In each session I invite you to deepen into the natural wisdom of your body - connect, support and explore yourself. We will work collaboratively to address overwhelming life experiences, stress, pain, constriction or simply expand on your practice of self-care. I offer sessions in several formats, each supporting healing, transformation and wholeness with new possibilities for feeling, moving and being. My work is informed by over 28 years of practice in Craniosacral Therapy (BCST), Somatic Experiencing (SE), manual therapies (LMT) and the Realization Process. A session may be a blend of these techniques or just a single modality depending on the needs and goals of each person.
Somatic Experiencing
SE is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and other stress related disorders. Like other somatic approaches, with SE the body comes first when dealing with the problematic, and often physical, symptoms of trauma. We look at the sensations that underlie our feelings, and uncover our habitual behavior patterns to these feelings. Sometimes done seated, sometimes lying down on a treatment table. We work through skillful guided conversation and, when needed, touch to gently and slowly release these patterns. The focus is to restore vitality and healthy energy through greater resiliency and capacity within the nervous system, healthy energy that has been bound up in trauma.
Areas of specialization include adults abused as children, sexual assault, complex medical issues and syndromes, and developmental trauma.
SE is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and other stress related disorders. Like other somatic approaches, with SE the body comes first when dealing with the problematic, and often physical, symptoms of trauma. We look at the sensations that underlie our feelings, and uncover our habitual behavior patterns to these feelings. Sometimes done seated, sometimes lying down on a treatment table. We work through skillful guided conversation and, when needed, touch to gently and slowly release these patterns. The focus is to restore vitality and healthy energy through greater resiliency and capacity within the nervous system, healthy energy that has been bound up in trauma.
Areas of specialization include adults abused as children, sexual assault, complex medical issues and syndromes, and developmental trauma.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is quite a mouthful so from here on I will refer to it as BCST. It is a really light, slow and gentle hands-on modality that originates from the osteopathic tradition. In this approach to Craniosacral Therapy the body expresses subtle motions of multi-layered organization from the dense to the subtle. These subtle motions are the expression of the active principle of health underpinning our physiology, integrating all cellular and tissue form and function. You are familiar with some of our rhythmic pulsing - breath and heart beat. We are never completely still. Interacting with these subtle rhythms is fundamental to Craniosacral Biodynamics.
Through skilled touch, embodied presence, deep stillness and a working knowledge of anatomy, physiology and embryological development, I facilitate intrinsic change, reorganization and balance . . . a fuller expression of health.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is quite a mouthful so from here on I will refer to it as BCST. It is a really light, slow and gentle hands-on modality that originates from the osteopathic tradition. In this approach to Craniosacral Therapy the body expresses subtle motions of multi-layered organization from the dense to the subtle. These subtle motions are the expression of the active principle of health underpinning our physiology, integrating all cellular and tissue form and function. You are familiar with some of our rhythmic pulsing - breath and heart beat. We are never completely still. Interacting with these subtle rhythms is fundamental to Craniosacral Biodynamics.
Through skilled touch, embodied presence, deep stillness and a working knowledge of anatomy, physiology and embryological development, I facilitate intrinsic change, reorganization and balance . . . a fuller expression of health.
For more information on BCST:
www.craniosacral.co.uk/craniosacral-therapy
www.craniosacraltherapy.org/what-is-bcst
www.craniosacral.co.uk/craniosacral-therapy
www.craniosacraltherapy.org/what-is-bcst
What to Expect in a BCST Treatment
Clients are fully clothed, usually lying face up, on a comfortable treatment table. During the session I will gently make contact with parts of the body, listening to or palpating subtle rhythms, and assist the body's natural movements toward resolution and health as areas of tension, congestion or restriction ease. Within the biodynamic approach there is no force applied or manipulation of tissues.
Throughout a session, clients may experience patterns of sensation as pain, stress and tension. As this occurs, I assist the client in staying present with the breath and bodily sensations working together to support resolution, release and integration. An important aspect of BCST sessions is the fostering of the client's ability to follow their own embodied experience (physical sensations, feelings, thoughts and images as they arise). These skills of open hearted awareness and curiosity easily translate into daily use.
BCST is used to address many issues effecting health. In my general practice I work with a wide spectrum of physical dysfunctions, neurological and musculoskeletal problems, chronic pain syndromes, chronic illnesses, traumas, as well as general health and well-being.
Often after a series of treatments, clients may experience a resolution of the issue they came to address and the added bonus of having more energy and resiliency in their body. Clients may also discover new ways of relating to themselves. Many people report feeling less stressed, calmer and more relaxed as a result of treatment.
Clients are fully clothed, usually lying face up, on a comfortable treatment table. During the session I will gently make contact with parts of the body, listening to or palpating subtle rhythms, and assist the body's natural movements toward resolution and health as areas of tension, congestion or restriction ease. Within the biodynamic approach there is no force applied or manipulation of tissues.
Throughout a session, clients may experience patterns of sensation as pain, stress and tension. As this occurs, I assist the client in staying present with the breath and bodily sensations working together to support resolution, release and integration. An important aspect of BCST sessions is the fostering of the client's ability to follow their own embodied experience (physical sensations, feelings, thoughts and images as they arise). These skills of open hearted awareness and curiosity easily translate into daily use.
BCST is used to address many issues effecting health. In my general practice I work with a wide spectrum of physical dysfunctions, neurological and musculoskeletal problems, chronic pain syndromes, chronic illnesses, traumas, as well as general health and well-being.
Often after a series of treatments, clients may experience a resolution of the issue they came to address and the added bonus of having more energy and resiliency in their body. Clients may also discover new ways of relating to themselves. Many people report feeling less stressed, calmer and more relaxed as a result of treatment.
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Support for:
Resolving the effects of stress Easing migraine and tension headaches Addressing acute and chronic pain Ameliorating TMJ and jaw dysfunction |
Mild traumatic brain injuries - concussions
High blood pressure Post traumatic stress disorder Anxiety and depresssion Insomnia |
Therapeutic Massage
During the early years of my practice I utilized my massage skills extensively and have moved away from it as my primary modality because I love the simplicity and efficacy of BCST. Today when I incorporate massage in a session it is a mixture of Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release techniques. The many benefits of massage are commonly known now and are wide-ranging including relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced clarity and ease of movement. Massage is a healing art, a natural path to stress reduction, self-awareness, health, and wellness and something I still strongly believe in for its benefits.
During the early years of my practice I utilized my massage skills extensively and have moved away from it as my primary modality because I love the simplicity and efficacy of BCST. Today when I incorporate massage in a session it is a mixture of Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release techniques. The many benefits of massage are commonly known now and are wide-ranging including relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced clarity and ease of movement. Massage is a healing art, a natural path to stress reduction, self-awareness, health, and wellness and something I still strongly believe in for its benefits.
Learn to Meditate - Start your journey or sustain your practice
I teach individual and small group meditation classes in an ongoing format. I am a certified teacher of the Realization Process as developed by Judith Blackstone. In this approach, the radical openness of nondual realization is based on deep contact with the internal space of one's body. Mindful awareness with the body is the foundation of the meditative journey. Each series of classes is designed to give you the support and guidance to learn how to meditate or deepen your practice. You will learn foundational guided meditations training you to be with your experience and learn to understand the language of the Soma (physical body). These practices show you how to remain rooted in your body throughout your daily life. They cultivate a sense of boundaries and bring awareness tools to you to support a balancing of mental and emotional states. When done regularly you may deepen your meditation practice with the core practices and nurture transpersonal growth.
By bringing our awareness into the body and using the breath as a vehicle for exploration, we begin to awaken to the dynamic aspect of thought, sensations, and emotions that arise constantly within our immediate experience. As we become more familiar with ourselves in this way, we can begin to relax into this natural process and develop a deep and abiding appreciation for all the aspects of ourselves, others, and the world.
As you make deep contact with the inner space of your body, you experience wholeness rather than fragmentation, unity rather than separation and inner peace rather than discontent. As you awaken to your whole being, you feel grounded, vibrant and transparently present.
I teach individual and small group meditation classes in an ongoing format. I am a certified teacher of the Realization Process as developed by Judith Blackstone. In this approach, the radical openness of nondual realization is based on deep contact with the internal space of one's body. Mindful awareness with the body is the foundation of the meditative journey. Each series of classes is designed to give you the support and guidance to learn how to meditate or deepen your practice. You will learn foundational guided meditations training you to be with your experience and learn to understand the language of the Soma (physical body). These practices show you how to remain rooted in your body throughout your daily life. They cultivate a sense of boundaries and bring awareness tools to you to support a balancing of mental and emotional states. When done regularly you may deepen your meditation practice with the core practices and nurture transpersonal growth.
By bringing our awareness into the body and using the breath as a vehicle for exploration, we begin to awaken to the dynamic aspect of thought, sensations, and emotions that arise constantly within our immediate experience. As we become more familiar with ourselves in this way, we can begin to relax into this natural process and develop a deep and abiding appreciation for all the aspects of ourselves, others, and the world.
As you make deep contact with the inner space of your body, you experience wholeness rather than fragmentation, unity rather than separation and inner peace rather than discontent. As you awaken to your whole being, you feel grounded, vibrant and transparently present.
UPCOMING EVENTS in 2020 have yet to be determined
I run meditation groups in my office as a 4 week series, Monday evenings at 6:00 for 1 hour. Because of space constraints class size is kept to 6 people. Though each series may have its own theme I will always provide fundamental instruction in the embodiment meditation practices of the Realization Process.
Series Dates
Monday Evenings - 6:00-7:00pm.
Cost:
Attend 3 in a series for $75 or all 4 for $100
I do have a 24 hour cancelation policy. Once you have committed to attend a series if you are unable to attend please give me 24 hours notice to avoid being charged for the class.
I run meditation groups in my office as a 4 week series, Monday evenings at 6:00 for 1 hour. Because of space constraints class size is kept to 6 people. Though each series may have its own theme I will always provide fundamental instruction in the embodiment meditation practices of the Realization Process.
Series Dates
Monday Evenings - 6:00-7:00pm.
Cost:
Attend 3 in a series for $75 or all 4 for $100
I do have a 24 hour cancelation policy. Once you have committed to attend a series if you are unable to attend please give me 24 hours notice to avoid being charged for the class.
Disclaimer: Liz Hartshorn is not a licensed physician nor psychotherapist, and as such she does not practice allopathic medicine in any way, shape or form.