Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy that focuses on the craniosacral system. This includes the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The primary aim of this style of therapy is to enhance
the body’s natural ability to heal by facilitating the movement of this fluid and optimizing the function of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy practitioners are typically physical therapists, massage therapists, or chiropractors that have taken special training in this technique.
How does Sara approach Craniosacral Therapy?
My approach to craniosacral therapy is gentle, nervous-system-focused bodywork that is adapted to each client’s needs rather than following one strict technique for the entire session. Craniosacral sessions are fully clothed so wearing comfortable, casual clothing is best.
My background is in occupational therapy and over 18 years of clinical work with clients in pediatrics and adult neuro, I’ve worked intently with nervous system dysregulation, chronic tension patterns, sensory processing challenges, and stress-related physical symptoms. In those settings, craniosacral techniques were often integrated with other therapeutic approaches such as myofascial release, gentle rib and shoulder work, breath support, and body regulation strategies.
Because of that background, my sessions tend to be intuitive and responsive to what the client’s body needs in the moment. Some clients benefit from a very quiet, still craniosacral-focused session, while others may need a blend of craniosacral therapy and gentle fascial or structural work to help the nervous system settle and the body release tension more comfortably.
This work may be especially supportive for clients experiencing:
- chronic stress or nervous system overload
- muscle guarding and persistent tension
- headaches or jaw tension
- sensory overwhelm or dysregulation
- burnout and fatigue
- chronic pain patterns
- difficulty relaxing or “shutting off”
- a sense of disconnection from their body
Sessions are designed to support regulation, relaxation, body awareness, and restoration in a calm, supportive environment.
Pediatric Craniosacral & Regulation-Focused Bodywork with Sara:
My pediatric sessions are designed to gently support relaxation, regulation, body awareness, and comfort with therapeutic touch in a child-centered environment.
Parents or caregivers are always present and included during sessions. I believe children regulate best when they feel safe and supported, and I work collaboratively with families throughout the process.
Children remain fully clothed during sessions. Touch is always gentle, respectful, and adapted to each child’s comfort level, sensory needs, and developmental stage.
Sessions are individualized based on the child’s sensory preferences, comfort with touch, muscle tension, regulation needs, and ability to engage. Some children are most comfortable on a floor mat with movement breaks and parent support nearby, while others may prefer working on the massage table in a quieter environment.
During sessions, I often talk parents through what I am observing in their child’s muscle tension, body responses, breathing patterns, sensory regulation, and relaxation cues. Families are also given practical ideas for home carry-over using therapeutic touch and calming sensory supports that fit naturally into everyday routines.
Depending on the child’s needs, home supports may include:
- calming tactile massage
- deep pressure input
- brushing protocols when appropriate
- co-regulation strategies
- sensory calming routines
- relaxation-focused touch before sleep or stressful situations
Visual supports and calming screen-based distractions may sometimes be used intentionally to help children tolerate touch, relax their muscles, and feel more comfortable during sessions. This approach can be especially helpful for autistic children, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with high sensory defensiveness or anxiety around touch.
The goal of the session is not forcing stillness or compliance — it is helping the child’s nervous system feel safe enough to relax.