CranioSacral Therapy for Children

18 February 2023

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) for children can positively affect developmental, structural, sensory,learning, behavioural and personality disorders.

Children are generally very sensitive and responsive to this type of work, their bodies respond quickly and they often experience relief of symptoms after a couple of sessions. However, every child is unique and in my clinical experience I have found that on average, lasting effects occur usually after 4-6 treatments.

Creating an environment that feels safe for your child is paramount and the initial appointment is 60 minutes long where I will work to create a connection and rapport with your child, addressing them directly, chatting about things they like, showing them the park outside my window, letting them work out the buttons on my treatment couch that move it up and down!

I will explain to them in an age appropriate way what I’m going to do and why and also let them know that if they want me to stop then I will, they need to feel safe and listened to .

I always advise a telephone consultation with me before the treatment so you can talk openly about your child’s issues, without them listening, then on the day I can mostly address them.

Usually children over 7 will lay down on the treatment couch, either having a story read to them or listening to some music. Younger children are often in various positions on the couch, on parents lap on or the floor, I follow them ! I always recommend bringing their favourite toys, books, blanket, teddy etc. so they can be distracted a little and allow me to work. As you can see in the photo I do have a variety of toys which I will introduce if needed.

Usually I get to be hands on for between 20-30 minutes, where I will tune in to their CranioSacral rhythm, find areas of restrictions and gently support the body in releasing them which allows the child to feel more relaxed and experience an easing of symptoms.

Children often respond to this release by yawning, getting sleepy or laughing and becoming more playful.
A follow up session is 30 minutes long and most of that time will be hands on as we will have established a relationship.

I love working with children, I love their energy and their honesty. Please don’t worry if they don’t talk or look at me, turn upside down in the chair, appear to be rude or talk incessantly, don’t stay still on the couch, it’s my job to connect with them and it helps if you stay relaxed and don’t feel under any pressure.

I hope this insight helps, I’m also available for a free, no obligation 20 minute telephone call if you have any more questions please give me a call 07757745392.