frequently asked questions

how does craniosacral therapy work?

Craniosacral Therapy works with the body’s natural healing rhythms. Very light touch is used to help release tension in the tissues, fascia, and craniosacral system (the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord). When this system relaxes, the nervous system can shift out of “fight-or-flight” and into a calmer, more restorative state — allowing the body to unwind, reorganize, and heal from the inside out.

what exactly happens during a session?

During your session, you remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on your back.

Rather than “doing” something to the body, I quiet myself and allow my inner wisdom — sometimes called the inner physician — to connect with your body’s own inner wisdom. From there, we follow what your system is ready to release, gently and without force.

Each session unfolds uniquely, guided by your body’s natural intelligence — which means you never have to try, effort, or make anything happen. The work is subtle, but deeply supportive.

who can benefit from a craniosacral therapy session?

Because Craniosacral Therapy works gently with the nervous system, it can be supportive for people of all ages — including children and infants. Many people seek CST when they are dealing with stress, pain, tension, overwhelm, chronic conditions, or when they simply want a calm space to rest and reset.

CST can also be used alongside medical care or other therapies as an added layer of support. We always work within your comfort level, honoring what your body is ready for.

are there any conditions that should not be addressed by craniosacral therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy is generally very gentle and safe. However, there are a few medical situations where it may not be appropriate — particularly conditions where changes in pressure inside the head could be risky, such as a recent skull fracture, active bleeding in the brain, or an untreated aneurysm.

If you have a serious medical condition or recent head injury, we’ll talk together — and I may recommend that you check with your physician before scheduling, just to be sure CST is the right fit for you at this time.

what should I expect during or after a session?

My answer to this is to have NO EXPECTATIONS!

Your body is going to heal the way it needs to heal not how you expect it to heal. CST is performed with the client fully clothed and lying on a comfortable massage table. Using a light touch, the therapist evaluates or “listens to” the body for tension patterns and imbalances. The craniosacral system is accessed and treated using the bones and connective tissue. Skilled CST therapists can enhance fluid flow and balance membrane tension, helping to bring increased vitality to the system. Releasing chronic tension patterns and enhancing fluid motility allows the body’s healing mechanisms to operate more effectively, imparting greater balance and ease.

What is experienced during a CST session is highly individualized. Some say they feel deeply relaxed, while others describe feeling unwinding sensations as the body releases tension. Sometimes, circumstances are recalled surrounding a past trauma or injury that caused the body stress. While this doesn’t happen every time, this process called “SomatoEmotional Release” is perfectly normal and helps the body reverse dysfunction and restore optimal levels of mobility.

Most people who experience craniosacral therapy for the first time report a soothing, relaxing and pain / symptom alleviating feeling during the session. People report various pleasant sensations throughout the body such as a warm feeling, pleasant tingling, muscle twitch, a letting go feeling, muscle relaxation, pressure release, things of that nature.

how long is a session?

A Craniosacral Therapy session is typically 60 minutes, with extended 90-minute sessions available when more time and integration are helpful.

You’ll remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on your back while I use a gentle, hands-on approach to support your nervous system and help the body unwind at its own pace.

how often should I come for craniosacral therapy?

Every person — and every nervous system — moves at its own pace. Some people come weekly or bi-weekly while they’re working through stress, pain, or big life transitions. Others come once a month (or simply as needed) for maintenance and support.

After your first session, we’ll talk together about what feels right for your body — there is never any pressure or obligation. My intention is always to honor your system and support it at the rhythm that feels comfortable and sustainable for you.

what kind of concerns can craniosacral therapy support?

Craniosacral Therapy doesn’t “fix” specific conditions — instead, it supports the nervous system and releases tension patterns throughout the body.

Because of this, people often find CST helpful when they are experiencing:

• chronic stress + overwhelm
• headaches or migraines
• neck, jaw, or back tension
• vertigo, tinnitus, or post-concussion symptoms
• fibromyalgia or chronic pain patterns
• digestive discomfort
• sleep challenges
• lingering effects of physical or emotional stress

CST is also gentle enough for infants, children, pregnant women, and those navigating fertility or postpartum stress.

Every body responds differently — sessions simply meet you where you are and support the body’s natural ability to heal.

can I feel sore or emotional after a session?

Sometimes, yes — and it’s completely normal.

Because Craniosacral Therapy works with the nervous system and deep tension patterns, your body may continue processing after the session. You might feel a little tired, achy, emotional, or “off” for a day or two as things settle and integrate.

This isn’t a sign that anything went wrong — it’s simply your system releasing layers it no longer needs.

The best things you can do afterward are simple:
rest when you can, drink water, move gently, and be kind to yourself. Most people feel more settled within 24–48 hours.

If something feels uncomfortable or you’re unsure about what you’re experiencing, please reach out — I always want you to feel supported.