CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY & LISTENING TOUCH
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Prolonged stress, physical or emotional trauma, excessive physical strain, surgery, as well as dysfunctional postural and movement patterns can contribute to the development of tension, leading to pain, restricted movement, swelling, and a persistent sense of fatigue.
Bodywork sessions integrating Craniosacral Therapy can help release these patterns of tension, promote deep relaxation, enhance overall well-being, and support the body's natural processes of recovery and self-regulation.
Craniosacral Therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger in the 1980s. It is based on Cranial Osteopathy, a discipline developed by Dr. William G. Sutherland in 1899.
Craniosacral Therapy works through the body's myofascial system (from mys, myos = muscle, and fascia = connective tissue), a continuous network of connective tissue that surrounds, supports, and connects every structure of the body. Rich in sensory receptors that communicate with the nervous system, the fascia plays an important role in movement, body awareness, and the regulation of physiological processes.
A Craniosacral session is performed by applying a very gentle, light manual pressure to the body's soft tissues (fascia). Particular attention is given to the skull and sacrum, to the body's natural rhythms (breathing, fluid movement, etc.), and to the subtle internal micro-movements that can be perceived through this kind of touch.
Effects and benefits
During a Craniosacral Therapy session, the body's natural self-regulating mechanisms are supported, encouraging the release of both local and general patterns of tension. The gentle touch used in CST interacts with the body's fascial system, which is rich in sensory receptors that communicate continuously with the nervous system. By supporting the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, this approach may enhance the body's innate capacity for self-regulation, promoting a profound sense of relaxation and well-being while encouraging the restoration of psycho-physiological balance. This approach may also facilitate the release of emotions that, when inhibited or left unexpressed, can contribute to excessive muscular tension and the resulting physical limitations—a process known as Somato-Emotional Release.
Craniosacral Therapy is beneficial for people of all ages, from babies to elders, as well as for healthy individuals who wish to support and maintain their overall well-being.
I am currently based at Mouvement Intérieur – Inner Movement, 225 rue Notre-Dame West, Montreal.
If you have any questions or would like to book a session, please feel free to contact me.
The Listening Touch®
Listening hands, touching words.
A gentle touch addressing the soft tissues (fascia), designed to facilitate psychophysiological responses and support body–mind balance. Easy to integrate into any touch or massage technique.
What is the Listening Touch?
The Listening Touch® is a specific form of physical contact that forms the basis of numerous touch-based approaches, including Craniosacral Therapy, Osteopathy, Structural Integration, and others.
It is a gentle, non-intrusive touch aimed at supporting balance within the psycho-physiological system through the stimulation of sensory receptors (proprioceptors) within the soft tissues (fascia).
When applied, Listening Touch can induce a sense of well-being and deep relaxation, while supporting the body's natural recovery processes and helping to reduce pain perception. This quality of touch is reassuring, supportive, and empathetic.
By learning Listening Touch, you also learn how to connect with others while respecting their personal space and boundaries.
Last but not least, Listening Touch is a form of communication that enhances the ability to listen—both through the hands and through presence—as well as a form of physical contact. It can be easily learned and applied with people of all ages, from newborns to seniors, regardless of physical condition.
The Training
The Listening Touch Training (2-day workshop) is easy to learn and can be successfully integrated into any bodywork, touch, or massage practice, as well as into all professions where touch is part of the work.
It is useful for anyone who practices or intends to build a professional path involving physical contact, such as medical staff, massage, occupational and rehabilitation therapists, educators, child welfare professionals, midwives and doulas, caregivers, and others. It can also be a valuable tool for instructors, trainers, coaches, and teachers in sports, yoga, and the performing arts (music, dance, theatre, circus, singing, etc.).
In fact, the use of a “quality touch” is essential to create points of reference and sensory input that enhance perception and, in turn, support optimal motor coordination.
Goals
By attending this workshop, you will learn:
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The foundations of the Listening Touch
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How Listening Touch interacts with the nervous system to support psychophysiological regulation
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Different qualities of touch (pressure, angle, speed, etc.) and their effects on sensory receptors
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How to adapt different types of touch according to your client’s needs and goals
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How to use verbal communication in alignment with your touch
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How to integrate Listening Touch into your existing practice
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How to enhance your presence and your ability to transmit support and a sense of safety during a session
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How to “stay in touch” by recognizing, managing, and respecting both your own boundaries and those of your client in a functional way
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How to attune to your client through breath and touch
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Exploration of verbal and non-verbal communication to develop functional habits during a session
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Exploration of different qualities of touch and when to apply them according to specific needs and goals
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A basic framework for applying Listening Touch in different professional contexts and everyday situations, including emergencies
If you have any questions or if you would like to learn Listening Touch or organize a workshop, please contact me.