found that the quality of care you receive is heavily influenced by the quality of the teachers your therapist had in their own education.

Due to my extensive learning experiences, I like to think of my work with clients as intelligently informed intuition. I will use the right tool for you and meet you where you are. If you have long-held issues, I find that there are many layers to these issues, much like onions. I will help you peel away the layers at a pace that is comfortable for you so that you can process at a speed that works for you. We endure stresses daily and our bodies are amazingly resilient at accommodate these stressors. After a while, our bodies cannot accommodate any more challenges without compensating in some way. When our bodies stop being able to compensate, something’s got to give, whether physically or emotionally. Our work together will help you release tensions and enhance your body’s ability to self-correct. My goal is to help you get back to doing what you like without having to worry about breaking down.

I know that I have made (and continue to make) many mistakes in this journey we call life. If I can reinvent myself and learn from them than you can too. Let me help you get where you want more efficiently and effectively.

My Skills

Upledger Craniosacral Therapy - 4 Levels Completed (CS1, CS2, SER1, SER2)

Stretch to Win Fascial Stretch Therapy - 5 Levels Completed (1,2,3 - Medical, 3 - Fitness, Sports-Specific)

Instructor at Stretch to Win Institute

Barral Visceral Manipulation - Level 1 (Virtual and Live), Level 2 (Virtual)

Medical Massage Practicioner - Certified at Professional Level & Masters Level

Usui Reiki Master

Karuna Reiki - Levels 1 & 2

Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques - Certified in Posture and Pain, Lower Body, Upper Body, the Art of MAT

Licensed Massage Therapist (AZ)

Professional Associations / Memberships

International Association of Healthcare Practicioners (IAHP)

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP)

Fascial Stretch Therapy Association (FSTA)