How to Best Express Your Emotions Effectively

by SharonHartnett | Feb 9, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, fear, grounding, healing, Healthy Body

The Transformation of Raw Emotions Into Emotional Intelligence

Speaking to Neurodivergence

Living with a neurodivergent mind can come with a range of emotions and challenges. As each individual is unique, this can show up in many ways. When I speak of neurodivergence, I am referring to those of us who cognitively process information differently than neurotypical thinkers. This can include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Unique social communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors. I recommend the Telepathy Tapes to learn more about this.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Features of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Dyslexia: Difficulty with language skills, especially reading.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with performing basic arithmetic.
Dyspraxia: Issues related to physical coordination.
Tourette’s Syndrome: Involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations.
Down’s Syndrome: Genetic disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays.

Stress, in particular, among neurodivert people may play a big part in keeping neurodivergent thinkers feeling isolated and alone. Our feelings, emotions, and expressions can easily be misunderstood or misinterpreted. However, as we learn to understand our raw and vulnerable selves better, and also as more people learn to understand and accept people who seem different, for the whole, it allows for more diversity and creativity. We each have our gifts as well. Neurodivergent thinkers can actually be super creative out of the box thinkers, and help come up with innovate ideas to help resolve problems.

Common issues with Emotions with Neurodivergence:

Social Anxiety

I know that sometimes just being in the same space as other people alerts the nervous system into hypersensitivity. A neurodivergent person could end up feeling sensory overload when they detect conflict or too much energy around them. Maybe it is pressure to perform or to look like everyone else. Maybe coming up with words to communicate is hard. In this case, the healing response might be to ground or to limit overstimulation so that we can feel safe in our emotions.

Time Management

It may be difficult to keep focused or on schedule. People may become impatient or uncomfortable if they don’t understand or feel at ease with the boundaries and patterns which are unfamiliar. Especially with procrastination. It’s easy for people to think we are lazy or that we don’t want to partipate, or do the work. For healing, it’s important to realize that everyone is organized differently and healthy processing time for some may be to do nothing until ready to make the next move.

Self Blame

It’s easy to blame oneself when others who are neurotypical don’t understand why we don’t have the same social cues or regulation. Many neurodivergent people might believe they are the problem, when actually they are not. They are just different. It’s vital they they are reflected back as valuable in their authenticity and contributions. They should not have to “mask” in order to be accepted or valued. Once we all see the light in each other, the more the Whole can evolve.

Emotional Woundings

Neurodivergent individuals can feel emotionally chaotic at time. Their experiences may feel more hightened, and they don’t know the best way to respond. It’s important that they find supportive people to help them to understand. In today’s world, sometime emotions get a bad wrap. I’d suggest that many neurodivergent thinkers are actually more emotionally mature if they decide to work through what comes up for them. They have to work and move through so much more. It’s an art and a skill to relate when it doesn’t come easily.

Physically

They may need more rest and down time to integrate with introspection.

Unique Communication Styles

While neurodivergent people may not always communicate in ways that others expect, their style can bring fresh insights or directness. For example, individuals on the autism spectrum might be incredibly honest and straightforward, offering clarity in situations where others might shy away from being so direct.

Being good at understanding and managing emotions can be a challenge for neurotypical thinkers. However, with healthy support, they can learn how to deal with life and make better decisions based on their unique perspectives in life. Being mindful, as we learn to stay more in the moment, and get to know ourselves, moving from stress to emotional intelligence moves us and humanity forward. We are all in this thing called humanity together.

If you are interested in a body centered therapy to help you to ground, feel more embodied and integrated, check out the Upledger Institute for a therapist near you.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Develop a Good Plan for Stress Management

by SharonHartnett | Jan 24, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, grounding, healing, healthy, Healthy Body, meditation, mind body & spirit, mindfulness

Who needs stress?

Well, stress can be beneficial. It can help your performance in any part of your life if it is used in a positive way. However, chronic stress is a different matter. Long-term stress can be a major contributor to numerous health problems.

Fortunately, there are some tools that you can learn to help you stay healthy in your mind and body connection. Addressing stress as soon as possible can significantly shift your mindset. An intentional practice of committing to self-care can help avoid or minimize anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases and chronic pain.

If you haven’t already come up with a plan for stress managment, here are a few ideas:

Mindfulness, prayer and meditation can help reduce cortisol levels and bring one to center. This is a practice of becoming fully aware in the moment through experience and observation. Curiousity also helps set the stage for discovering inner peace.
Holistic and Complementary practices like Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Acupuncture have shown to be very helpful with stress management.
Breathing Exercises can shift you more into a calm state. One that I recommend is breathing in to a slow count of 4, exhale to 6 and pause. In your practice continue to lengthen the pause at the end of the exhale. Also, practice diaphragmatic breathing, imagining your breath filling the whole ribcage as it expands and contracts. Allow the breath to move all the way to the pelvic floor.
Check with your physician about the Role of Nutrition: omega 3, magnesium and certaine B vitamins support brain health, and help to regulate emotions.
Sleep. It’s so important to get enough rest. When you sleep well your brain is able to clear through the glymphatic system. This can help you to feel much better restored, and to heal. A good sleep routine is imperative to good health.

Being in a Healing Practice for close to 30 years, I have seen so many people with chronic stress.I want you to know that it’s possible to step away from that. However, it does mean making a choice to change your life. Your power comes in the form of doing things that bring you back to your balanced and healthy Self.

If you have any questions, how I can help you as a Craniosacral Therapist, I offer a free 15 phone consultation.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus Ohio Area

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Fascia: The Hands On Treatment that Changes Everything

by SharonHartnett | Jan 21, 2025 | better posture, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healthy, Healthy Body, Structural Integration, upledger institute

Getting Manual Work With Your Fascia supports Overall Health and Wellbeing

About 1-2 years ago, I listened to a podcast about the “Interstitium”. Perhaps you have never heard of it. It is a fairly new term. And we know that sometimes it takes time for a new idea to come take hold. So, I thought I’d give the Interstitium and Fascia work a little boost out here on the web. So here we are.

Let’s begin by defining Fascia and it’s relationship to the Interstitium.

Fascia is a type of tissue that looks like a web inside your body. If you could imagine that underneath your skin there is a living matrix wetsuit superficially. This fascia tissue travels deeper and through almost everything in the human body: around bones, organs and it basically holds us all together. In your mind, if you could continue to see it-and sense into it, you’ understand it as a strong elastic type of material that stretches and connects throughout. Fascia is made up out of elastin, collagen and ground substances.

The interstitium is a relatively new area of study in manual therapy. It’s a vast network of fluid-filled spaces that surround cells and tissues, and it plays a key role in how fluids move through the body. By working with both the fascia and the interstitium, therapists can support the movement of these fluids and encourage more efficient flow, which can help the body recover from injury, decrease inflammation, and promote overall health.

This integrated approach, which addresses both the connective tissue (fascia) and the surrounding fluid networks (interstitium), helps create a more holistic, balanced experience for the body. The combination of fluid dynamics and fascial release is what makes manual therapy working with the fascia and interstitium so powerful and restorative.

How Does a Manual Therapist Work with the fascia and Interstitium?

1. It’s key to work slowly and gently whether the therapist does Craniosacral Therapy, Myfascial Release or Deeper Structural Integration. The connected touch feels like a deep stretch, lengthening and spreading vitality to the surrounding tissues. When the therapist listens, the fascia will always lead to the easiest way to unwind and free of movement and space.

2. It’s also quite common for people to feel more fluidity with fascial work. This is where the instertitium comes in because it allows motion and enhances functioning.

3. Manual Fascial Therapy often releases deep tension patterns. Here is where some of the therapies may vary in approach. With Ida Rolf’s work, generally the touch is more assertive. The other end of the spectrum is gentle, light touch Craniosacral Therapy.

4. You may gain greater awareness of your body. Touch is a great way to mirror back the sensations in your body. You may feel a greater sense of connection to the many internal influences that optimize your body’s health and wellness.

5. The effects of fascial work is profound. You may walk away feeling so calm and peaceful. Often people feel more balanced inside but also in how their body stacks up. This can mean better grounding and use of movement. When the fascia is better organized, it is more efficient in everything it does. With muscles but also in promoting organ health too with mobility and motility.

6. Both the fascia and the interstitium are connected to emotions. For example, when a person experiences a physical or emotional trauma, that may hold in the tissues and contract to protect. While this is super efficient short-term it’s important to find balance and length again so misalignments don’t compensate permanently.

7. If you want to feel more at home in your body, fascia and interstitum work can help you reach your goals. It’s always best to optimize what you have.

A little bit about Sharon Hartnett (author):

I studied Massage in the 1990’s. Later studying Ida Rolf’s work at the Institute for Structural Integration. Later in the early 2000’s I got turned on to Craniosacral Therapy. Truly I love both of these approaches to keep the fascial body healthy. One (SI) is definately a stronger approach. However, the Craniosacral Therapy is so gentle that body is more apt to work more effectively. It doesn’t fight any of the technique. More recently, I have studied Visceral Manipulation at the Barral Institute for about the last 10 years. This looks at the organs and the tissues connecting and surrounding. Mobilizing the tissues can actually help the organs to functure better. So all this work is vital to keep peope healthy. Getting unstuck nourishes the body and cleans up what no longer needs to be held. I love this work!

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Find the Right Energy Healer Columbus

by SharonHartnett | Jan 17, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, grounding, healing

Energy Healer Columbus

If you were a client looking for an energy healer, maybe the best way you would likely approach the search is methodically, considering a blend of practical steps and personal intuition. Here’s how you might want to go about finding someone:

1. Identify My Needs and Preferences

Specific Healing Type of Energy Healer: I’d start by identifying what kind of healing I’m seeking. Energy healing encompasses many approaches, like Energy Healing from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, Reiki, chakra balancing, Qi Gong, sound healing, or crystal healing. Understanding preferences (and any existing knowledge or experiences with energy work) would help narrow down the field.
Intentions for Healing: Whether I’m dealing with physical ailments, emotional blockages, spiritual growth, or stress management, having clear intentions helps in choosing the right practitioner. Each energy healer is unique and offers an individualized open path to support you.

2. Research Online and Ask for Recommendations

Online Search: I’d start by looking for energy healers in my area through search engines, social media, and websites that focus on holistic health. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or specialized platforms like
Ask for Referrals: Word of mouth is powerful, so I’d ask friends, family, or other trusted individuals who might have worked with energy healers. Local communities or metaphysical shops might also offer recommendations.

3. Check Credentials and Experience

Qualifications: I would want to ensure the energy healer is qualified in the specific modality they’re offering. While certification and attending a professional school isn’t always required, it usually does indicate a level of training and expertise. There are various professional bodies or schools that offer training.
Experience: I’d look at how long they’ve been practicing, as experience can often make a big difference in effectiveness. Personal testimonials or reviews from other clients would also help me gauge their track record.

4. Evaluate Their Approach and Energy

Initial Consultation: I’d try to schedule a consultation or discovery call to get a feel for their approach. This would be a chance to ask questions about their healing methods, their philosophy, and what to expect during a session. It would also allow me to get a sense of their energy—whether I feel comfortable, understood, and aligned with their style.
Vibe Check: Healing is deeply personal, so I’d pay attention to how I feel around the practitioner. A sense of trust, openness, and safety is key. Energy healing is often an intuitive process, so if I don’t feel a connection during this first interaction, I’d look elsewhere.

5. Look for Specialization and Focus

Area of Expertise: Some energy healers specialize in certain areas, such as trauma healing, stress relief, chronic pain, or emotional clearing. Depending on what I’m looking for, I’d seek out someone with experience in my specific area of concern.
Holistic Approach: I might look for someone who integrates other aspects of healing—such as nutrition, meditation, or coaching—if I feel that could complement my healing journey.

6. Check Logistics and Practicalities

Location and Accessibility: If I’m looking for an in-person session, proximity would matter. If remote healing is available, that opens up more options.
Session Cost: I’d consider the cost of a session and ensure it fits my budget. Some practitioners offer sliding scale fees or package deals for multiple sessions, which might be helpful if I’m committing to a longer-term healing process. Healers can work for free, but some charge close to $1000.00 for a session.
Scheduling and Availability: Flexibility in scheduling and how soon I can get in would also play a part in my decision. Some practitioners may have long waitlists, and that’s a good indicator of their popularity and demand.

7. Trust My Intuition

Gut Feeling: After all the research, I’d trust my instincts. Energy work is deeply personal, and a healer-client relationship often hinges on mutual trust and comfort. If something feels off, I’d be open to trying a different practitioner.
Ongoing Feedback: After the first session, I’d check in with myself about how I feel. Energy healing often brings up emotional shifts or physical sensations, so assessing my experience and whether I feel a tangible benefit would help me decide whether to continue or seek someone else.

By combining a rational approach (research, qualifications, and practicalities) with personal intuition (trust, comfort, and feeling drawn to a healer), I would seek out someone who feels aligned with my healing journey, whether that’s through direct, in-person work or remote support.

If you would like to find out more about finding the best energy healer for you in the Columbus area, I’d be happy to set up a 15 minute consultation to see how we match up. I would love to support you in your process.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Brennan Energy Healer

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

614 653-8111

How to Calm Your Mind

by SharonHartnett | Dec 30, 2024 | Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healing, stillpoint

To Calm the mind is essential for both mental and physical well-being. Fortunately you have come to the right place to discover a dynamic person to person modality that can help you feel more centered and at peace.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)is a gentle hands on modality, which awakens the calm inside, through listening and melding with your Craniosacral System. By tapping into your own internal intelligence, CST helps to bring balance and deep relaxation into your life. Finding the stillpoint in your rhythm releases, and helps integrate your stresses- bringing you into a more peaceful state of being.

How can Craniosacral Therapy Help You to Live from a Calm State? It:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

When the mind is calm, it helps to lower the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By calming your mind, you create space for a sense of peace and relaxation, which can significantly reduce anxiety levels and improve overall emotional health.

2. Improves Focus and Clarity

A cluttered mind often leads to scattered thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate or make decisions. To calm the mind helps clear out distractions and promotes mental clarity, enabling you to focus better on tasks, think more effectively, and make decisions with greater ease.

3. Enhances Emotional Regulation

When your mind is calm, you’re better equipped to handle difficult emotions. Instead of reacting impulsively or being overwhelmed by emotions like anger or frustration, a calm mind allows you to respond thoughtfully and with control, leading to healthier interactions and relationships.

4. Boosts Physical Health

Chronic mental tension can manifest in physical ailments such as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive problems. By calming the mind, you help reduce the impact of stress on your body, which can lead to improved sleep, better immune function, and overall physical health. You feel more deeply grounded and embodied.

5. Increases Creativity

When the mind is relaxed, it becomes more open to creative ideas and inspiration. Mental calmness reduces the mental barriers and judgment that can stifle creativity, allowing new ideas and solutions to emerge naturally. It creates a fertile ground for innovation and problem-solving.

6. Promotes Mindfulness and Presence

A peaceful mind fosters mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present in the moment. This enhances your ability to enjoy life, engage in meaningful experiences, and build stronger connections with others. It helps you savor the simple joys of life and reduces the tendency to dwell on past regrets or future worries.

7. Supports Mental Resilience

A relaxed mind is a strong foundation for mental resilience. By practicing mindfulness or calming techniques, you build the mental fortitude to face challenges with a clear perspective. When your mind is calm, you’re more able to adapt to difficult situations, stay grounded, and maintain emotional balance, even in times of adversity.

In summary, Craniosacral Therapy is such a gentle, yet profound pathway to calming the mind. The benefits are numerous. It isn’t just about relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your overall well-being, improving relationships, and fostering long-term mental and physical health.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

What is Something New You Learned about Yourself Lately?

by SharonHartnett | Dec 27, 2024 | change, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healing, healthy, mind body & spirit, trauma, upledger institute

Awakening Yourself

To Awaken to yourself is the most powerful thing you can do. Feeling confident about your life, and the choices you make shape everything. Unburdening yourself from limitations is freeing.

Often people who come in for Craniosacral Therapy can feel stressed, a bit lost, anxious, or in pain. Something feels off, and the person may not understand why they feel the way they do. Maybe there are pieces under the level of consciousness- stored in the cellular memory. Working through the mind body connection can be quite powerful.

Craniosacral can help ground you more firmly into your life.

Working with a Craniosacral Therapist can shift everything. Some of the ways this can happen in a session are:

1. Presence: The holding of neutral space creates trust and safety.

2. Respecting boundaries helps define you and your comfort level.

3. Craniosacral Therapy taps into the Craniosacral System which nourishes and keeps the Nervous System Healthier and in balance.

4. Certified Techniques and Skill level can release and help integrate old wounding and trauma. This makes space for potential awakening to knowing oneself more deeply. it can bring more meaning to life.

5. An Experienced Craniosacral Therapist supports the Awakening Process by training with open dialogue which is centered on Self-Discovery. Ask about SomatoEmotional Release Work.

Craniosacral Therapy takes an Osteopathic approach to manual therapy. It focuses on trusting your body to find the internal discovery and healing processes within.

If you feel you have tried so many things but nothing helps, giving Craniosacral Therapy a change may help shift you into a Light Awakening. It’s so gentle, yet profound.

One of the best things that you can learn about yourself is Self-Empowerment through curiosity, and sensing into your own body and sense of Self.

What have you learned about yourself and what can help you move forward as you continue to open up?

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

SomatoEmotional Release Therapy Certified through Upledger

614 653-8111

www.cranosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Columbus, Ohio Area.