Somatic Therapy in Sonoma County
As both a psychologist and a practitioner of craniosacral therapy (CST), I’ve seen firsthand how this gentle, hands-on healing technique can significantly benefit individuals struggling with anxiety and panic. In my clinical practice, I often witness the profound connection between mind and body, and how unresolved stress and emotional trauma can manifest physically. Anxiety and panic attacks are perfect examples of how mental and emotional imbalances can take a toll on the body, causing symptoms like rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, and muscle tension. Craniosacral therapy offers a unique approach to healing, addressing both the physical and emotional components of anxiety and panic.
Craniosacral therapy works by gently manipulating the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. By using a light touch, CST practitioners can detect and release areas of restriction or tension within the body, promoting a sense of deep relaxation and balance. Many people with anxiety carry significant physical tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, areas that are directly linked to the body’s stress response. CST helps release these areas of tension, allowing the nervous system to reset and the body to return to a more peaceful state.
The beauty of CST lies in its holistic approach—it not only provides physical relief but also works with the body’s subtle energy and emotional rhythms. Many of my clients find that their anxiety is not simply a mental issue but something that is also deeply embedded within their bodies. Stress and trauma can become “stored” in the body, creating energetic blockages that keep the nervous system in a heightened state of alert. Craniosacral therapy helps release these blockages, allowing for emotional processing and relief. Clients often experience a greater sense of clarity, emotional stability, and calm following a session.
For individuals with panic attacks, CST can be especially beneficial. Panic attacks are intense physiological responses that often feel uncontrollable and overwhelming. The body enters a state of fight-or-flight, and the individual may feel completely disconnected from their own sense of safety. CST works by re-regulating the autonomic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight response. Through gentle touch, CST can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s relaxation response. By calming the nervous system, CST can help reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks, providing long-term relief.
In addition to emotional and physiological healing, craniosacral therapy can also promote better sleep, which is often disrupted by anxiety and panic. When we are under stress, our sleep patterns can become erratic, further exacerbating feelings of worry and fear. The calming effects of CST can restore balance to the nervous system, helping clients achieve more restful, restorative sleep. This is an essential part of the healing process, as quality sleep helps to reset the body’s stress response and promotes emotional resilience.
If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety or panic and have yet to explore craniosacral therapy, I encourage you to give it a try. As both a psychologist and a CST practitioner, I’ve seen how this gentle therapy can be an incredibly effective complement to traditional psychological methods. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to schedule a consultation with a certified craniosacral therapist. You don’t have to navigate anxiety and panic alone—allow CST to guide you toward a more balanced, peaceful, and centered life.
If you’re ready to experience the calming, healing benefits of craniosacral therapy, I invite you to schedule your first session today. This gentle, transformative therapy can offer you the relief you’ve been searching for. Don’t wait—start your journey toward emotional and physical well-being now. Your mind and body will thank you for it.