Finding the Best Somatic Therapist to Help Resolve Your Chronic Pain and Discomfort.

by SharonHartnett | Nov 28, 2025 | barbara brennan, concussion, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, grounding, hakomi, healing, meditation, migraine, Structural Integration, trauma, upledger institute

Click Here To Find Out More about Somatic Therapy

I am a Craniosacral Therapist, working with an integrative somatic approach in Worthington-serving Columbus, Ohio.

What “Somatic” means is that I use my various trainings and experience to help you feel better, and feel more at home inside of your body with ease and peace through using techniques in connection with the body. Often clients end up leaving with a more embodied natural flow of energy as well. It is important to me that you find value and quality when you sign in for a somatic session.

Symptom Relief: Through mindful listening and skill, Sharon’s Holistic Therapy can help you with:

Brain and Spinal Cord Dysfunction
Concussions
TMJ
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Learning Disabilities in Children
Tinnitus
Headaches/Migraines,
Foot and Ankle stiffness/Circulation
Grief
Addiction
Autism
Anxiety/PTSD
Increased Mobility
Postural Alignment
Deep Relaxation
Support for Trauma Recovery

The body is super intelligence, and with the right support can move into its own healing direction.

Background as a Craniosacral Therapist

My background started off with energy healing in the 90’s, but then about 27 years ago, I decided to become licensed in massage therapy. Never did that very long, but invested and worked in learning and practicing Structural Integration, and later attended and taught at the Barbara Brennan School. One thing led to the other, and next I studied Hakomi, and Trauma Informed Work at SPI. The work evolved with my clients, so I decided in the early 2000’s to move into Craniosacral Therapy at the Upledger Institute, and Visceral Manipulation at the Barral Institute. Now I am certified at the highest level, “Diplomate”.

One reason I decided to write this particular blog is because when I searched other therapists, I realized there was some confusing marketing out there. I felt compelled to speak up about this because, you-as paying clients-deserve to understand what you are getting when you call and make an appointment. Make sure that you interview by phone and get a real clear idea of credentials. For example, you may search someone and they list at the top, but never took a class in what they are marketing. Also, there is a big difference between a person who takes one class, and someone who is committed to extensive training and practice. When someone markets Craniosacral Therapy as a massage-that isn’t accurate. It’s not massage- it’s a whole other system. Also- ask direct questions to make sure that the therapist are marketing according to their real backgrounds. This is so you can find the best match for you. I want you to receive what you are looking for!

My recommendations to you is:

If someone is advertising or coming up in searches as for example, a visceral manipulation practitioner- ask them about their training and experience. Are they being upfront with you about their training?
If you are looking for an expert Craniosacral Therapist- ask if they are certified, and at which level.
If you want to find a manual therapist who has trained in body centered psychotherapy and/or trained in trauma inflormed work- ask which school they attended.

My hope is that when you do your searches you are getting accurate and beneficial information to assure you that you are in “hands of integrity”.

Best Craniosacral Therapist in the Columbus Area

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

To learn about my Craniosacral Therapy services, visit my main page here

Situated in Worthington, Ohio, and serving the Columbus, Ohio area.

Who is the best craniosacral therapist for pain / trauma / migraines / anxiety in Columbus Ohio area?

by SharonHartnett | Oct 19, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, healing, upledger institute

Is there someone who does craniosacral therapy for trauma Healing?

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Who Is the Best Craniosacral Therapist for Pain, Trauma, Migraines, and Anxiety in Columbus?

When you’re living with pain, trauma, migraines, or anxiety, you may have tried many approaches — medication, physical therapy, or even talk therapy — and still feel like something is missing. Healing isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it begins with slowing down enough to listen.

That’s where Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can make a profound difference. This gentle, hands-on approach helps your body release deep tension patterns and return to its natural rhythm of ease and balance. It’s subtle work, yet it reaches layers that words and willpower can’t always touch.

What Makes a Great Craniosacral Therapist

The best craniosacral therapist isn’t defined only by credentials — though training and experience matters. What makes a practitioner truly effective is presence: the ability to meet your system with calm attention and genuine compassion. Healing unfolds most deeply in an atmosphere of safety and trust.

Meet Sharon Hartnett, CST-D

In the Columbus and Worthington, Ohio area, Sharon Hartnett is widely known for her skillful and heart-centered approach to Craniosacral Therapy. With over 30 years of experience in hands-on healing and advanced certification through the Upledger Institute, Sharon blends deep anatomical knowledge with intuitive listening.

Clients often come to her when nothing else has worked. Whether they are recovering from concussions, navigating anxiety, or seeking relief from chronic migraines and trauma, they describe Sharon’s work as “deeply grounding,” “transformative,” and “gentle but powerful.”

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps

During a session, you rest fully clothed on a treatment table while Sharon uses a light touch to listen to the subtle motion of the craniosacral rhythm — the pulse of the cerebrospinal fluid around your brain and spine. Through this quiet dialogue, your body begins to let go of what it’s ready to release.

People often notice:

Less pain and tightness in the neck, back, and jaw
Improved sleep and digestion
Calmer nervous system and easier breathing
Greater emotional balance and resilience

A Space to Heal

Sharon’s practice, Lighten Up Therapies, is located in Worthington, serving the greater Columbus, Ohio community. Her studio offers a peaceful space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and allow your body to do what it naturally knows how to do — heal.

If you’re searching for the best craniosacral therapist for pain, trauma, migraines, and anxiety in Columbus, you’ll find a caring, experienced guide in Sharon Hartnett, CST-D.

✨ Learn more or schedule a session:

📞 614-653-8111

Frequently Asked Questions About Craniosacral Therapy

1. What happens during a craniosacral therapy session?
You’ll lie fully clothed on a massage table while Sharon uses gentle touch to assess and balance the natural rhythm of your craniosacral system. Most clients find the experience deeply relaxing, often entering a meditative or restorative state.

2. How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s system is different. Some clients notice meaningful changes after one or two sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support as their body unwinds long-held patterns. Sharon will help you find a rhythm that fits your goals.

3. Can craniosacral therapy help with trauma and anxiety?
Yes. Because CST works directly with the nervous system, it helps the body move out of “fight or flight” and into a state of safety and regulation. Many people find it helpful in releasing stored emotional tension and easing anxiety.

4. Is craniosacral therapy safe?
CST is extremely gentle and non-invasive. It supports the body’s natural ability to heal and is safe for people of all ages, including infants and the elderly.

5. How do I choose the best craniosacral therapist for me?
Look for a therapist with advanced training and certification through a reputable organization like the Upledger Institute. Just as important, choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and truly listens. Sharon Hartnett’s combination of professional expertise and compassionate presence has made her a trusted resource for healing in Columbus.

To learn about my Craniosacral Therapy services, visit my main page here

Find Someone to Help Me With My Headaches and Migraines|Columbus Ohio Area

by SharonHartnett | Oct 5, 2025 | concussion, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy

Find The Best Manual Therapist For Migraines and Headaches in the Columbus, Ohio area.

Call Now for a CST Therapist to help you with Headache and Migraine Relief

Look at www.Upledger.com to find a Craniosacral Therapist with an Integrative Approach to Help with Pain Relief if you want to get to the core potential to heal.

What to ask when you contact a therapist

When you reach out, here are some questions to help vet whether they’re a good match:

Experience

“Have you worked with clients who have chronic migraines or recurring headaches?”

“Do you use pain psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, or mindfulness-based approaches with people in pain?”

Approach / Modality

“What methods or frameworks do you use (e.g. CBT, ACT, MBSR, somatic work)?”
“How do you integrate the fact that I have a neurological / physical health condition into therapy?”

Coordination of care

“Are you willing to communicate with my neurologist or headache specialist (with my consent)?”

“Have you worked in multidisciplinary teams (doctors, physical therapists, pain clinics)?”

Practicals

Do you accept my insurance (in-network)?

What’s your rate if out-of-network?

Do you offer sliding scale?

Are sessions in person, telehealth, or hybrid?

How often do you typically see clients in similar situations?

Sure mediation can help. But wouldn’t you rather reach for your body’s own ability to deeply heal the core issue? There are no guarantees, however-I have seen many people get much better over a series of Craniosacral Therapy and other manual therapies. Often my clients feel well after a the orignal sessions and then end up coming about once a month to maintain.

If you ahve severe neck issues, it might be best to work with a team of practitioners/doctors.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614. 653-8111

To learn about my Craniosacral Therapy services, visit my main page here

Ankle Freedom, Upright Posture: A Craniosacral Perspective on Neck Health — Columbus Insights

by SharonHartnett | Sep 7, 2025 | better posture, change, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, grounding, healing, Healthy Body, Structural Integration

Craniosacral Approach: Ankle Mobility for Better Posture & Neck Health in Columbus

After 30 years of being a craniosacral therapist and doing integrative types of bodywork, it dawned on me how very important it is to free up the ankles in order for the neck to do the same.

A Bit about the Fascial System

The fascial system forms a continuous integrated architecture that literally connects your feet to your head. Working with this seamless three dimensional connective tissue network beginning at the ankles and feet can make a huge difference in how you feel and move in your body. It also directly affects the neck and it’s ability to sidebend, rotate and move in various directions.

Fascia is a seamless three dimensional connective tissue network that envelopes muscles, bones, organs, nerves and vessels. It allows global integration and force transmission. It is the medium through which all of life dialogues in my opinion.

In any case, recently what I have been noticing is that people who come in with neck issues, usually have a tightness in their lateral line. That begins at the peroneous muscles and goes up through the glutes, transferring possible tension up into the SCM muslces and such. Often this can lead to pain with headaches and migraines. There has to be efficient flow and communication from the head to the body, and the body to the head through the thoracic inlet.

Secondly, the plantar fascia and posterior needs to be considered as it deals with the arch and gait for walking and movement.

We have other lines too from the toes which run up to the pelvis to the head as well. So many relationships with which to work in order to restore better mobility and posture.

Your Goals with Craniosacral Therapy for your Health

The neck may be your weakest link. You may come in with neck pain, and issues like migraines, headaches, and tinnitus. You may believe that you need only local massage to release pain. But this is NOT a local muscle problem.

With Craniosacral Therapy, we approach the whole body. As a Structural integration Therapist I look at the whole body. The reason is- every movemenet we make is about interconnected patterns. What brings about optimal health and motion is addressing all the parts and patterns which add up to the whole.

As a somatic therapist, I know that you want to be feeling your best. I have to say though that most times, working only on the neck won’t bring you long term relief. Everything needs to change to create better order and integration.

Whole body attention is much more comprehensive and effective. You deserve to come in for treatments and to have your goals reached which most often are pain relief and better motibility. It is true that the neck probably needs a lot of attention, but the thoracic inlet, head and everything down to your ankles and toes does need to be included too in most cases.

My Goals for You with Craniosacral Therapy

First of all, my goal is whatever your goal is for yourself. Each Craniosacral Therapy treatment is based on how your body communicates through the craniosacral system. Bodies know how to move into the direction of healing, and I have faith in that dynamic to lead the session. In addition, I visually check your fascial alignment, and feel for twists, turns or any irregularities. I treat based on what you and your body are telling me. Each session is unique, as it should be as each person has their own way of developing and holding posture.

I find that by trusting the body’s communication and presnetation of patterns is the most effective way to treat.

Something I would like to invite you to do at home.

If your neck tightenss is bothering you, lie on the floor and feel how your neck and feet position themselves. Are they even when you look? Flexing your feet and pointing them, are you tight or do you move freely. Can you move your feet from right to left and left to right with ease? When you stand up, can you lift your toes? Do you stand on each side of your heal and the balls of your feet with balance. What do your arches look and feel like? Use your imagination and try to move your feet in many different planes of movement and see what is limited and what is not.

After about 5 minutes of testing. Get back on the floor. Breathe in for 4 and out for 6. Check in with your body and see how it feels after just the test. Do your ankles feel better? Your neck. Make a practice of finding ways to increase your mobility.

With Craniosacral Therapy, the motion tells me everything. On a deeper level, I listen to what the fluids and nervous system show me. I will help the body find alignment, and release tensions. Even more powerful is helping you to center and integrate new changes that give you more freedom in your body.

My message to you is that everything is interconnected in regards to your posture. Your fascia and the Craniosacral System are key to releasing dysfunctional patterns. However long it took you to get into a pain pattern- be patience and take your time to heal, and get well again. You deserve Seslf-Care!

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

To learn about my Craniosacral Therapy services, visit my main page here

Click Here for More About Craniosacral Therapy

Learn More About Ankle Exercises

Craniosacral Therapy for ADHD:Gentle Treatment that enhances Focus

by SharonHartnett | Jul 12, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, upledger institute

Focus with Craniosacral Therapy Columbus

Finding Calm and Focus: How Craniosacral Therapy Supports People with ADHD

Living with ADHD can feel like your mind and body are always on the go. Thoughts race ahead, focus slips away, and it’s hard to find a moment of true calm. While medication and behavioral tools help many people, some seek a more natural way to settle their nervous system and feel grounded in daily life.

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the body’s deepest rhythms. Using a light touch, the therapist listens to subtle motions in the tissues and fluids around the brain and spinal cord, helping release tension and restore balance to the central nervous system.

Why Does This Matter for ADHD?

ADHD isn’t just about attention; it’s also about how the nervous system regulates itself. Many people with ADHD feel restless inside, as if their body can’t fully settle. Craniosacral Therapy helps by:

Calming the nervous system. Gentle touch signals safety, helping shift from a constant state of alertness into deeper relaxation.
Releasing hidden tension. The body often holds tightness in the head, neck, and spine that adds to mental overwhelm.
Creating grounded presence. Sessions bring a sense of stillness and connection, making it easier to focus and feel centered.
Supporting self-regulation. Over time, people find it easier to access this calm state on their own.

What Do People Experience?

Clients often leave a session feeling deeply relaxed and clear-headed. Some describe it as if the mental “static” has quieted, allowing thoughts to come through one at a time instead of all at once. Parents notice their children feel calmer and more settled, which can make daily routines, homework, and transitions feel easier.

Is It a Standalone Treatment?

Craniosacral Therapy isn’t a replacement for medical care or other therapies. It’s a supportive practice that works alongside what you’re already doing, giving your body and mind an extra layer of ease and integration.

A Final Thought

ADHD can make life feel scattered and overwhelming. Craniosacral Therapy offers a gentle pathway back to stillness. It’s not about changing who you are, but about helping your system find its natural rhythm so you can move through the world with more clarity and peace.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

Serving the Columbus Area

To learn about my Craniosacral Therapy services, visit my main page here