614 653-8111 Sharhartnett@aol.com
More than Relief: How Craniosacral Therapy Helps You Come Home to Yourself

More than Relief: How Craniosacral Therapy Helps You Come Home to Yourself

Somatic Therapy Columbus Ohio

  

A Somatic Approach to Healing Trauma, Pain, and Disconnection | Columbus, OH

By Sharon Hartnett, LMT, CST-D, Hakomi and SPI support

I never did expect that I would become a craniosacral therapist. Like many people, I started with a desire to help others feel better—but I hadn’t yet discovered the kind of work that would change me, and also support others from the inside out.

In the early days, I briefly began with massage therapy. It taught me the importance of touch, but something felt missing.  It didn’t move me in a way that felt meaningful.  So I moved into structural integration, a bold and powerful way to realign the body.  I learned to look and feel the fascia and understand the interconnection within. The results were visible—but the work was very assertive, and over time, it wore on my own body. I needed something more sustainable, more nourishing.  Bodyworkers need to listen to their own bodies with care, so they can do the same for others.

What I found was Craniosacral Therapy. Or maybe, it found me.

The Gentle Work That Goes Deep

When I first encountered CST in 2003, I was skeptical, as I practiced mostly Barbara Brennan’s work and  deep fascial work in an embodied somatic way. I didn’t understand all the brain and spinal anatomy along with the Craniosacral System. I really hadn’t heard about it much until I received it myself from a local Craniosacral Therapist in McLean, Virginia names Suzanne.  She was something else, and I felt very nourished and my internal environment began to shift in a new way.  So I wondered-could something this gentle really create meaningful change?

As I trained, practiced, and received sessions myself, I saw just how powerful CST was—especially when paired with somatic awareness. It supported not just the body, but the whole person. I watched people soften, unwind, and remember who they were beneath my hands as we worked with the pain, the anxiety, the disconnection.

This work changed me too. It taught me the power of the feminine in healing—how to listen rather than fix, to support rather than push, to witness rather than direct. I’ve come to trust that real healing happens when we make space for what’s already inside someone to emerge. Rather, it’s the balancing between the empty listening and the emerging movement that creates powerful change.  It’s the blend.

What People Feel After a Session

After a session, people often say: “I didn’t know I could feel this relaxed.”

That deep nervous system settling is more than just a nice feeling. It’s a gateway. In that stillness, the body begins to unwind old trauma. Emotions surface and release. Thoughts become clearer. Pain softens.

But it’s not always instant. Believe it or not- some people feel so unfamiliar with peace and deep relaxation that it takes a few days—or a few sessions—for the benefits to truly land. That’s understandable with the stressful lives we live in.  Also, healing isn’t linear, and it’s never one-size-fits-all. It’s a relationship—between your body, your story, and the presence of someone who knows how to listen.  Everyone shifts and changes at their own unique pace.  Usually, it takes about 5 sessions to truly feel the work making a big impact.

Healing Is Personal: Stories from the Table

One woman came to me after surviving abuse. For the first 10 sessions, I didn’t  touch her. Instead, I sat a few feet away—listening, witnessing, letting her body begin to feel safe again. Slowly, over time, her system began to tremble, release, and open. We weren’t just releasing trauma; we were helping her relationship to her own body to heal.  It was beautiful and full of grace.  Eventually we were able to do minimal hands on Craniosacral Therapy.

Another client came in after a serious concussion symptoms which she had been dealing with for two years. Her thinking was foggy, her balance off, and she was highly sensitive to light. After ten sessions, her clarity returned. A few months later, she enrolled in yoga teacher training—and today, she’s a craniosacral therapist herself.  An amazing therapist honestly.

There was also a woman in hospice care, diagnosed with terminal cancer. I saw her weekly for six months, using only the lightest touch. The doctors had given her 6 months to live—but months later, she was still alive, and eventually the doctors told her children that the cancer had gone. I don’t claim to know what happened. But I do know that something in her body responded to being met with gentleness and of course her own “inner wisdom”.  Something in her chose to live due to all the help around her.

These stories aren’t about miracles thought They’re about what happens when someone finally feels safe, seen, and supported—on every level.  There are so many possibilities in outcomes.

Why Somatic Presence Matters

Craniosacral Therapy works deeply with the nervous system, fascia, and energetic body. When combined with somatic therapy—like the Hakomi method, Upledger dialogue, and trauma-informed techniques—it becomes even more powerful.

In my sessions, I guide people to sense what’s happening inside: not just the symptoms, but the felt sense beneath them. I ask gentle questions. I reflect what I see. I stay in curiosity, allowing each person’s own inner wisdom to lead the way.

This is not about fixing. It’s about remembering and reconnecting.  It’s a powerful self-discovery process.

But… Does It Really Work?

People sometimes ask, “Can such a light touch actually do anything?”

It’s a fair question—especially in a culture that prizes doing, pushing, and proving. But the body doesn’t need to be forced to heal. It needs to be listened to.  It’s inner wisdom needs to be ignited to do the powerful work it is capable of doing.

There’s science to back CST, yes—but more importantly, there’s your own experience. I always say: try 4 to 6 sessions. See how you feel. The proof is in your body, not in statistics.

An Invitation to Come Home to Yourself

Whether you’re carrying trauma, living with chronic pain, struggling to sleep, or just feeling off—there is hope. And you don’t have to go through it alone.

In my Columbus, Ohio Craniosacral practice, I offer craniosacral therapy informed by decades of somatic training and real-life experience. I’ve worked with women, men, teens, and children. Sensitive people. Stressed-out people. People trying to heal from what they’ve never been able to name.

If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again—more relaxed, more present, more whole—I invite you to come in. Not for a fix. But for a beginning.

Because healing isn’t about becoming someone new.
It’s about remembering who you are.

Warmly, Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Upledger Trained and Certified and serving the Columbus, Ohio area.

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

3 Big Benefits of Receiving Structural Integration Therapy

3 Big Benefits of Receiving Structural Integration Therapy

Structural Integration Columbus

How Structural Integration Chose Me.

The miracles of fascia work.

Structural Integration really helped me when I was in my 30’s after having children. My body was so out of alignment, especially after carrying children on my hip and bending over so much. The smartest thing I did was to find a local Rolfer. After 10 sessions, I felt so much longer and spacious, I decided to study it with another local teacher, John Latz for 18 months.

When I lived in the Washington DC area, and Florida, I had a wonderful private practice where I did mostly Structural Integration for many years. Eventually though, as I began to get older, I decided to move more into the Craniosacral Therapy because it’s easier on the body. What I liked about this transition is that both consider the fascia and have similar benefit, but the technques are different. Also, neither are truly considered massage, but instead manual therapy with their own unique perspective to healing.

For about the last 15 years, I have lived in the Columbus, Ohio area, and my primary focus is the Upledger Craniosacral Sessions. However, I still take into account the perspective of structural integration and stacking the body in alignment with the efforlessness of gravity consideration. Also, by addressing imbalances in posture, through the series, even with a gentle approach, it helps to reduce strain on muscles, joints, ligaments and lends to comfort in daily living. By working with the fasica, both in SI work and Craniosacral Therapy, we can help release restrictions, and unzip the body into new possibilities.

Three benefits I see often are:

1.  More energy

2.  Better Balance

3.  Improved Circulation and Motion

I believe that fascia is an incredible system that is still being uncovered and understood.  However, therapist have known this for a long time.  We have witnessed the strength and power of change with the fascia over and over again.

As I stated, I no longer do primarily Structural Integration, but I do “integrate” it into my Craniosacral Work.  It’s much more gentle, and more inclusive with its attention on the Craniosacral System and the rhthym.  I do sort of a combination with the fascial awareness.  It’s all about letting go of stress can creating a better environment for healing.

If you would like to find out more about how I work, I do offer a free 15 phone consultation.   703 509-1792

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

Fascia: The Hands On Treatment that Changes Everything

Fascia: The Hands On Treatment that Changes Everything

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

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

How to Change Your Posture with Somato Emotional Release

How to Change Your Posture with Somato Emotional Release

Posture Somato Emotional Release

Organizing Optimal Posture

Structural Integration, with an emphasis on posture,  is based on the principle that the body is organized and held together in a coordinated, balanced manner.  Any distortions in that order and/or balance can lead to physical and emotional discomfort. Fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs, plays a crucial role in this organization. When fascia becomes tight, scarred, or restricted due to poor posture, emotional stress, or injury, it can cause the body to lose its ability to move freely and efficiently.

Creating a healthier and more fluid Posture can be better facilitated by recognising the emotional aspect of Structure. At the core of Somato Emotional Release hands-on manual work, we consider holding the intention of using of physical  touch to help a person to heal emotionally as well as physically. For many of us who have worked with clients for years, we recognize that the body stores emotional memories. The body often reflects our history and our choices.  However, this can change with gentle and nourishing skillful touch.

Fortunately, some people are proactive and come in for help with their posture ahead of the game. These cases are often easier in terms of release and integration. Often though, discomfort or pain may be the leading reason someone seeks out help. Obviously, it’s always best to stay in front of the curve when possible. It’s the whole idea of treating simplity over complexity.

The Best situation for a client is when the therapist is Certified through their schooling.  It ensures that they reach the top level of understanding of the anatomy, skills particular to a certain manual therapy,  but also that they have learned how to support the emotional process.  Because quite often people do have emotional releases when their posture is changing on a fascial level.

Emotions for some people can be a very vulnerable thing to express. Perhaps in their childhood or current relationships, there is judgment or lack of understanding.   So it’s very helpful to find someone with specific training in dialoguing.  Bodyworkers are not counselors, but they can and certainly do help their clients process, and find their own healing responses when trained.

Some things to look for in a Somato Emotional Release Therapist are:

  • A trusting and Safe Space
  • Neutrality
  • Certification ie.  Upledger
  • Body Centered Emotional Training
  • An Understanding of Posture
  • An Ability to Listen and Work with Fascia
  • The Ability to Meld with the Tissues
  • Experience

If you are seeking out a Somato Emotional Release therapist to help free up and balance your posture, first call for an interview.  It’s important to feel a bond of trust first and foremost. Then,as this type of manual therapy can help treat misalignment of the posture as well as letting go of stress and emotional baggage,  ask questions upfront so that you can feel comfortable with your choice.

Processing unresolved emotional trauma can truly change how you feel in your body!

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

 

 

 

 

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Young people and older people are getting forward neck posture. All the computers and the cell phones contribute greatly. But also all the sitting Americans do. It’s not good. If I had to do it again, I’d start squatting and learn yoga or pilates early on. I’d make them a life practice. But life being what it is in our culture- our postures are often misaligned as we get older. But there are things we can do to have more freedom of motion.

In my opinion, massage can help. But someone who specializes in fascia is the best bet. The fascia wraps around and through everything in the body superficially to the deep. From macro to micro and reversed. It’s a living tissue that contains and keeps us alive and in motion. When we nourish the fascia and help it remember its ability to be vital, pain can disappear.

I have clients in their 50’s and on up. They can hardly move their necks when they first come in. They are told it is arthritis. Well, they may have arthritis, but it’s the tissues that restrict or allow motion. It’s the fluids dancing with the structure that makes the change. If things can start to soften, spread and move, the bones can be adjusted or perhaps move back on their own. It’s like a wrapping. If it’s tight and stiff- how does life nourish or relinquish what it no longer needs?

Of course there are minerals, vitamins, PT and other things which can help (all part of the HELP team), but the fascia is key. People, whose doctors tell them it’s arthritis often don’t talk about the benefits of fascial work. I think this is a big mistake not including it in health protocols. In addition, learning Feldenkrais, Continuum and other movement exercises that are gentle can be essential and really help too. People don’t have to stay stuck or frozen internally. At any age, we can make choices that will help us. It may not correct the issue 100%, but it can make a huge difference.

Friends, move yourself in different ways. Be proactive with your health. We all have habits that aren’t easy to break, and when this happens- there is always someone out there with skill and experience who is willing to help. It may take time and patience. Take care-no matter which route you take.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D
7035091792
www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Craniosacral Therapy Worthington Ohio

Craniosacral Therapy Worthington Ohio

Open for Craniosacral Therapy Worthington

Sharon Hartnett CST-D (Craniosacral Therapist Diplomate through the Upledger Institute.)

703 509-1792

My new hours for this location: 6797 N. High St. #333 Worthington, Ohio are Tuesdays and Fridays.

I am so excited to be going into the city two times per week to serve my clients. Recently, a great opportunity arose where one of my friends who has a beautiful office, let me know that she is willing to share with me. So for all my clients driving out to Johnstown- this is your opportunity to schedule a time closer by, with less driving. For those of you who are currently looking for a Craniosacral Therapist in the Worthington area, here is your chance! Craniosacral Therapy Worthington- here we come!

To Celebrate:  I am offering a discounted rate for new clients at $125.00 for an hour during the month of October.

Craniosacral Therapist

Craniosacral Therapist

A bit about Craniosacral Therapy Worthington…

Craniosacral Therapy is great for most everyone.  This work is so gentle and yet profound. The focus is on working with the rhythm of the craniosacral system to look for and release restrictions that negatively impact the Central Nervous System. What I find the best results with are: trauma-releasing emotional blocks, back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, concussions and basically for decreasing stress. But I also have clients who enjoy experiencing more balance, vitality and overall better health after a few sessions.

I also offer myofascial therapy for structural issues.  I have been working with fascia for close to 30 years.

For more information, check out www.upledger.com

Check out my website at: www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Sharon Hartnett CST-D, LMT, SI, Hakomi, BHSP

703 509-1792