Sessions
What a session is like
We begin with a conversation about what is happening right now in your body. Then I work, checking in as we go. You can ask me to change anything, at any time.
60 or 90 min
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The touch is very light, often described as about five grams, the weight of a nickel.
CST was developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John E. Upledger, building on his clinical research at Michigan State University from 1975 to 1983. You stay fully clothed, resting on the table, while I listen with my hands and follow what your body shows me. SomatoEmotional Release is available by request.
What is the craniosacral system?
The craniosacral system is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround, protect, and nourish the brain and spinal cord. It runs from the skull (the cranium) down to the base of the spine (the sacrum), which is where the name comes from.
The system has a slow, subtle rhythm that a trained practitioner can feel at the head, the sacrum, and elsewhere in the body. Because it is so closely tied to the central nervous system, tension in the surrounding tissues can affect how comfortably the whole body moves and functions.
What happens in a session?
We begin with a conversation about what is happening right now in your body. Then you lie on the table, fully clothed, and I rest my hands lightly at places such as the feet, sacrum, ribs, and head.
I feel for the rhythm and for places where movement seems held or restricted, then use gentle, sustained holds to help those tissues soften and release. The room is usually quiet. Some people drift close to sleep. Others notice warmth, pulsing, softening, or a wave of emotion. All of these are normal, and you can talk or stay silent as you like.
How might I feel afterward?
Most people leave feeling calm and settled. Some feel pleasantly tired; others feel lighter or more clear. Some notice changes over the next day or two. Give yourself a little unhurried time after your session if you can.
Why do people come for CranioSacral Therapy?
People often seek CST for stress and nervous-system strain, headaches and migraines, neck, back, and jaw tension, recovery after injury or concussion, trouble sleeping, and support during pregnancy. Because the touch is so gentle, it is suitable for all ages.
Every person responds differently, and research on CST is still developing. I offer it as support alongside your medical care, never as a replacement for it.
What is SomatoEmotional Release? By request
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) grows out of CranioSacral Therapy. Dr. Upledger developed it with biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni after observing that the body can hold on to the effects of injuries and difficult experiences, both physical and emotional.
SER uses the same gentle touch to help the body let go of that held tension. Sometimes it brings insight into how an old experience is still living in the body. It is not talk therapy, and nothing is expected of you. I follow your lead, and we only go where you are ready to go. SER is offered by request: just let me know when you book or at the start of your session.
When is CST not recommended?
CST is not recommended when even small changes in pressure inside the skull could cause harm. Examples include an acute aneurysm, a recent bleed in the brain, or a severe bleeding disorder.
Please tell me when you book about any recent head injury, surgery, or neurological condition, so we can decide together whether CST is right for you.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies from person to person. Some people come once and feel what they needed. Others find a short series of sessions more helpful. After your first visit, we can talk about what makes sense for you.
My CranioSacral training
I have trained with the Upledger Institute International in CranioSacral Therapy I and II and SomatoEmotional Release I, and I continue to study with them. I recently completed CranioSacral Therapy Around Death and Dying (CADD) with Don Ash of the CranioSacral Therapy Alliance.
- Both locations
- Book “Craniosacral Therapy”
By arrangement
Care around death, dying, and loss
I recently completed CranioSacral Therapy Around Death and Dying (CADD) with Don Ash. The training focuses on supporting people through the transition of dying, and through other losses: the death of someone you love, a serious diagnosis, the end of a marriage, the loss of a home, or of the body you once knew.
I offer quiet, gentle sessions for people living with serious illness or nearing the end of life, and for the family members and caregivers who walk beside them. The work is simple: presence, light touch, and room for whatever is there.
Please get in touch first so we can talk about what would help.
60 or 90 min
Therapeutic & Deep Tissue Massage
Most of my massage work lives here. I blend Swedish massage with deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point work, and stretching, and sometimes hot stones. Some sessions are firm and specific; others are slow and broad. Most are a mix.
Cupping
I also offer cupping. Instead of pressing into the muscle, cups use gentle suction to lift and open the skin, fascia, and muscle beneath. It can be worked into any massage on request. Cupping can leave temporary round marks on the skin; I’ll talk with you about this first.
Deep tissue reaches the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue with slower, focused pressure. It can help with ongoing tension, recovery from injury, or the wear of an active life. Tell me your preferred pressure and any tender spots, and we’ll adjust together. You are always draped.
- In Stowe
- Book “Signature Therapeutic Massage” or “Deep Tissue Treatment,” or “Full Body Lymphatic Cupping Treatment” (90 min) for a cupping-focused session
- In Northfield
- Book “Therapeutic Massage” or “Deep Tissue Massage”
60 or 90 min
Prenatal & Postpartum Massage
Pregnancy asks a lot of the back, hips, and shoulders, and of sleep. Prenatal massage can ease that discomfort and give you an hour to rest. Each session is shaped to your stage of pregnancy and how you feel that day.
The BodyCushion® system
I use the BodyCushion® Pregnancy Support System, which lets many clients lie comfortably face down with room for the belly and support for the low back and hips. If face-down isn’t right for you, side-lying is always available.
After birth, massage can help with the strain of feeding, carrying, and broken sleep. I hold a prenatal and postpartum massage certification and have taught prenatal yoga.
- In Stowe
- Book “Prenatal Massage Treatment”
- In Northfield
- Book “Pregnancy Massage” or “Prenatal Massage”
- Postpartum
- Please get in touch and I’ll help you choose a session
Optional
Energy Work
Energy work is a quiet practice of resting the hands on or just above the body. I draw on several energy healing techniques and choose among them based on what you need that day. I’m currently deepening this work through energy healing training with Charlie Goldsmith. Some clients book it on its own. Others like a little woven into a massage. It is always your choice, and never part of a session unless you ask for it.
- In Stowe
- Book “Reiki” (30 or 60 min)
- In Northfield
- Book “Energy Work” (60 or 90 min)
A note
Bodywork can be a real support, but it is not a replacement for medical care. If you are pregnant, recovering from an injury, or managing a health condition, let me know when you book so I can plan the session well.