Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Andrew DeGroat | ND #ThebodyworkDoctor.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey to as well as within the health and wellness industry has been exciting, rewarding and bitter sweet. Working food service and retail jobs to pay my way through various programs of study (starting with a Personal Care Attendant/ Home Health Aide certification course then Medical assisting, Medical billing and coding, Massage Therapy, Human Movement and corrective exercise Specialist certification, 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and many others) I realized I wanted and needed more fulfilment in my life. I opened my mobile massage and wellness practice in 2017 Namaste Integrative Wellness utilizing all of my education and training providing services to my clients in the comfort of their home or workplace. In 2019 I founded The Institute For Integrative Wellness providing affordable accessible comprehensive holistic health and bodywork education offering a 200hr Reflexology Training program, a Reiki I, II, and III master teacher training course and Sustainable Nutrition 101 (a nutrition coach certification course). The launch of the video podcast Wellness Wednesday in 2020 was a success and is now entering its 3rd season. In December 2020 I completed my studies in Naturopathic Medicine earning the distinction of Naturopathic Doctor. My clients and colleagues now refer to me as #TheBodyworkDoctor. I help people improve the quality of their lives through integrative naturopathy, manual therapy and education.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
As a young small business owner many challenges have presented themselves, though the most difficult obstacle to overcome was my own ‘imposter syndrome’. The voice in the back of my head telling me I am not qualified enough, that there are thousands of practitioners, what makes me so special, why would a client choose me over one of them? Dismantling these negative beliefs and thought patterns have been a corner stone in my growth as a practitioner, small business owner, and educator. I believe every situation that presents itself has within it the possibility to be a great learning experience if we stay receptive and are willing to do the introspection.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Clients and patients from all walks of life book services with me, though the majority of clientele I see are those seeking relief from pain, stress, and anxiety. Trained in a variety of massage and bodywork modalities from classic Swedish and deep tissue to myofascial release cupping and trigger point therapy I tailor each outcome based service to meet my clients individual needs. Various assessments (posture, gait, static and dynamic movement, goniometric etc.) help us measure progress of a particular treatment and adjust our plan of care accordingly. Thermographic imaging serves as an invaluable tool for gaining insight in the overall health of clients. I offer spa services designed to pamper and rejuvenate, and virtual/in person yoga classes to connect the mind and body. I do my best to make sure i meet the needs of all of my clients. Namaste Integrative Wellness is truly an evidence informed practice and as such I am constantly continuing my education and expanding my therapeutic skill set to meet the needs of those I serve. My clients get results.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
To anyone reading this, don’t ever give up on your goals or dreams! (something I frequently remind myself of). Celebrate the small wins as you track your progress as the largest castles are built with the smallest of stones, and trust your process.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success can be measured in many ways, but to me, it is a state of mind or a mindset. I ask myself a two simple questions, Do my intentions match my actions? Do those actions create change or impact? I feel that by keeping myself aligned in this way I set myself up to be successful in situations and in life.
What’s next for you?
I am in the process of creating new courses for The Institute For Integrative Wellness as well as publishing new manuals for the 200hr Reflexology program, and hope to see many more graduates in the years to come. I plan to continue hosting the Annual 10 Day Selfcare Challenge and various community wellness workshops. I plan to host a series of events between spring and summer 2022 and a retreat in the near future.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.
To enroll in a class, schedule a service, learn about me or to connect visit www.andrewdegroat.com