Techniques I use in sessions:

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Like the ocean moving in and out, the fluid around our cells also needs to move.

The lymphatic system moves the fluid away from the cells, carrying with it all the trash, so that it can be eliminated. Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle massage that analyzes and facilitates the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph and fluid that surrounds the cells of the body.  This technique can decrease swelling, eliminate toxins, as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune systems.

Myofascial Release

These spiderweb fibers are very strong, yet flexible, just like connective tissue (also called fascia) in the body, which is also weblike.

The fascia connects all the parts, top to bottom, inside to outside. It wraps around all the organs, muscles, and bones, giving the body strength and it allows the parts to glide on each other. Sometimes, the fascia goes into a protective spasm, and this lack of motion can impact function. Myofascial Release specifically refers to the techniques used to release the fascia from around the muscles.

CranioSacral Therapy

See this jellyfish and how it’s all connected?

The nervous system looks just like it. The brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves are one unit covered by a thick connective tissue called the dura, and are protected by the bones of the skull and spine.  Craniosacral therapy uses the bones of the skull and pelvis as handles to stretch that dura around the brain and spinal cord, relieving any pressure. As you can guess, these techniques are useful to help any pain syndromes that relate to the head, spine, and pelvis. Part of craniosacral therapy is somato-emotional release, which is releasing the emotions from the body tissues.

Energy Body Mechanics

When talking about energy and how it needs to move, I visualize it as another layer of anatomy, the edges ideally lining up with our skin, which is why I call this subtle part the energy body.

As I learned about energy through my Healing from the Core training, layered in principles from yoga and tai chi, and integrated other concepts like the chakras and the energy principles from physics, I realized the energy body needs to move just like all our other parts.  Not only does it need to move, but it follows one simple premise: it moves to connect to nourishment, and moves away from pain.  One specific movement connects us to the sea of energy that we are all swimming in, just like me swimming here. Anytime there is trauma in the physical body, the energy body reacts and needs to be specifically addressed.   The energy body techniques are the intersection of the anatomy, emotions, and energetics that make us whole human beings.

Visceral Mobilization

Fascia surrounds the organs like the layers of this onion, supporting and anchoring the organs to the bones.

The organs as a group are called “the viscera”.  Visceral mobilization techniques release tension in the fascia around the organs.  When this fascia is stuck, it can pull on the bones, limiting movement, and it can decrease the organ function. These techniques are especially good for issues in the abdomen such as constipation, bladder dysfunction, and scars from any abdominal surgery.

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

These are sound waves.

Sound waves stimulate the nerves in your ear, and one of the nerves is called the Vagus Nerve. The Vagus nerve is responsible for heart rate, breathing, and digestion, and also helps us assess the level of safety in our environment.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.

As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.

The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.