About


 

Our brains have been hijacked by so much stress and stimulation, that a lot of us are simply running on autopilot. We're mindlessly moving through our lives, stuck in pleasure-seeking cycles that actually leave us feeling anxious, exhausted, and unsatisfied.

I want to help you break free from these patterns using something I call, Creative Self Care

Creative Self Care uses science, curiosity and simple creative activities to reduce stress, so you can live the healthy, empowered, and fulfilling life you deserve. 

In a world that profits from our self-doubt and exhaustion, choosing to prioritize your health, wellness and satisfaction is a powerful form of resistance.

By combining neuroscience with self-discovery, I'll help you recognize your thoughts, feelings, and reactions without judgment – while understanding the biology behind them. We'll explore how stress affects your brain and body, and examine how cultural messages, media, and past experiences shape your self-perception.

Through this lens of curiosity and science, we'll challenge negative self-talk and transform your internal narrative, so you'll have the confidence to create meaningful change in your life. 

Change happens when we interrupt old patterns with awareness and create new ones through practice.

I'll teach you how to regulate your nervous system through simple, enjoyable mindfulness practices that fit naturally into your daily life. Whether it's during your commute, while doing chores, or engaging in creative activities, you'll learn to find moments of peace and power that allow your brain to shift from reactivity to responsive, clear thinking.

I offer multiple paths to support your journey:

  • One-on-one stress management and healthy habit mentoring

  • Stress management workshops in the workplace

  • Regular insights through my blog, vlog, and podcast. You can also stream my podcast from most hosting sites, and find my vlog on YouTube.  

  • Join our movement through Patreon: Get exclusive content while supporting social change - a portion of all membership funds is donated monthly to organizations advancing social services and justice

  • [Future offerings: online and in-person classes, and published guides]

My approach combines evidence-based techniques with creative practices that make self-care simple, engaging and sustainable. 

Together, we'll explore:

  • Mindfulness practices that fit your real life

  • Body-based techniques to regulate your nervous system

  • Creative exercises that make self-care enjoyable rather than another item on your to-do list

  • Practical strategies to break free from dopamine-driven habits

  • Tools to transform stress into productive energy

Remember: When you invest in your own wellbeing here, you're not just working on personal improvement – you're part of a larger movement for change. Every step you take toward self-care and conscious living helps create ripples of transformation in our communities and beyond.

Transform your relationship with stress while being part of a larger movement for change. Here's how to get involved:

Stay Informed

Sign up for my newsletter to receive stress management insights, practical tools, and updates about upcoming offerings straight to your inbox.

Deepen Your Journey

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and resources. Your membership helps fund social justice initiatives, making your self-care practice part of meaningful social change.

Work With Me

Book one-on-one mentoring, or host a workshop. Together, we'll develop personalized strategies for managing stress and building healthy habits.

Connect & Follow

Find me @crystalmclaincreative on Instagram, and @crystal_mclain_creative on TikTok for ongoing inspiration, science-backed wisdom, and authentic conversations about stress, self-care, and social change.

The first step to changing the world is changing how we show up for ourselves. Let's start that journey together.



a little more about me

I'm a licensed massage therapist with a focus on trauma-informed care, as well as a mentor, public speaker, blogger, and podcast host. Since 2009, I've been diving deep into research about stress and the mind-body connection, driven by my own journey of healing from childhood trauma and breaking free from toxic societal programming.

My work is rooted in three core beliefs:

  • Science provides the foundation for understanding our bodies and minds

  • Everyone deserves to feel safe and empowered in their own body

  • Healthcare should be accessible to all

While science steers my ship, I hold a special place in my heart for all things magical and mystical. I believe in bringing humor to healing - I'm goofy, sassy, and yes, I swear like a friggin' pirate.

I stand firmly for:

  • Reproductive rights and body autonomy

  • Gender-affirming care

  • LGBTQIA+ rights

  • Racial justice and equity

If you believe in diversity, body autonomy, and creating a more equitable world, we're going to get along just fine.



WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING 

 

 

Crystal's commitment to her own accountability, along with the support of the group gave me the nudge to create big positive change!
-Cindy
I find myself on board with Crystal's work as it supports changes I am trying to make in my life. I am moving from survive mode to thrive mode with Crystal's help!
-Diedre 
Clearly seeing the problem and solving it.
This is just what she does. She is deeply knowledgeable and intuitive about how our bodies work. And she's funny as hell!

-Peg
Crystal brings a rare combination of intuition and common sense which, when mixed with her joyful attitude, enormous integrity and creative style, make her an ideal companion on any journey. 
-Edie

 

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