FAQs

Q: How long is a session?

A: About an hour. You can schedule a longer or shorter session if you prefer. For an hour-long session, plan for an hour and a half, total, out of your day, to allow for intake and time to process with me afterwards.

Q: Is CST like massage?

A: Not really. You remain fully clothed. The process involves a series of light holds, usually at the hands, shoulders, tailbone area, feet, and along the spine. Typically clients lie on massage table on their backs, but if this isn’t comfortable, you can lie on your side or stomach for all or part of the session. It may even be possible to sit in a chair.

Q: Will it hurt?

A: Almost no pressure is applied. I listen very closely to what your body is telling me. Sessions unfold according to what your body makes clear needs to happen, and I simply move to different holds in support of that process. I myself am not actually fixing anything–this is a very important part of the biodynamic philosophy–only facilitating a process. It is virtually impossible to cause harm.

HOWEVER, intensity sometimes happens! Intense feelings or memories may arise as old patterns that were stuck for many years release. As with other forms of bodywork, dramatic energy shifts sometimes occur that in turn cause dramatic physical shifts. In every case I’ve seen, it’s been to the better, but sometimes there’s an adjustment period as the body adapts to its new alignments.

In general, though, the changes that occur through CST are subtle and gentle. Because they are non-invasive and work WITH your body’s natural healing mechanisms, these healing tendencies can be long-lasting.

Q: What if I fall asleep?

A: That’s fine! Some practitioners, especially in Europe, say this is when the best work happens. My thought is that if your body needs rest, you should rest. Sleep will not impede the process. I may need to ask you a question at times, though. If so, I will speak to you gently.

Q: What other effects might I experience on the table?

A: Many people fall into a deep reflective state, making contact with stillness in a way that can be hard even for highly experienced meditators. (This is my favorite, when I get sessions!) You could experience lucid dreaming, revisit memories, experience insights, feel warmth or the sense of floating in air or water, have wave-like feelings, or see colors.

If you do experience the more intense shifts I mentioned above, such as dramatic feelings of discharge possibly leading to structural realignments or arousal of traumatic memories, you must let me know what you are experiencing. It is also important to stay present with your body and your breath. I will be there to support you.

Throughout the session, I may notice changes in your body–in your fluids, tissues, bones, and potency. I may speak of these to you. Ultimately, you may experience a sense of integration.

Q: How will I feel after a session?

A: A lot of people describe feeling relaxed and alert at the same time. Clear-headed. Some want a longer nap–they discovered the truth of their health at that moment is that they need some serious rest! Many people feel a lessening or cessation in pain. Others are emotional, depending on what came up. If this is the case, there are tools for processing that.

I strongly encourage clients to leave 15 minutes after a session for us to talk through what they experienced. We may also talk during the session. Finding words for an experience helps to integrate it. As you go back to your life I recommend taking a few moments each day to notice any changes in your body and experience. We can discuss those observations at your next session. This is the best way to track how well CST is working for you.

Q: Should I go straight back to work afterward?

A: You have to manage your day in the way that works best for you. Any CST work is better than none, so if the only time you schedule and appointment is right before a demanding part of your day, by all means come. Ideally, however, it’s best to leave some time after a session to let the work settle. Take a walk rather than engage in a heavy workout. Plan to do lighter tasks at work rather than participate in a heated conference call. Protect yourself against interactions where you might feel vulnerable.

You’re taking a wonderful step in self-care by coming in for craniosacral treatments. Keep it up!

Q: Do you treat children?

Yes. Children, like infants, are still working through birth processes. They are both vulnerable to pressure from the outside world AND systemically resilient. That is, they get out of whack, and depending on their birth experience, they may even have distorted shapes in the bones of the cranium and pelvis. But they respond well and quickly to treatment.

As with infants, I sometimes work with parents and children together, depending on the situation.

Q: Do you work with animals?

A: Yes. I work with small animals, either remotely or in my office. I work with horses remotely. Animals seem to love craniosacral work. It’s ideal for anxious pets, rescued pets missing a family or a deceased companion, or for animals in chronic pain (such as arthritis).

 

To reach me:

Call me: 970-422-0419.

Send an email. Look for a response within a day. (cputnam at massagetherapy (dot) com.)

Or send a text.

Serving the Roaring Fork and Grand Valleys.