The Owner
Patrice Gutrick, B.S., LMT, RMP, Usui Reiki Level 1 Practitioner (she/her)
Patrice is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has transformed her pain into purpose as a licensed massage therapist. Through her lived experiences with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and complex trauma (CPTSD), she has developed a profound understanding of how the body holds our stories—and how deeply healing it can be to reconnect with it in a safe, supportive environment.
She works with individuals navigating trauma, chronic stress and pain, depression, anxiety, or even PTSD. Her bodywork is rooted in both professional training and personal experience, allowing her to offer a uniquely compassionate and intuitive approach. She has created a sanctuary for deep healing and restoration, and views herself as a vessel through which your body’s innate wisdom can guide the process.
Patrice offers integrative, intuitive, therapeutic, and trauma-informed therapeutic bodywork designed to help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and pain, and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, while deepening body awareness. She specializes in fascia release and strengthening the mind-body connection, often incorporating complementary techniques tailored to each individual. By blending personal insight and intuition with professional training, using research-based and evidence-informed practices, Patrice supports clients in achieving meaningful, lasting results.
As an empathetic and trauma-informed practitioner, Patrice approaches each session with presence, compassion, and respect for your unique journey. She sees you as a whole person—not just a body on the table—and creates a space where your nervous system can settle and your inner healer can emerge. With each client’s consent, she may incorporate quiet intention or prayer, always honoring your comfort level and personal beliefs. Her intention is to support you in releasing what no longer serves you, reconnecting with yourself, and moving toward greater balance, safety, and well-being.
Patrice’s work is also deeply inspired by her late grandmother, Mama. As a teenager, she was inadvertently introduced to massage by offering sessions to her grandmother and Aunt Shirley, simply to help them relax. They would often drift into peaceful sleep, and during one of their final sessions together, her grandmother held her hands and told her she “should do something with these hands.” At the time, Patrice didn’t fully understand the significance of those words. It wasn’t until she experienced her first full-body massage as an adult—while seeking natural ways to manage depression and anxiety—that she truly recognized the power of therapeutic touch. Since her grandmother’s passing on July 1, 2021, Patrice feels her presence guiding her work and believes the healing she offers is both intentional and spiritually supported.
In addition to her bodywork practice, Patrice holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and is also a self-published author of No Longer a Victim: Poems From a Survivor. She has also led a support group and maintained a blog, Blessed & Liberated™, dedicated to supporting survivors of childhood trauma. Her advocacy for mental health awareness and ending childhood sexual abuse, while going through years of psychotherapy, has helped to shape her understanding of the importance of holistic healing approaches.
Patrice studied at Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage, earning her certification in February 2022. She became licensed to practice in Virginia in August 2022 and registered in Maryland in June 2023. She is also an active professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).
Her training includes a wide range of modalities such as Swedish, sports, prenatal, neuromuscular, deep tissue, fascia release, and hot stone massage. She integrates these techniques intuitively to meet each client’s needs. Patrice began her professional career at ACG Integrative Wellness in October 2022, where she flourished under the mentorship of Megan, whose guidance helped her grow quickly in skill and confidence. During this time, Patrice built a loyal client base rooted in trust and care.
Additional Training & Certifications
- Myofascial Release Massage (Upper Body) – Howard Rontal
- Reiki Level 1 – Susan Masters (NVSTM)
- Trauma-Informed Care – Indiana University Bloomington
- Assisted Active Stretching – Jim Earley
- ACEs Aware Certification – ACEs Aware Learning Center
- Fascial Release with Self-Realization – Maria Alfieris
- Bodywork for Depression & Anxiety – Tracey Moon & Sharon Nash
- Continuing education in ethics, self-care, and more through AMTA, ABMP, and Biotone
Outside of her work, Patrice is intentionally embracing a life beyond survival. She finds nourishment in solitude, meditation, grounding practices, and strength training. She also cherishes time with her husband, daughters, family, and friends. Patrice has a deep love for animals—especially her bearded dragon, Rocco—and enjoys activities such as bowling, reading, research, DIY projects, and watching animal documentaries. These simple joys help nurture her spirit and support her ongoing healing.
Patrice experiences her work as a reciprocal journey—one that brings her profound joy and a sense of full-circle purpose, while creating space for clients to actively engage in their own healing, reconnect with themselves, and feel supported every step of the way. She believes her grandmother would be incredibly proud.
“It is this belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself which allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable.”
Maya Angelou
"A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer so that you may heal yourself."
Maryam Hasnaa