What a Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus Really Does

by SharonHartnett | Aug 16, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Healthy Body, upledger institute

What a Craniosacral Therapist Does: Listening Beyond Words

A craniosacral therapist in Columbus, Ohio supports healing through both presence and technique. Craniosacral therapy (CST) is not energy work, though many people notice energy shifting as the body releases and reorganizes. It is gentle, hands-on work guided by deep listening, and its focus is the craniosacral system.

With finely tuned sensitivity, a craniosacral therapist feels the craniosacral rhythm, a subtle wave associated with the movement of cerebrospinal fluid. Practitioners understand this rhythm as carrying valuable information about the body’s state of balance.

How Craniosacral Therapy Works with Bones, Fascia, and Fluids

Craniosacral therapy involves gently connecting with the bones of the cranium, spine, and sacrum. By following the body’s cues rather than forcing change, the therapist helps release restrictions that limit fluid motion and structural balance.

Fascia, the connective tissue that weaves throughout the body, often softens and responds. Cerebrospinal fluid may begin to move more freely. Tissues surrounding the organs can also gain more space when nearby restrictions release, which many clients experience as greater ease throughout the whole system.

Supporting the Body’s Natural Correction

The focus of craniosacral therapy is always the craniosacral rhythm. By releasing restrictions that interfere with its expression, the body can naturally find better balance. Sometimes this work also reduces strain around the lungs, heart, or other organs, not by directly treating those rhythms, but by removing barriers so the body can self-correct. The tissues recognize this freedom as nourishment, allowing release and deeper integration.

CST is not only about easing pain or restriction. It is about bringing resonance back into the body, creating space for the nervous system to reset, and supporting the deep human need for connection and healing.

Benefits of Seeing a Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

When tissues are freed and the craniosacral rhythm moves more easily, many clients report that they:

Release tension and long-held restrictions
Experience improved nervous system regulation and resilience
Feel less strain in structures surrounding the organs
Notice more natural balance in the musculoskeletal system
Find that changes hold more deeply over time
Feel a deeper sense of calm, presence, and wholeness

A Different Kind of Healing Relationship

Craniosacral therapy is not about doing to the body, but listening with it. By creating resonance and supporting the body’s innate intelligence, a craniosacral therapist in Columbus, Ohio helps restore motion, balance, and ease. Where there is motion, there is life.

Craniosacral Therapy Training

Interested in going deeper? Craniosacral therapy training teaches practitioners to develop the palpation skills and listening presence at the heart of this work. I am a Certified Diplomate Craniosacral Therapist, tested through the highest level rigorous trainings at the Upledger Instititue. If you are exploring craniosacral therapy training in Ohio, contact me with your questions. I also lead study groups on occassion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Craniosacral Therapy:

How do I become a craniosacral therapist?

Becoming a craniosacral therapist typically starts with craniosacral therapy training through a recognized program. Most programs teach anatomy, palpation skills, and hands-on technique, usually in levels or modules that combine classroom study with supervised practice. Many students already work in massage therapy, bodywork, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, or another health-related field, though requirements vary by school. Check your state’s licensing rules, since regulations for bodywork differ from place to place.

Personally my training was through the Upledger Institute which I chose for its professionalism and quality classes. I have taken over 25 courses, including Visceral Manipulation and in some other areas of interest. I also am a Teacher Assistant and do mentor students locally. On occasion, I also provide Study Groups that are approved through the Upledger Institute.

What happens in a craniosacral therapy session?

You stay fully clothed on a treatment table while the therapist uses a very light touch on the cranium, spine, and sacrum. Although the rhythm can be felt from anywhere on the body. Sessions are quiet and relaxed, and many clients feel deep calm during or after.

Is craniosacral therapy the same as energy work?

No. Craniosacral therapy is gentle, hands-on work guided by listening to the body’s craniosacral rhythm. Some people notice energy shifting, but the work focuses on tissues, fascia, and fluid motion.

Sharon Hartnett, Craniosacral Therapist
Serving the Columbus area
📞 (614) 653-8111

Learn more about my craniosacral therapy services →

Feeling Better with Craniosacral Therapy

by SharonHartnett | Dec 1, 2017 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing

A question that invariably comes up at the end of each session is, “How long will it be until I am feeling better?”

That is a fair question. People want to be feeling better. They want to know what kind of investment they need to make in themselves in regard to time and money. I have been a Massage Therapist for about 20 years, and have been doing Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for about 15 years. And to be honest, I have to say, that if you have been in pain or suffering for years, it is possible to have a miracle with CST. I have seen huge changes in people, especially after multi-hand intensives. I have seen people in extreme pain get up off the table even after one session, so happy to be feeling better. But in actuality, it usually took years to fall into unhealthy stress patterns, and it usually takes multiple sessions to get better.

Feeling Better

An honest Craniosacral Therapist, or any good therapist for that manner- will never make you promises about your health. Why? Because thee is an Inner Intelligence in Your Body Mind that knows how to heal. And that is the way back to health. The rest of us therapists, are facilitators with tools in our bag, that can help with the process. But ultimately- it is up to you whether you heal or not.

Where does healing come from? Sometimes, we just heal by the grace of God. Our bodies, when healthy, can repair quite easily. So f we have enough internal resources, our body takes care of us really well. However, if we have chronically ignored our body signals, or have deep stress or have been in an accident- plan to make a commitment to your health and receiving the care that you need. Only you can make this decision to do whatever is needed to find yourself back in health.

With Craniosacral Therapy, our focus is to listen to that intelligence that is running through your body systems, especially the Central Nervous System. This includes the brain, the spinal cord and nerves throughout the body.. The Craniosacral Rhythm which results by the creation and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid shows us where there is health and where there are restrictions in the body that keep us from optimal wellbeing. With a very light touch, a cranosacral therapist can help the body to self-correct. Because the touch is so gentle, the body does not defend against the support and nourishment.

Every person deserves to feel good in his/her body, the heart, and in spirit. And there is an innate wisdom that we each have been blessed with that can help. But it does often take time and numerous sessions if you are not well. I am being honest and promising nothing. But what I can say, is that the body is a doorway to healing on so many levels. And Craniosacral Therapy can be a wonderful way to set sail. You can benefit best by making the decision to commit to your healing journey with a Professional.

If you have any questions, please look up: www.upledger.com

Here is to You ” Feeling Better”.

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

FAQ Page

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

Worthington, Ohio|Serving the Columbus Area

614 653-8111

To find out more about Craniosacral Therapy, check out my main page.

ADHD Help

by SharonHartnett | Mar 14, 2016 | Craniosacral Therapy, craniosacral, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit

The percentage of drugs that children take for ADHD has gone up dramatically.

I have no judgement about this. Physicians are doing what they can to help children who feel inattentive, high energy and are having a difficult time integrating into mainstream daily life. Medications can help. Maybe there are some more integrative treatments as well.

ADHD can be challenging. On top of the child’s own inherent challenges, they often can face rejection by other children, teachers and their community as well.

So what else can be done to help our children?

How about trying a more natural approach that will support the best qualities of your child to shine ?

Craniosacral Therapy has been able to help lots of kids with ADHD to calm down and feel more centered. Personally, there is nothing better than having a child get up off the table and give me a big hug because they finally have a sense of peace and balance. If we can encourage the child to lay down and receive the work, the Central Nervous System often will feel some huge shifts. By working with the brain, spine, and surrounding tissues, we can assist the cerebrospinal fluid to function optionally, allowing the CNS to do its work more efficiently.

When one’s mind is busy, one of the best experiences can be to relax and feel quiet.

Here are some benefits CST can provide:

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that focuses on the craniosacral system—comprising the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It’s used to release tension and improve the functioning of the central nervous system. CST is often considered a complementary therapy and is sometimes suggested for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help manage symptoms. While the evidence supporting its effectiveness for ADHD is limited and more research is needed, proponents believe that CST may help in the following ways:

1. Reducing Stress and Tension

Children with ADHD often experience heightened stress levels and may have difficulty relaxing. CST is thought to promote relaxation by gently releasing physical tension in the body, which could help improve emotional regulation and reduce hyperactivity.

2. Improving Focus and Attention

Some children with ADHD struggle with concentration and maintaining focus. CST may help improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord, which in theory could support cognitive function, leading to better focus, clarity, and overall mental performance.

3. Enhancing Emotional Regulation

Children with ADHD often have difficulties with emotional control, including impulsivity and difficulty managing frustration. CST may help by promoting a sense of calm and balance, possibly improving emotional regulation over time.

4. Promoting Better Sleep

Sleep disturbances are common in children with ADHD, and poor sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. By supporting relaxation and reducing physical tension, CST may improve sleep quality, which in turn could help with mood, attention, and behavior during the day.

5. Supporting Sensory Integration

Children with ADHD sometimes have sensory processing issues, such as being oversensitive to certain stimuli or having difficulty filtering out irrelevant sensory input. CST is thought to help normalize sensory processing, which may improve how a child responds to stimuli and help with focus and behavioral regulation.

6. Increasing Overall Calm and Self-Regulation

CST’s gentle techniques might help a child feel more grounded, leading to improved self-regulation, which is often a challenge for children with ADHD. By working with the body’s natural rhythms and promoting balance, CST can support overall well-being.

7. Addressing Underlying Physical Tension

Many children with ADHD have been shown to have heightened muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. CST could help alleviate this physical tension, which may contribute to reduced anxiety and better mental and emotional functioning.

If you would like to try a Craniosacral Session, look at the Upledger site for a practitioner in your area. I’d recommend looking for someone who is certified to make sure they have a thorough understanding of the work.

If you have questions about how Craniosacral can help alleviate some of your child’s ADHD symptoms, I would love to chat.

For more information on ADHD:

Sharon Hartnett Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area

For information, go to my main page.

Somato-Emotional Release

by SharonHartnett | Apr 16, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage, mind body & spirit

What is Somato-Emotional Release (SER)?

SER begins with an atmosphere of trust, respect, and gentle touch.

Often when I work with clients for a period of time, long-held negative beliefs and residual trauma energy can start to come to surface. This may be a small gentle reminder of an uncomfortable feeling, a tear running down a cheek or a deep anxiety or stress that has energetically been frozen within the cells. We call this an “energy cyst from a Craniosacral Therapy perspective. The energy from the historic trauma isolates itself as a compensation but it not entirely let go.

The Upledger Craniosacral approach to working with Somato-Emotional Release involves a very natural type of presence and touch into the Cranosacral system that supports the process of releasing old trauma’s such as: car accidents, PTSD, warfare, violence, divorce or any type of experience that feels overwhelming. If the cycle of feelings does not complete itself, it remains until given the opportunity to heal. By dialoguing with the Craniosacral System, the true intelligence within will lead the way to self-correct into health and wellbeing. Craniosacral Therapy is a professional therapeutic modality that balances, restore and brings greater awareness to clients.

Craniosacral Columbus

The old painful messages melt away and give way to the Present moment.

By taking the road of self-discovery with CST, new awareness will help you to make better choices in your life with more clarity and heart. Bringing the physical, feelings, beliefs and heart into coherence opens the door to health and wellbeing.

Sharon Hartnett Craniosacral Therapist Columbus

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area

For information, go to my main page.

Self-Discovery through Exploring the Horse and the Human Heart

by SharonHartnett | Nov 14, 2013 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit

Are you interested in Self-Discovery?

How about entering the world of horses with a totally new outlook?

New Beginnings in the Presence of Horses

I am not sure how this whole new divergent thread in my life began, but something inside me said, “wouldn’t it be lovely to find a beautiful farm for my husband and I to retire.” I had a vague notion of reconnecting with horses, but was a bit reluctant to fully tell my husband because of the great responsibility of taking care of these noble friends. But as life has a will of it own, my longing and life in its own wild ways has opened up a whole new doorway for me to discover how to be more human as well as be in reverent service to life. With gratitude to the presence of our horse friends, the old constructs of life are falling away, and my eyes experience Spirit freshly through the Nature of Horse.

Many of us have at some point or another experienced other animals as being inferior to us. As with the way of things, Human Beings during the last few centuries have learned to dominate and shape the earth for the most part according to what supports our lifestyles and decisions. At this point in the spectrum of time however, many educators, therapists, and coaches are delving into the expanding field of “animal” communication. It is very exciting at this point of our evolution to re-examine how we can live more closely in mutuality with other creatures for not only their growth, but for ours as well. It is by re-inserting ourselves back into the web of inter-connection that we can have hope to improve our futures and that of the planet earth. When we find deeper contact with ourselves, our relationships begin to shift as well.

While I have experienced great joy working with dolphins, lions, tigers, and bears with my work, the spark of my heart is now to bring the great teaching that come from living with the horse to people who are interested in a whole new way of “Self-Discovery”. I have created a template of belief and movement on the farm to view horses as our “equal partners” on this planet we call our home. Our retreat here is being planned to open this summer to introduce daily and weekend workshops opening the pathway for learning through “Communicating with the horses.” Entering the Equine world with a certain naiveté will change the life of those who have little experience to those who have been riding all their lives. The more empty the mind of preconceptions, the more possibilities can enter. Yet, even if you are the sort that longs to confront and challenge thought, the horses guidance always finds a way to melt your heart and bring a greater depth of understanding to your life.

Learning about power, intimacy, confidence and independence by playing with horses.

Here on the farm, life shows us a simpler way to live within the balance of life. The horses, when given freedom to experience themselves, offer us new perspectives of life on how to resolve conflicts, to play without inhibition, and to find our own inner authority and leadership skills. In the lack of words, a look… a movement will express exactly what we need to know in the moment.

If you are feeling drawn to a more “nature” based method of self-discovery…consider befriending the world of horses with us here in Johnstown, Ohio. We will be offering 1:1 facilitation and also group and herd experiences. Our retreats will be offered with walking meditation, interface with the horses, touch experiences, and also through developing intuitive understanding of energy dynamics. If you are interested, as part of the equine therapy process, we will offer touch and bodywork upon request and with certain curriculums. This is an evolutionary concept where seeds have been planted, and the fruits of the creative process have taken root. The horses are the teachers and we are the eager students receiving the learning. We are excited to take the journey with you into the world of Horses!

For more information, call:

Call: 614 653-8111

Based on the teachings of Jackie Stevenson at: Spirit of Leadership

and what I learned at Tellington TTouch with Linda Tellington.