614 653-8111 Sharhartnett@aol.com
Craniosacral Therapy Columbus

Craniosacral Therapy Reviews from Clients in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re looking for craniosacral therapy reviews in Columbus, Ohio, you’re in the right place. These testimonials come directly from clients who have experienced relief, healing, and transformation through their sessions. Each review reflects the unique journey and outcomes made possible by gentle, skilled craniosacral work.

Q: What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
A: Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that helps release deep tension in the body, relieve pain, and support the nervous system. By lightly touching specific areas—like the head, spine, and sacrum—your therapist helps detect and release restrictions, allowing your body to unwind and integrate. Many people find it deeply relaxing, grounding, and healing.

Q: What is SomatoEmotional Release (SER)?
A: SomatoEmotional Release® builds on Craniosacral Therapy to help release unresolved trauma held in the body. It gently supports emotional processing through body awareness and skilled dialogue. This process is especially helpful when emotions are stored in tissues, preventing full physical or emotional healing.

Q: How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?
A: CST works with the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. This system plays a key role in how your body processes stress and pain. When your body holds tension or trauma, it can disrupt this rhythm and keep you stuck in a “fight-or-flight” state.
By using light touch, your therapist helps restore fluid flow, ease pressure on nerves, and bring your body into a more balanced, “rest-and-digest” state. CST can help:

  • Calm the nervous system

  • Loosen tight fascia and muscles

  • Reduce pain and anxiety

  • Support deep healing from within

Q: How Many Sessions Will I Need?
A: It depends on your individual needs. Some clients feel a shift after just 1–3 sessions. Others benefit from regular monthly visits or more frequent care when navigating complex health issues. Your therapist will help guide you after getting to know your body’s unique story.

Q: What Does Craniosacral Therapy Cost?
A: Sessions typically range from $60 to $250, depending on the practitioner’s experience, training, and location.
Massage therapists may incorporate CST techniques after basic training, but for deeper healing, consider working with a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST-T or CST-D). These practitioners have extensive education in anatomy, body systems, and subtle touch.
At my practice, I offer 75-minute sessions for a more spacious and integrated experience.

Q: Does Craniosacral Therapy Help with Anxiety?
A: Yes. Anxiety often lives in the nervous system—felt as racing thoughts, shallow breathing, or a sense of overwhelm.
CST helps by gently releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system, allowing your body to shift into a calmer, more regulated state. It can:

  • Ease the stress response

  • Slow down mental chatter

  • Deepen the breath

  • Help you feel grounded and safe

Q: What Should I Expect in a Session?
A: Your session begins with a short intake and conversation. You’ll remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on a treatment table.
A skilled CST therapist gently tunes into your craniosacral rhythm using light touch. Newer therapists often follow a standard protocol, while experienced practitioners—like myself—listen more intuitively, starting where the body calls.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes. Some specialized sessions, including multi-therapist intensives, may last longer.

Q: Who Developed Craniosacral Therapy?
A: Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician, developed CST in the 1970s. He observed craniosacral motion during surgery and later founded the Upledger Institute to train practitioners worldwide.
The roots of CST also trace back to pioneers like Dr. Andrew Taylor Still and Dr. William Sutherland.

Q: What’s the Difference Between CST and Massage Therapy?
A: Massage focuses on relaxing muscles. Craniosacral Therapy works with the central nervous system and the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid. It addresses deep, subtle layers of the body that influence overall health and well-being.
Where massage is typically more forceful, CST is gentle, quiet, and deeply listening.

Q: Is Craniosacral Therapy Legitimate?
A: Yes. CST is based on anatomy and physiology. The craniosacral system surrounds and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. Dysfunction in this system can affect how your body functions.
Experienced therapists use light touch to help the body self-correct.
For a deeper dive into the science, I recommend Brain Stars by Tad Wanveer, which explores the roles of glial cells and the craniosacral system in healing.

Q: How Is CST Different from Reiki?
A: CST and Reiki are both gentle, hands-on healing modalities, but they come from different traditions:

  • CST is grounded in anatomy and osteopathic principles.

  • Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that channels life force energy for healing.
    Both can support emotional and physical well-being but use different frameworks and techniques.

Q: Are There Any Risks?
A: CST is very safe and gentle. However, it should be avoided or used with caution if you have:

  • Recent head trauma

  • Acute brain hemorrhage

  • Unstable intracranial pressure

  • Risk of stroke or aneurysm

  • Severe clotting disorders
    Always consult your healthcare provider first.

Q: Will I Feel Anything During the Session?
A: Some people feel subtle shifts immediately—warmth, tingling, or emotional release. Others may feel very little during the session, but notice deeper changes over the following days.
Your body doesn’t need to “perform” for healing to occur. Most people report feeling more connected, relaxed, and whole with continued sessions.

Q: How Do I Find a Qualified Therapist Near Me?
A: Visit the Upledger Institute International and use their Find a Practitioner tool. Look for CST-T or CST-D credentials, which indicate certification and advanced training.

Q: Which Certification Should a Craniosacral Therapist Have?
A: The Upledger Institute offers two key certifications:

  • Techniques Certification (CST-T): Shows hands-on competence and strong foundational knowledge.

  • Diplomate Certification (CST-D): A prestigious distinction requiring years of training, advanced coursework, case studies, and verbal dialogue skills.
    Both levels reflect a deep commitment to this work. I recommend interviewing potential therapists about their experience, training, and approach to ensure the best fit.

Q: Can CST Help with Emotional Trauma?
A: Yes. CST, especially when combined with SomatoEmotional Release, can support the body in releasing old emotional patterns gently and safely.
If you’ve experienced trauma, let your therapist know. A Diplomate-level therapist is trained to hold a safe and respectful space for that healing to unfold.

Have More Questions?

I’m happy to help you understand how CST, Visceral Manipulation, or Energy Healing might support your journey.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D
📍 Worthington, Ohio
📞 614-653-8111
🌐 www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com