Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Kennelly.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Working with and helping others has been a part of my life for as long as I can recall. In junior high, I spent one period each day helping in one of the kindergarten classrooms. I remember the day that I was working with one of the little boys who was struggling with reading, and he got it. A light bulb went off, and, in that moment, he understood reading. The proud look in his eyes was something I will never forget. At that time, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career, but I did want to be a part of making those “light bulb” moments a reality for others.
I was in high school when I learned about Speech Language Pathology and decided it was the career that would enable me to help others achieve those “light bulb” moments. I earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in order to make my dream of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist a reality. I have had some amazing opportunities to work with a variety of patients. Every age group from infants who struggle to eat, to preschoolers, elementary and high school students in both school and clinical settings with a myriad of challenges, to adults in inpatient hospital settings and in the ICU after strokes, brain injuries, etc., and at Barrow’s Neurological Institute’s inpatient rehabilitation unit.
A few years into my career, I underwent an orthopedic surgical procedure which normally resulted in the patient being able to function normally following two weeks of recovery and physical therapy. Unfortunately, due to my unique situation, the reality was that I was unable to get out of a chair independently for eight weeks. Eight months after the surgery, I was still not able to do many of the activities which I was previously capable of doing. At the recommendation of my Naturopathic Physician, I tried CranioSacral Therapy.
This may have been the best advice I have ever been given. Within a week of starting therapy, my walking was significantly improved, and I had more energy! Not only did my body actually start recovering and growing stronger, but I wasn’t in the severe pain I had been in with physical therapy. It was amazing that this light touch therapy was helping my body to heal and, therefore, function better. I was hooked.
Within two months of my first CranioSacral Therapy session, I took my first CranioSacral Therapy class. The more I learned about this therapy, the more I was sure that it would be extremely beneficial for my patients as well. Instead of teaching ways to compensate for issues they were having, this therapy would work with their bodies and neurological systems to heal and, therefore, do functional tasks such as talking, eating, drinking, problem-solving, etc., in a more natural way.
It took several years of classes, studying, and practicing, but I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to become a CranioSacral Therapist. It has proven to be extremely beneficial for my patients.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I decided to open my own practice so I would be able to combine Speech Language Pathology and CranioSacral Therapy, I was an experienced therapist. However, I did not know anything about the business side of a therapy practice. I spent well over a year learning, researching, and reaching out for guidance. It was challenging work, especially since things like spreadsheets have never been my forte. Allowing for growth and change along the way, such as re-creating the website, creating new therapy programs and options, etc., certainly keep me busy. But the wonderful part of owning your own business is that you have the ability to allow it to evolve not only for your own best interest but also for best interest of your patients.
Integrated Therapies – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company’s name is Integrated Therapies, LLC. I chose this name as it best encompassed what I set out to do in my practice, to integrate components of CranioSacral Therapy and Speech Language Pathology in order to achieve the best outcome for my patients. I utilize both my traditional speech therapy and CranioSacral Therapy skills when working with medically complex children and adults, feeding/swallowing challenges, ankyloglossia (tongue tie), TMJ dysfunction, among others. I have found that combining both forms of therapy has proven to be extremely beneficial in achieving not only significant changes for patients but achieving those changes more quickly.
However, many of my patients come to me strictly for CranioSacral Therapy. CranioSacral Therapy is a powerful yet gentle light-touch therapy. A dysfunction in the CranioSacral system can affect neurological, motor, or sensory function. This non-invasive approach of releasing restrictions allows the body to heal itself, thereby improving overall function. CranioSacral Therapy has also been shown to reduce pain and improve overall health. It can be helpful for individuals with various diagnoses, including, but not limited to, those who are suffering with chronic pain, neurological conditions, post-concussion syndrome, brain injuries, speech and language disorders, feeding challenges, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, TMJ dysfunction, learning disabilities, and many more.
I offer ongoing CranioSacral Therapy sessions in various increments depending on what is best for the given patient, e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, intensives, etc.
CranioSacral Therapy intensives are a concentrated amount of CranioSacral Therapy generally completed over one or more weeks. Sessions can be scheduled in a variety of ways: a few hours per day over the course of a week (or multiple weeks), or several sessions over a few days. These intensive sessions are a powerful way to quickly make changes. They can be very beneficial in promoting improved health for those with chronic conditions, be a way to achieve new milestones for those with special needs, or be a healing “therapy retreat”.
I personally see each patient who comes to my office. I do not have any assistants or contractors. My patients range in age from a few days old to those in their 90s.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I am grateful to each of my patients. They are by far my best teachers. Our bodies and neurological systems are so complex, and each person with whom I work has a different lesson to teach. I feel privileged to help support the body’s innate healing ability. Time and again while working with those who have complex medical issues, I see my patients doing things that doctors had previously told them would never be possible. Sometimes I think that we are limited only by the limits others put on us.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15436 N. 1st Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85023 - Website: www.IntegratedTherapies.org
- Phone: (602) 763-0915
- Email: Allison.IntegratedTherapies@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedTherapies.AllisonKennelly/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/integrated-therapies-phoenix
Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
