Awaken Your Joy

A gentle, light touch and non-invasive manual treatment approach that works with the body's natural, self-correcting mechanisms.  In CranioSacral Therapy, we look at the body as an integrated whole.  Its focus is largely upon releasing tension in the craniosacral system (CSS), which consists of the membranes and fluids that surround the brain and spinal cord, which allow the entire body to deeply relax and self-correct.  The CSS has the ability to influence every system in the body, such as the musculoskeletal, neurological, immune, digestive, and endocrine systems, etc.. The therapist uses deep listening skills to evaluate imbalances in the CSS in order to detect and release core issues.  The treatment focuses on identifying the underlying root cause of dysfunction, rather than simply treating the symptoms. Because it is so gentle and noninvasive, CST has been proven effective for all ages, from newborns to elders.

CranioSacral Therapy has been shown to ease the tension patterns in children.  This has been shown to help children on the autism spectrum to feel more comfortable and aware of the world around them. 

CST assists children in relaxing.  This can benefit children with ADHD, as it can help their brain slow down its cataloging activity when they relax.  

CST helps reduce tension patterns around the eyes and ears, so the areas of the brain that process language may function better.  This may help dyslexic children, as they often have difficulty processing visual and auditory information.

CranioSacral Therapy can assist with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorders)

Research has shown to help alleviate or diminish the following...

- Sleep disturbances; shallow breathing

- Irritability, erratic, and repetitive behaviors

- Sensory overload, tantrums, anxiety, and fight-flight

- Head banging and other self-abusive mutilation

- Self-stimulation behaviors -- toe walking, hand flapping, and noise making

- Aggression and intense sensory seeking

CranioSacral Therapy has also been observed to improve the following functions:

- Normalize reactions to sensations

- Achieve calmness and focus; readiness to learn and interact

- Feel sensory feedback, so body and hands start doing more things 

- Communication abilities (verbal and nonverbal)

- Self-cares: toileting, eating meals, and dressing

- Quality of life, which also reduces family stress

As well as...

- Chronic Neck & Back Pain

- Stress & Tension Related Disorders

- Migraines & Headaches

- Chronic Fatigue

- Orthopedic Problems

- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

- TMJ Disorder

- Central Nervous System Disorders

- Fibromyalgia

- Immune Disorders

- Motor-Coordination Impairments

- Scoliosis

- Post Concussion Symptoms- And Many Other Conditions...

CranioSacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John E. Upledger.  Dr. Upledger worked with a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, and bioengineers at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University to test the existence and influence of the craniosacral system.  During those research studies, he discovered the function of the craniosacral system and its use in evaluating and treating poorly understood malfunctions of the brain and spinal cord.  Later he went on to develop CranioSacral Therapy and other complementary modalities that are now taught worldwide to hands-on healthcare professionals, such as osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists through his educational programs.

We are so grateful to have found Courtney for CranioSacral Therapy. My daughter was the first to see her and we noticed immediate improvements - especially with her stress levels and ability to self-regulate. The changes we gentle, but powerful, and she looks forward to her sessions. 

My son recently began seeing Courtney, as well, and we've seen wonderful benefits from him.  He sleeps better after sessions, feels calmer for several days and even says how it makes his back feel better. 

Courtney has a gift for creating a safe, peaceful space where children feel comfortable.  Her work has made a meaningful difference in our family, and I recommend her to any parent in Asheville seeking supportive care for their kids.

- Liz Felmet (mom)

"Beautiful, relaxing, and restoring.  I would highly recommend.  Left feeling wonderful inside and out!"  -Angel

Hannah, a young competitive gymnast, had suffered numerous head traumas leaving her with unrelenting pain, headaches, vertigo, and hearing loss. After numerous visits with physical therapists, neurologists, and other specialty doctors, she wasn’t getting any better. As a last resort she was encouraged to try craniosacral therapy. When I first saw Hannah she expressed noticeable tension in her neck and her shoulders were drawn up towards her ears. Using a gentle, non-invasive treatment approach she slowly began to unwind tension in her body and craniosacral system. In just one session, Hannah exuded a deeper sense of relaxation as if she was able to be more of herself in her body.  After five weekly sessions her neck and head pain had reduced by 50% on one side of and 80% on the other. Her headaches had gone away, her hearing loss had improved, resulting in a cancelled surgery, and she was able to walk and jog for the first time in many months without pain. 

It's stories like these that leave me feeling so humbled by the gift of this work and extremely grateful to be a witness to others in their own healing journey.

I have been given permission to share this story with you by Hannah’s mom, Jackie Sitton, NP

A comprehensive evaluation and wellness plan is an essential part of each new client appointment. This process takes about 30 minutes of additional time and does not take away from the treatment.  First time appointments prices reflect the time needed to lay the foundation for your excellent care.  Courtney will contact you by phone to schedule the initial consultation prior to your appointment so work can be focused on building rapport with the child and their treatment. 

NEW CLIENT APPOINTMENTS:

1 hour treatment w/ initial consult ~ $145

AFTER INITIAL VISIT:

1 hour ~ $100