What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is an alternative healing modality that uses gentle yet effective touch to balance the fluids and structures of the body. Craniosacral therapy is useful because it helps to balance the central nervous system. When the central nervous system is in a state of balance, all the other systems of the body function at a higher level. People often have remarkable results from this work. My unique approach to Craniosacral Therapy is based on a collection of somatic theories of trauma. People find this therapy helpful for the following conditions: 

• chronic back and neck pain
• TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
• migraine and tension headaches
• stress-related illness
• whiplash injury
• sinusitis
• tinnitus
• chronic fatigue
• depression
• exhaustion
• insomnia
• anxiety
• hormonal imbalances
• learning difficulties

What should I expect from a craniosacral session

You will begin by standing comfortably, as I assess your posture and the patterns of tensions in your body. Then you will lie on the treatment table fully clothed. (Please wear loose-fitted/comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants or yoga clothes). I will primarily place my hands lightly on your head, sacrum, and spine. Throughout the session, I might ask you to focus your awareness on different parts of your body. This helps the Craniosacral Therapy be more effective. At times, you may feel a variety of emotions arise. If this happens, it is a normal and healthy part of your healing process. Overall, Craniosacral Therapy has the capacity to bring you into deep states of relaxed consciousness; that is often where the deepest changes can occur.

The effects from a session appear directly after and often continue for hours or even days later. After receiving a session, it is important to stay out of high-stress environments and situations. You may feel the need for a lot of down time. Allow yourself naps, extra sleep and rest. Ultimately, listen to your body's instinct for what it needs. "What is Craniosacral Therapy?" or look at the FAQs for more information.

Introductory session & creating a treatment plan

In your first introductory session of Craniosacral Therapy, we will discuss and clarify your goals for healing as well as devise a treatment plan based on those goals. Your treatment plan will outline both a minimum number of recommended sessions and the necessary interval between those sessions. The average number of session for an individual's treatment plan is somewhere between 6 and 12. The number depends on several factors, such as how long one's health condition has been present. Your progress and status will also be discussed and reviewed with me on an on-going basis.

What will my life be like after experience a series of Craniosacral treatments? My clients have reported the following benefits:

• Positive change in your initial symptom(s)
• Increased sense of general well being
• Restructuring of your body
• Physically alignment within your body
• Engaging in your life activities with greater ease and joy
• Improved ability to think more clearly
• Greater emotionally stability
• Develop a sustained & concentrated inward focus

What are the advantages of a certified practitioner?

I currently practice Craniosacral therapy in Portland, Oregon and have studied Craniosacral therapy through the Milne Institute. Certification for Craniosacral practitioners involves more than 1,000 hours of supervised training, insuring the healer has had an extensive and quality education. I am also trained in the Hakomi method, a body-centered psychotherapy.