Meet Carrie Riley of Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health

🌟  What inspired you to start your business in the wellness industry, and how does your approach stand out from others in this space?

I started Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health because of my personal experience navigation grief and trauma.  I’ve also seen how much stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma can weigh other people down. Bodywork was a profound healing tool for me on my own mental health journey and I knew that I wanted to help others in a similar way. I wanted to create a place where my clients could feel supported, not just physically but emotionally, too. What makes my approach different is my background—I’m not only a licensed massage therapist but also a mental health clinician and grief counselor with a Master of Social Work degree. This lets me blend massage therapy with a deeper understanding of how our emotions and bodies are connected.

🌟  What trends or changes in consumer behavior are you seeing in wellness, and how is your business adapting to meet these evolving needs?

I love seeing more people prioritize their mental and emotional health—it’s such an important part of overall wellness! Lately, there’s been a big shift toward somatic therapies (therapies that connect the mind and body), and people are looking for services that support both. My practice fits right into this trend because it’s already focused on helping clients reduce stress, feel more grounded, and work through the physical effects of mental health challenges.

I’m also seeing more interest in alternative therapies for life transitions, like surgery recovery, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and even menopause. I’ve adapted by offering specialized services, like prenatal lymphatic massage, postnatal lymphatic massage, and post-op lymphatic massage that help clients feel supported during these stages. It’s exciting to see people embracing this holistic approach to wellness, and I love being part of their journey.

🌟 How do you measure success in helping your clients achieve their wellness goals, and can you share any success stories that highlight your impact?

For me, success looks like happy, healthier clients who feel a real difference in their lives. I get so much joy out of hearing things like, “I slept better than I have in weeks!” or “I feel so much lighter, emotionally and physically.”

In December, Carrie won Brazilian Lymphatic Practitioner of the Year for 2024 at the Brazilian Lymphatic conference. Below are a couple of photos from that fun experience!