Sessions in biodynamic craniosacral therapy
Answers to common questions about sessions:
What happens in a session?
At the beginning of your first session we spend some time talking about your history, your current state of health and wellbeing, and any concerns you might have. If you are often overwhelmed by difficult emotions or physiological responses, we can also talk about that.
In the case of any past painful experiences or traumas, you may tell me as much or as little as you wish. This therapy does not require that you speak about the details of your past experiences, but you are of course very welcome to speak about anything you feel is important.
At the start of a session in biodynamic craniosacral therapy you lie down on your back on a comfortable massage table and remain fully clothed, with a light blanket or covering. You usually stay in this position for the whole session. I start by making a light hand contact at your ankles and sitting quietly to notice how your body system responds.
I always ask your permission before making or changing a contact, so you don’t need to wonder what’s going to happen next. After the contact at your ankles your body will usually let me know where is best to contact next. For example, that could be the knees, back or solar plexus. The session will often finish with me contacting the head or shoulders, but it depends on what your body needs on that day.
The gentle and neutral way that I contact your body and observe your system provides a strong signal to your body and mind that you are safe. During the session you might notice your whole system relaxing and settling down, and you might then become more aware of inner feelings and physical sensations. You might notice small movements and adjustments in your body, changes in temperature, or emotions arising. Many people simply experience progressive relaxation.
I will ask you what you are noticing and help you to direct your attention in various ways, particularly if anything you feel is difficult or confronting. Even in a first session, many people can notice changes and can feel their system calming down and relaxing, a bit like a deep meditation.
Pricing:
Introductory session: $60 (45 mins)
Single session: $120
Embodiment program:
8 sessions at $110 per week
(or single payment of $780)
Sessions are 60-75 minutes long
Sessions take place at my office and therapy space in Castlemaine in Central Victoria.
How many sessions do I need?
I suggest that new clients with no prior experience of bcst try my embodiment program (see below). This enables us to address longstanding issues such as trauma and anxiety in a completely safe and gentle way.
It can be useful to think of biodynamic craniosacral therapy as similar to counselling. A series of sessions means that we can develop a relationship of trust and support, and notice what comes up for you and how you change over a number of weeks.
New clients are also welcome to attend on a session-by-session basis, although I suggest at least three single sessions to properly experience the benefits of the therapy. A useful rule of thumb is that physical or mental issues that you’ve had for many years will take longer to unwind.
For example, chronic stress over the past couple of years could respond very well to just a few sessions, whereas issues resulting from childhood trauma could change gradually over months or over groups of sessions. Even so, weekly sessions for a couple of months can make profound shifts in your sense of your own body and your ability to self-regulate that you can take further on your own or in conjunction with other therapies.
One beautiful outcome of biodynamic craniosacral therapy is that once your body system gets used to the therapy then single sessions can be powerful and bring deep shifts. In my experience, the effects of this therapy are cumulative.
As an ongoing therapy, biodynamic craniosacral therapy meets your whole body and mind where you are, in the present, and allows your body to heal in ways that you can manage. With safety and attention your system will, very simply, begin to heal itself in ways that improve your mental, emotional and physical health. This is especially relieving for those who suffer from stress, anxiety and trauma.
What is your embodiment program?
For new clients, particularly those with no experience of this therapy, I invite you to try my embodiment program, which gives you extra tools and strategies to use in daily life.
This program can provide significant healing and help you to become more embodied in daily life. You receive the benefit of regular sessions along with learning new skills to self-regulate and deepen your own embodiment.
The Embodiment Program consists of eight weekly sessions. Each week we check in about how you are generally as well as tracking your progress with embodiment practices that you try at home.
I have selected a range of practices by well respected meditators and therapists that you can follow by audio or video. I offer these depending on your needs and interests. They include body scan meditations, self-compassion meditations, grounding, breathing and calming exercises. They are short and simple but can help you to feel more embodied. I offer these as an invitation rather than an obligation.
Becoming more embodied in daily life can be transformative. It can allow you to notice your own habitual responses but react less to them over time, as well as be the source of increased enjoyment and connection with yourself and others.
I have personally benefitted greatly from biodynamic craniosacral therapy but it was also clear to me that the skills I already had from engaging in practices such as dance and body scan meditations amplified the effectiveness of the therapy.
In particular, practicing the neutral observation of your own body can help immensely with engaging with the therapy in sessions, and with feeling safer and more settled in everyday life.