Occupational Therapy & Bodywork/CST​​

​​​Through birth, development, and living our daily lives, the body can store tension patterns and stored energy that becomes restrictions if they aren't released. These restrictions can be caused by physical trauma, stress, or chronic tension, which may interfere with the body’s natural healing processes. By promoting the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid, releasing restrictions in membranes/fascia/connective tissue, and supporting the body in restoring its own equilibrium and balancing the craniosacral system, CST can enhance the performance of the central nervous system and support other body systems, including the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.  

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​I utilize a relationship based, child-led practice model to connect with the child. I find it incredibly important for the child to feel included and like they have agency in the process.I engage in child friendly activities such as story telling, playing with the child and developing a rapport, demonstrating techniques on a favorite stuffie or family member if the child is feeling unsure, and describing what is happening in a way that they can understand.  When the child is offered participation in the process, it significantly reduces sympathetic nervous system response and allowing them to experience a baseline of regulation and what a parasympathetic state feels like in their body.

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​As a pediatric occupational therapist, I have witnessed a significant intersection

between the work I do to support with emotional regulation and sensory integration, and the experiences that bodywork and craniosacral therapy can provide. Once a child has a baseline for regulation, they then know the place that they are trying to reach to feel 'regulated' or in the 'green zone'.  As an OT, I work often with children experiencing difficulty with regulation, and a pivotal component

of my work with them is helping them to experience what regulation feels like.  From here, they can establish a pathway and associate language with the different somatic experiences/feelings in their body so that they can start to understand what it all means. 

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What can CST support? 

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Neurological & Developmental Support

• Encourages healthy brain and nervous system development

• Supports motor coordination and gross/fine motor milestones

• Aids in balancing the central nervous system

• Ear infections + sensory integration

• Headaches and migranes​

 

Feeding, Speech & Oral-Motor Development

• Improves suck-swallow-breathe coordination

• Releases tension from tongue-tie

• TMJ issues

• Palatal restrictions

• Enhances early speech and feeding skills

• Supports digestion  

 

Structural & Musculoskeletal Support

• Helps gently correct head shape concerns (e.g., plagiocephaly)

• Aids in reducing tension from torticollis or birth-related trauma

• Promotes balanced posture and cranial mobility

• Releases connective tissue restrictions contributing to movement/tension patterns

 

Cognitive & Emotional Wellness

• Encourages better attention and focus

• Promotes calm engagement and improved social interaction

• Supports resilience and nervous system regulation

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