Craniosacral Therapy for Children

Gentle support for every child's unique journey

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive touch therapy. It follows the principals of cranial osteopathy, supporting the body’s own natural healing capacity.

It understands that the human body is in a constant process of restoration and renewal; but this inherent potential for wellness can be compromised or depleted by the accumulation of illness, trauma and stress. Craniosacral Therapy creates a held space in which the body can settle and reconnect with its natural self-regulating processes. Using the lightest of touch, the therapist 'listens' to the body, detecting subtle disturbances within its natural rhythms and movements. In bringing focus and attention to these areas, the body’s own natural healing ability is activated to begin the process of enhancing wellbeing.

Treatments for Younger Children

I work with you as the parent or caregiver to create a supportive space where your child feels comfortable and at ease. The pace and approach are always guided by their safety and comfort, adapting to what best supports them on the day. Touch is offered with their consent, and you remain present and can stay close to your child throughout. I encourage you to be directly involved in offering support, attention and reassurance.

Your child doesn't need to talk about how they feel; they can simply receive the treatment. Although Craniosacral Therapy is often offered with a child lying down, they can also sit on your lap, be held in your arms, or read or play while the treatment takes place. Please feel free to bring favourite toys, games or books if that can help them settle and feel at ease. If your child has additional support needs, we can discuss these before a session. If during the session they feel uncertain, become restless or lose focus, we can take a pause and return to the treatment when they are ready. During treatment, gentle contact is made at areas including the cranium, torso, spine, sacrum and feet. As the session progresses, children often relax, entering into a state of calm.

It is also possible to offer treatment to you and your child during the same session. Caregivers play an important role in supporting their child's nervous system development. This is reflected in the process of "synchrony" – the two-way, moment-by-moment adjustment between caregiver and child, in which each person's physiological and emotional state influences and responds to the other's. This can be reflected in changes in heart rhythms, stress responses and emotional expression. The more the caregiver or child feels calm, the other experiences the benefit, in turn. Offering treatment to both of you can therefore help you to become a source of calm and support for one another, while nurturing the bond between you over time.

Treatments for Older Children and Teens

Treatments will also be offered in whatever way best suits your child's needs. With an older child or teen, you can remain as involved as you would be with a younger child. Equally, you might want to simply be present in the space, or even choose to sit outside.

You can decide with your child how involved you would like to be. You might stay in the room, sit nearby, or wait outside. Many young people appreciate some privacy, and I am happy to follow their lead within the limits of safeguarding. I explain those limits at the first appointment, so that you both know what to expect.

Again, your child doesn't need to talk about how they feel, but I would encourage their involvement in the process as much as they are comfortable. I also take the time to explain the each step to them, asking for their consent as we progress

You can note that you will talk to them directly as well as to the parent, which helps teenagers feel respected.

What to Expect During a Treatment

Your child leads the pace, the treatment guided by your child’s needs on the day
Sessions are flexible. Your child can lie down, be held and read or play
Gentle contact is made at the cranium, torso, spine, sacrum and feet
Deep relaxation: your child's system is invited to relax and settle at its own pace
Restoration and balance: the body’s natural healing capacity enhances equilibrium and wellbeing
You and your child can be treated together. in the same session.

Craniosacral Therapy as a Complementary Practice

Craniosacral Therapy is offered as a complementary approach that can work well alone or in tandem with other forms of treatment. These may be other complementary therapies or statutory healthcare (such as from a GP or psychotherapist). Bear in mind that Craniosacal Therapy is not a substitute for statutory healthcare. If your child is currently receiving support from a statutory health professional, please consult them first before receiving Craniosacral Therapy.

Making a Good Start

Because it can take more than one session to really settle into the work, new clients are offered their second session at no additional cost. Please see my Offers for more details.

"Treatment sessions with Shaun have helped me to support my body on so many levels, from deep healing relaxation to supporting injuries sustained in my body. I look forward to a treatment with Shaun and can feel the difference in my whole body and mind for days after. Shaun’s treatments are transformative."

Emma Mills, Midwife

"Shaun's sessions were safe, grounding and deeply relaxing. I happily recommend him as a trauma-sensitive professional who attuned to my individual needs in each session."

Lara McManus, Therapist

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