Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

WHAT IS IT?

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy which encourages the natural health potential of an individual. It supports the body's healing by accessing levels of stillness and calm, which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair.

Craniosacral Therapy has its origins in Osteopathy, except unlike Osteopathy it does not involve manipulation of the body. Since the 1970s it has developed as a therapy in its own right. the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy approach is a wholistic touch therapy that focuses on the tidal rhythms in the body and settles the nervous system, creating states of ease and flow, the body is then more resourced. This accords with current thinking on trauma management.

It is based on information about the body's subtle physiology which shows that all cells, organs, bones and the craniosacral fluid in a healthy body express rhythmic movements fundamental to life. These movements can be felt by the sensitive hands of a trained therapist.

When these movements become blocked or restricted - as a result of life's pressures and buffetings - then pain and fatigue can be experienced. The aim of Craniosacral Therapy is to allow the body to release these areas of restriction in the body's own way and at its own pace.

This can have profound physical and psychological benefits, leading to self-correction not only of the symptoms a person might have noticed, but also to the overall balance of body and mind.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

All treatment sessions last for 50 minutes. Sessions are conducted in a non-judgemental and relaxing atmosphere. Treatment sessions are confidential. Please see our privacy policy for more details.

At the first session I will take a medical history and you will receive an initial treatment. Subsequent sessions will be agreed with you in relation to your specific needs.

The session is done with you remaining fully clothed, usually with you lying down on the treatment table. I work with light, sensitive touch and no manipulations or pressures (it isn't a massage, for example).

Through my hands I may become aware of what is going on in your body. You may become aware of heat, gentle pulsations or tingling in your body, and you may feel a deep sense of relaxation. These changes may reduce tension and stress.

WHAT AGES CAN BE TREATED?

All ages may be treated, from the newly born to the elderly, and everyone in between. As it involves such a gentle approach, Craniosacral Therapy is particularly suitable for babies and young children, and for anyone in a delicate state.

It may be of great benefit during pregnancy and following birth, as it helps to enhance the general health and vitality of your body.

Even if you are disabled or constrained in your movements, this therapy can work well. If you are a busy working person, one added benefit is that a session gives you an opportunity for some complete relaxation and 'down time', helping you defragment the complexities of your life, as well as addressing whatever ailments you might have.

MY PERSONAL APPROACH

I have learnt from years of experience, as both a Jungian Analyst and as a Biodynamic Craniosacral therapist, that there is a profound connection between mental, emotional and physical health. In other words, if you have had something like a shock or a loss, recently or earlier in life, then this may manifest in physical symptoms.

If you have some sort of ailment, then this will probably have its roots in your underlying feelings or perceptions, even if you're not fully aware of them.

I trained as a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist as I have found it to be one of the gentlest and most effective ways of healing this relationship between the physical, emotional and mental aspects of yourself, as well as directly healing many physical ailments.

I trained and worked as a Jungian Analyst for over 26 years. I have recently retired from the Society of Analytical Psychology. I also Trained as a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and have worked with both modalities for 18 years. Through this I have become passionately interested in the link between mind and body. I am interested in the effects of birth trauma in both children and adults. While the analytic work is very helpful in understanding aspects of early trauma, the Craniosacral work gives another dimension. It enables people to slowly re-experience and release the old patterns in the body created by the trauma. I have trained in trauma work with Babette Rosthchild and with Peter Levine and Stephen Porges.

I bring to my Craniosacral work my analytical experience of working with emotions. Through my BodySoul therapy experience and long experience as a therapist I have a wealth of insights and creativity to bring to the work.

Sensitive and intuitive, my focus is on restoring health for each individual as well as preventative care. My four decades of study of T'ai Ch'i and meditation help me bring a calming atmosphere to this work.