Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Grayson
Hi Brandi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
How I started:
I’ve been passionate about the healing arts for as long as I can remember, and in 2023, I graduated from Arbor College School of Massage in Knoxville. From the start, I knew I wanted to incorporate the healing power of intentional touch and compassionate care in a trauma-informed way.
I came to massage therapy through my own healing journey. After years focused on healing my mind, I reached a point where I realized I needed to reconnect with my body as a source of wisdom and guidance. For anyone who’s experienced trauma, or just living in this day and age where we spend so much time in our minds, coming back into the body can be intimidating—even uncomfortable or overwhelming. Before I was a professional, I was the person on the table, learning how to inhabit my body with compassion and patience. This experience shaped my empathy and continues to ground my work. Today, it allows me to hold a reverent, nonjudgmental space for my clients—a space where they’re invited to explore embodiment in a way that feels safe and respectful.
How I got to where I am:
Today, I’m grateful to practice in the Moon Studio at Mind Body Knox—a space that feels like a dream come true. It’s a full-circle moment for me, as I received so much body-based support from Paige’s yoga classes back in 2019 at a small studio in Powell. Five years later, it’s an honor to now stand beside her as a professional, offering that same support to others at Mind Body Knox. Alongside this, working part-time at Pure Luxe Salon and Day Spa in Hardin Valley has provided a strong foundation for my journey. It’s been a space to grow, refine my skills, and connect with a wide range of individuals. Both experiences have shaped me into the practitioner I am today.
I’ve arrived at this point through persistence, reflection, and a commitment to growth. I kept showing up and following my curiosity and excitement, even when it was challenging or uncomfortable. I sought support and mentorship, and I offered support to others on similar paths. I embraced networking and forged connections with like-minded people, sharing ideas and experiences that enriched my own journey. Along the way, I witnessed both successes and setbacks, each offering valuable lessons. Through every pivot, pause, and action step, I held a clear vision of the kind of healing space I wanted to create.
From the beginning, I felt called to specialize in trauma-informed care and bodywork that supports clients through a nervous system focus, deep relaxation, and compassionate presence. This focus on caring for the nervous system has allowed me to work with individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, loss, and challenging life transitions, or those who don’t need to name it and just need a space to let everything go and be. For each person, I aim to create a space where they can show up just as they are. In these sessions, clients are invited to explore what it means to be present in their bodies (or not) and to experience the profound relief that deep relaxation, restorative bodywork, and compassionate care can bring.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, and I think that’s true for any work rooted in personal growth and connection. One of my biggest challenges has been learning to hold space for others while navigating my own work and healing. As someone committed to creating a compassionate, safe environment for my clients, I have to constantly balance empathy with self-care. It’s been a process of learning how to preserve my energy and ensure I’m able to show up fully for those I serve.
Another challenge has been having a presence on social media. As an introvert, putting myself out there doesn’t come naturally, but I recognize the value in connecting with my community and sharing insights about bodywork and trauma-informed care. I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone to develop a social media presence that feels authentic to me, finding ways to share my work without sacrificing my peace.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating the business side of things. As someone who naturally gravitates toward abstract and intuitive ways of thinking, tasks like marketing, finances, and step-by-step work can often feel intimidating. Learning to balance both sides has been a journey in itself, and while it’s not always easy, it’s taught me so much about perseverance and adaptability.
Lastly, I’ve faced the challenge of working with clients who may not be the best match for my style of bodywork. Not everyone understands or feels drawn to the slower, more intentional approach I take with trauma-informed care, and that’s okay. Over time, I’ve learned to lean into my own values and communicate clearly about my approach, helping me attract clients who genuinely resonate with this kind of work.
Despite these challenges, I’m deeply grateful for the journey. Each struggle has brought growth, resilience, and a clearer sense of purpose. The obstacles have shaped me into a practitioner who can offer genuine support to others, all while honoring my own boundaries and well-being.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work revolves around creating a deeply healing and compassionate space for individuals to reconnect with their bodies and transform their relationship with stress and trauma. As a licensed massage therapist, I specialize in trauma-informed care, focusing on the mind-body connection and have an awareness of how deeply embedded emotional experiences can affect physical well-being. I offer a safe, grounding space where clients can explore healing and embodiment through nervous system care, restorative bodywork, deep relaxation, and compassionate touch.
What I’m most known for is my ability to meet people where they are and provide a space that feels truly safe and accepting. Because of my background in trauma-informed care, I approach each person with reverence and understanding, acknowledging that healing is a deeply personal and sometimes nonlinear process. I enjoy working with individuals who have experienced trauma, grief, loss, or challenging transitions, helping them navigate those experiences with grace, compassion, and the support of their bodies.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to help the individuals I work with shift from a place of stress and disconnection to one of peace and embodiment. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the transformation that happens when someone is able to release long-held tension, find relaxation, and experience the profound wisdom the body offers.
What sets me apart from others in the field is my holistic approach. I blend the technical aspects of bodywork with an intuitive, empathetic understanding of the nervous system. I’m deeply committed to holding space for each individual in a way that respects their unique needs, ensuring that my work isn’t just about the physical but also about supporting their emotional and mental well-being. My practice isn’t just about providing a service—it’s about fostering a space for integration, self-compassion, and true healing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d like to remind everyone that the body holds incredible wisdom. It remembers, it processes, and it has the power to heal in ways the mind cannot always understand. When we listen to our bodies with compassion and patience, we allow ourselves the space to heal, grow, and reconnect. My work is a gentle invitation for people to honor that wisdom and to trust their bodies.
Pricing:
- 60-Minute Integrative Massage- $80
- 75-Minute Integrative Massage- $100
- 90-Minute Integrative Massage- $125
- 120-Minute Restore, Rest, Dream Massage- $180
- 60-Minute Grief Massage- $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindbodyknox.com/privatesessions
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandigraysonlmt/
