Exploring Life & Business with Christina Hamman of Embody Healing Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Hamman.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of being deeply connected in community. Over time, this vision expanded into a desire to create a healing space that embraces a holistic as well as decolonized approach, moving beyond the limitations of Western traditions. While this vision is still evolving, I now have a clear path forward.

I began my professional journey working at group practices, where I gained valuable experience. After about two and a half years, I started to consider moving into my own private practice. During this time, I reflected deeply on my purpose and values, envisioning a space where I could approach the human experience in a truly holistic way.

While reflecting on these possibilities, I had the privilege of meeting Quinn Laird, LMT, CYT, Reiki III who provided me with massage therapy. This connection re-engaged an idea I had brewing a while ago: integrating massage therapy and yoga with psychotherapy. I saw an exciting opportunity for collaboration and presented the concept to Quinn. She enthusiastically agreed, becoming not only my first independent contractor but also the co-founder of Embody Healing Collective. Together, we began planning in February 2024, and by June 2024, Embody Healing Collective was born.

Today, I spend my days in the studio offering one-on-one psychotherapy services that utilize EMDR, Somatics, and Parts Work. Quinn focuses on providing one-on-one massage therapy and teaching yoga, both in our office and at a local studio. We both are planning to offer workshops throughout 2025 focusing on the mind-body connection, trauma informed care, yoga, and collective liberation. Beyond our individual services, we’ve worked hard to make Embody Healing Collective a true community resource.

We offer a Health Wellness Box stocked with complimentary menstrual products, safe sex supplies, and self-care items. Additionally, our in-office Community Board features resources for housing, food, self-care, free HIV testing, and local events. Our goal is to serve as a connection point within the community and a gateway to collective healing— which is what inspired the name, Embody Healing Collective.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a rough ride! I’m human first, a clinician second, and a businesswoman somewhere far behind that. Being a therapist comes naturally to me, but navigating the business side of things does not. Over the past year, I’ve faced steep learning curves in areas like business basics, billing, and additional administrative tasks.

I knew from the start that there would be a lot to learn, and I’ve experienced plenty of growing pains along the way. Now, seven months in, I’m just starting to hit my stride in managing the business side of things. The effort I’ve put into learning how to run a business has been worth it because it now allows me to focus on what I’m truly passionate about—helping my clients heal and creating a resilient community while being an active part of it.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am co-founder and Director of Embody Healing Collective. As a psychotherapist specializing in complex trauma, I have a deep passion for helping individuals navigate their healing journeys in a holistic and compassionate way. Together with my co-founder, Quinn, we’ve brought to life a vision of creating a space where healing happens not only within individuals but also through connection and community.

At Embody Healing Collective, we are dedicated to providing integrative, trauma-informed care that prioritizes the mind-body connection. This philosophy guides our work, from my psychotherapy sessions that incorporate EMDR and somatic practices to move clients beyond traditional talk therapy, to Quinn’s skillful one-on-one massage therapy and yoga expertise.

What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while creating a space where clients feel genuinely empowered in their healing journey. Beyond our therapeutic services, we enjoy being able to offer community-centered initiatives like the Health Wellness Box and Community Board. Looking to the future, I aim to expand our services by collaborating with professionals in complementary fields such as acupuncture, nutrition, and spiritual direction. These initiatives embody our belief that healing extends beyond the individual—it is a shared and collective experience.

I am particularly proud of the compassionate, empowering, and inclusive environment we’ve cultivated. We work to make our space and business as accommodating as possible, always respecting each individual’s sense of safety and comfort. We are always open to feedback. Our name, Embody Healing Collective, encapsulates our mission: to help individuals and communities ‘embody’ healing in a way that is authentic, connected, and transformative.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating a space where individuals can come as they are and feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey, while also centering collective healing. This is deeply personal for me, as I’ve experienced firsthand the challenge of finding compassionate, transformative care—both as an individual and within my communities. That experience drives my passion to offer a space where connection, empowerment, and growth are celebrated.

By centering acceptance and collective healing, I’m dedicated to a holistic approach that unites mind, body, and community, providing individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive. At the heart of our work is the belief that when acceptance of the human experience and healing is embraced collectively, it fosters lasting shared growth and transformation for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.embodyhealingcollective.org/
• Instagram: @embodyhealingcollective