Mary Beth Johnson is a licensed physical therapist in Solvang, California, with 30 years of experience. In her practice, she employs a personalized, targeted approach to every patient, focusing on total recovery and addressing the root cause of underlying issues.
After having earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University and her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Chapman University, she became aware of Strain Counterstrain. In 2005 she began taking classes with the Jones Institute.
In 2020 Mary Beth completed the mentorship program and became Jones Certified in Strain Counterstrain (JSCC). She began taking Fascial Counterstrain courses in 2013 and completed her Level 1 Fascial Counterstrain certification in December, 2024 (CSC1).
Additionally, Mary Beth is also a trained practitioner in Reiki. She is the founder and CEO of The Healing Project Physical Therapy, a private outpatient practice on California’s central coast, where she uses counterstrain on a daily basis. Mary Beth has also recently opened Fiore Physical Therapy in Santa Barbara, California, which is a private practice focused on counterstrain therapy.
I became a physical therapist after pursuing a career in ballet. I was first introduced to Counterstrain techniques by coworkers and I was impressed by how they used the techniques to successfully treat patients with complicated histories and a lot of chronic pain. I began taking courses through the Jones Institute in 1999 and started the Academy courses in 2019. I am looking forward to further perfecting my skills through the Academy. Aside from my PT degree, I have a BFA in dance and have studied Pilates exercise and the Schroth Method for scoliosis.
I’m Massage Therapist Sense November 2010, and Fascia Counterstrain
Dr. Sarah Shepherd is a board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy. In addition, she is a certified nutritional physical therapist and certified personal trainer. She serves ReNew Concierge Physical Therapy patients in Baltimore, MD.
She received her B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.
Sarah had a lifelong goal to move to Baltimore, MD and she made her dream a reality when she moved her practice there in May 2023.
Sarah has 28 years of experience in bodywork, formerly specializing in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release and Sports Massage, with over 14 years of experience treating professional and semi-professional athletes. She was raised in a healing family with a Chiropractic Orthopedist Father and Chiropractor brother, and has over 20 years of clinical experience in Injury Recovery. Sarah currently practices from her home in Tualatin, Oregon. Sarah replies to text messages and does not check email or voicemail frequently.
I help people enjoy their life; I help people live a more functional life. I studied Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture in search of my own healing. Now, I use my trained hands to facilitate others’ healing journey. I blend Western and Eastern philosophies to address pain, inflammation, organ dysfunction, unbalanced autonomic nervous system, and more. My goal isn’t just to help people go back to doing what they love, but also to help people rethink what is possible with their bodies and to dare to live better.
I am a Certified Massage Therapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from California State University, Northridge. My journey with Counterstrain began while working at Touch of Life Physical Therapy, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact this whole-body approach can have on healing.
Throughout my experience as an aide in various healthcare settings, I observed a wide range of patient outcomes—some showed significant improvement, while others either plateaued or made little progress. It was through this contrast that I truly came to appreciate the effectiveness of Counterstrain. Unlike traditional methods that focus primarily on musculoskeletal issues, Counterstrain addresses the body as a whole, including the arterial, lymphatic, venous, visceral, and adipose systems. This comprehensive approach allows for deeper healing and longer-lasting results, going beyond the surface to treat the root causes of dysfunction.
I graduated from the University of Michigan Physical Therapy program Magna Cum Laude in 1982, and received a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology in 1995. I have studied various manual therapy approaches, obtained a certification with Stanley Paris, studied Pilates, Feldenkrais, and Aston patterning, and studied many years with Dr. Ed Stiles, DO and Dr. Barral ‘s Osteopathic visceral, neural, arterial and joint techniques. I became certified in Dr. Porges’ Safe & Sound Protocol, and use his work in balancing the autonomic nervous system. I wrote my thesis on the biomechanics of whiplash injuries, and I have been an assistant instructor for Barral classes for several years. I have published articles on Chinese Medicine application in Physical Therapy, on Dance Movement Therapy for incest survivors, and on treating carpel tunnel/overuse injuries with Osteopathic approaches. I also am a student of the Rosen Method, which helps to integrate somatic memories that are ready to become conscious through gentle hands-on body work.
I have studied Fascial Counterstrain since 2020, and love the specificity, accuracy, and results of this work.
I see private patients at my home in North Berkeley, using Fascial Counterstrain, visceral techniques, and postural, strengthening, and autonomic nervous system techniques.
Best way to contact me is text my cell phone. Healing wishes to all!
