Trauma and PTSD
Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response that arises when an individual experiences an event that is overwhelmingly distressing or harmful.
This can include a wide range of experiences such as natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual assault, emotional abuse, or witnessing violence. The impact of trauma can vary greatly among individuals and can lead to a range of emotional reactions, including fear, anxiety, sadness, and confusion.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may experience persistent and distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. They may also avoid reminders of the trauma, feel numb to their surroundings, or experience heightened reactions, such as irritability or difficulty concentrating.
PTSD can significantly affect a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. It's important to recognize that trauma responses and PTSD can vary widely.
How can Craniosacral Therapy help?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can play a supportive role in trauma integration and alleviating PTSD symptoms by fostering a sense of safety, relaxation, and bodily awareness. This gentle, hands-on therapy focuses on releasing tension and restrictions within the body, particularly in the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. By promoting relaxation and easing physical tension, CST helps to support the nervous system in processing and integrating traumatic experiences.
Many individuals with PTSD may experience heightened states of arousal, anxiety, or emotional numbness. CST encourages a state of calm, allowing individuals to connect with their bodies in a safe environment. This can help them access emotions that may have been previously suppressed or locked away due to trauma, facilitating the release of pent-up feelings and fostering emotional healing.
Additionally, CST can improve circulation and facilitate the movement of fluids throughout the body, supporting overall physiological health, which can be beneficial for emotional balance. Regular sessions may help individuals develop greater awareness of their physical sensations and emotional responses, enabling them to process trauma on a deeper level. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma, CST can empower individuals to regain a sense of control, resilience, and well-being in their lives, making it a valuable complementary approach in the journey of trauma recovery and PTSD symptom management.
How many sessions will I need to have?
The number of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) sessions a client may need to effectively address trauma integration and PTSD symptoms can vary significantly based on individual factors, including the severity of symptoms, the specific experiences being processed, and personal healing responses. I recommend starting with a series of three to six sessions spaced over a few weeks. This initial series allows individuals to assess how their bodies and emotions respond to the therapy.
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Need to chat...?
Sometimes its good to talk before booking a session. Feel free to call or book a free consultation online. Craniosacral Therapy can be a vital tool in your journey toward holistic wellness and resilience, helping you navigate life's challenges with grace and strength.
Clare is especially skilled in her approach; very respectful, gentle, understanding, clear, receptive, and seems to always sensitively match and understand whatever I bring to our session, without having to use a lot of talking.
She offers a mix of modalities, a depth of knowledgeable experience and a lightness of touch.
Overall I appreciate how the process affirms the agency I can seek within myself for healing and understanding myself, and befriending my life forces, within a very safe therapeutic light space.
Liz B