CranioSacral Therapy in Crested Butte, Colorado and Burlington, Vermont
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At the heart of my work is a deep trust in your body’s natural wisdom and its innate ability to heal. I offer a supportive, compassionate space where you are gently guided through a process that encourages deeper embodied awareness. When a body notices itself, it can heal. Through CranioSacral Therapy, Resonant Kinesiology, and other holistic bodywork practices, we explore and support your body’s capacity for balance, resilience, and ease together.
When you are living in the natural flow of life, your body moves with ease—you recover from injury and illness, navigate life’s challenges, and continue to grow personally and spiritually. Sometimes, this flow is interrupted, and what begins as an acute concern can become chronic, showing up as pain, restricted movement, illness, or emotional distress. These disruptions may stem from physical restrictions, habitual patterns in the body, emotional holding, or deeply rooted beliefs.
Our work together is an invitation to gently bring awareness to what may be asking for attention within you. As we uncover the patterns that limit ease and vitality, we support your body’s own healing intelligence in restoring balance, freedom, and a sense of well-being. It would be an honor to work with you.
I am in Crested Butte, Colorado November through May, and Burlington, Vermont June through October. After March 23rd, I will be doing HOME VISITS ONLY in Crested Butte. Please contact me for a special home visit rate through the month of April.
Craniosacral therapy stems from Cranial Osteopathy which was developed by William Sutherland. In the 1970’s, physician and researcher John E. Upledger, studied with Sutherland and developed Upldeger CranioSacral Therapy which is a gentle, hands-on technique based on the principles of cranial osteopathy. It is used worldwide by healthcare professionals to detect and correct restrictions in the craniosacral system.
The CranioSacral System consists of the brain and spinal cord which are enveloped by a tough waterproof membrane called the dura mater and cerebrospinal fluid which is produced within the system. The CranioSacral rhythm is the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid within the borders of the dura mater and intracranial membranes and can be palpated by a CranioSacral therapist. Since the CranioSacral System is connected to the network of fascia that supports your organs, bones and muscles, the rhythm can be felt anywhere on the body. By evaluating its quality and locations of limited mobility, problems can be detected and then treated with subtle touch at various points around the body.
The dura mater is attached to the cranial bones and the inner surface of the sacrum and subtle manipulations of these bones can release restrictions in the membranes and dura mater using the cranial bones and sacrum as “handles”. Releases of the membranes can be felt as relaxation, heat, pulsation and sometimes memories of trauma that caused the restriction in the first place. When these feelings are expressed, there is often a dramatic decrease in painful symptoms and improved function of the involved area.
CranioSacral therapy helps a child find more ease
SomatoEmotional Release
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) complements CranioSacral Therapy through light touch techniques that help a person release the lingering physical effects and emotional energy associated with old injuries or traumas. Based on research performed by biophysicist Zvi Karni and John E. Upledger DO, SER is a gentle process that supports a person’s transition from unresolved issues towards well being and full function.
Resonant Kinesiology
A resonant kinesiologist uses movement, touch and sound to help people increase awareness and learn about their bodies. Resonant Kinesiology is based in the concept that when a body notices itself, it can access its inner healing wisdom and begin healing. Often, deep transformation on a whole body level occurs.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation (VM) helps to mobilize organ specific fascia to release dysfunctions and imbalances throughout the body including. musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic tissues. The motility and suspension of organs, menbranes and fascia is restored with gentle touch in the direction of ease, Visceral restrictions often have structural connections so VM can help relieve symptoms of neck/back pain, headaches, joint disorders, poor posture and more.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymphatic fluid carries toxins and waste products away from tissues back to the heart through contractions of the smooth muscle cells contained within channels to the nodes and then on to the ducts that return the fluid to the cardiovascular system. Very light pressure in rhythmic motions can stimulate lymphatic flow to help detoxify the body. People with primary and secondary lymphedema would need further treatment from certified practitioners who provide wrapping and advise on pressure garments.
Yoga
Yoga uses various breathing techniques and bodily postures to bring strength, balance, flexibility and alignment to the structure of the body, as well as peace and clarity of the mind and spirit. It improves circulation of bodily fluids, mobility of joints and tissues and function of organs and glands. It is an excellent form of exercise in a rehabilitation program. I am certified in teaching Hatha Yoga through the Sivananda Yoga center.
Virtual Visits
My skills for holding a healing space enable you to deepen, clarify or engage your healing process. The intention is for you to more easily and accurately complete the puzzle of your disease, illness or discomfort through accessing your innate healing forces and enhancing self awareness. When a body notices itself, it has the potential for change. Changes can come in the form of new perceptions, healthier boundaries or greater ease in physical structures. By changing your internal environment, you can create a more integrated flow and feel more freedom in your being.
The session is a collaboration in facilitating personal empowerment for self healing. In a long distance session, I will be connecting, listening and feeling from my navigational field for how your physiology changes and will be asking for feedback throughout the session. You decide the pace and how much to receive. You can always ask for what you need in releasing layers that are physical, emotional or energetic.
I have been practicing CranioSacral Therapy (CST) with babies, children, and adults for nearly 30 years. My journey began after a knee injury and ACL surgery revealed the body’s remarkable capacity to heal itself, inspiring me to explore various healing modalities.
Training & Experience
In 1996, I earned a master’s degree in physical therapy from Regis University in Colorado, working in sports medicine, assisted living, nursing homes, and acute care settings. Early in my career, a colleague introduced me to CST, and the profound physical and emotional effects I experienced redirected my personal and professional path. I became certified in CST, Resonant Kinesiology, and Hatha Yoga, and continued my training in SomatoEmotional Release, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Techniques, Distance Healing, and Plant Spirit Medicine.
Practices
I have practiced in Burlington, Vermont since 1998, and in 2022 I opened a second practice in Crested Butte. My goal is to help people cultivate empowered, intuitive relationships with themselves, often experiencing meaningful shifts after just one session.
Outside of Work
I enjoy skiing, sailing, knitting, sewing, cooking, and spending time with family. One of my greatest joys is working and playing with dolphins, whose healing energy continues to inspire and inform my work with people on land.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EMAIL IS NOT HIPAA COMPLIANT. Please limit communications to this email address to general questions about my services or scheduling. To ensure your medical information is kept private, please call me on the phone so we can discuss any confidential, personal, and/or sensitive concerns.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY helps create more ease in the body
FAQs
How can I benefit from holistic therapies?
CranioSacral Therapy and other holistic modalities help reduce stress in the central nervous system and other body systems. By complementing the bodies natural healing mechanisms, holistic therapies can help people find an alleviation or management of acute and chronic symptoms. This integrated approach has been shown to be highly effective in reducing dysfunctions and symptoms associated with stress such as head, neck or back pain, insomnia, headaches and TMJ problems. Other people have found symptomatic relief from conditions such as whiplash, torn muscles, strains, sprains, tendinitis, muscle spasms, migraines, tinnitus, neurological dysfunctions, spinal injuries, fibromyalgia and other connective tissue disorders. Children respond very well to CranioSacral therapy and have been helped with challenges associated with reflux, torticollis, colic, birth trauma and developmental disorders, among many others.
Baby being treated with CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Are there any contraindications to CST?
Generally, CranioSacral Therapy is so light that it is safe to use for people of all ages including the elderly, children, babies and newborns, however, it is not recommended when changes in the intracranial pressure are contraindicated such as acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorhage or some extreme bleeding disorders.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone responds differently to treatment. The number of sessions needed will be different from one individual to the next. It is recommended to arrange a few sessions in a row to assist your body in releasing restrictive patterns. Occasionally, people come in twice a week for a few weeks, but most people come once a week for 3-8 sessions. Others come every other week, once a month or once a year. While I can give you feedback on what types of changes I am noticing in your body, you are the ultimate judge of your progress. When you notice positive changes, the frequency and/or number of sessions you need will become clear to you.
With severe or chronic conditions, many people have found great benefit in receiving an Intensive treatment program. This allows a person to receive sessions bi-weekly for several consecutive weeks (see the bottom of this page). This is an excellent way to get to the root cause of your dysfunction.
How is a session performed?
Clients are fully clothed during a session, except most people take off their shoes. It is best to wear comfortable clothing on the day of your treatment. Most people lie on their back during the session while I sit next to their head, mid-section, legs or feet. I will be placing my hands on various parts of their body, sometimes underneath their back or holding their arm or leg and will be using a very light touch. Most people close their eyes. Sometimes I talk with people during the session, other times we are silent for the entire session.
What might I experience during a session?
Everyone experiences a session differently and your experience from one session to the next may also be different. Some feel deep relaxation, heat, coolness, greater range of movement, less pain, improved sense of well being or relief that they can finally take in a full breath of air. Others may feel nothing at all or feel like they were in a deep sleep. Some may talk a lot during the session, recalling past life events or releasing emotions. Some people may lie still for the entire session, while others may feel the need to move their body and they are encouraged to do so.
What will I experience after a session?
After a session you may feel relaxed or you may feel very energized. You may notice a decrease in pain or it may take a few days to feel the release. For some, there may be a period where the body is re-organizing itself as it adapts to the letting go of unhealthy patterns. Some people may even notice improvement a few weeks after their session. I recommend that people drink plenty of water after a session and listen to the needs of your body.
Intensive packages
We live in a stressful, chaotic world that leaves little time for self care and self healing. Give yourself the gift of an intensive program to dive deep into your healing process and enhance overall health and well being. Receiving multiple sessions over a short period of time can foster radical vulnerability, self realization and deep healing.
Intensive packages offer a reduced rate for purchasing multiple sessions in advance. Intensive packages are designed for clients to dive deep into their wellness journey and therefore are intended for sessions twice weekly in consecutive weeks. Payment is expected at time of booking appointments. In preparation for an intensive, it is recommended to read Your Inner Physician and You by Dr. John Upledger.
Intensive Packages
Two Weeks
Three Weeks
Four Weeks
Two Standard Sessions per week
$560.00
$810.00
$1060.00
Two Extended Sessions per week
$760.00
$1140.00
$1460.00
Heal It Forward Program
I participate in the Heal It Forward Program through the Upledger Institute, offering a quiet, credit-based path to CranioSacral Therapy when resources are limited. Space is limited, and those who feel called are welcome to ask about it; all conversations are held with care, respect, and confidentiality.
Cancellation Policies
For individual sessions: If cancellation is received within 24 hours of session the client will be charged the cost of the session. In the case of emergency or illness, cancellation fee will be waived.
For Intensive Packages: A full refund of payment amount will be issued if cancellation is received prior to 1 week before the start of the first session. If cancellation is received within one week of start of first session, a 10% fee will be retained. Once the program has begun, individual sessions can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice with no charge. If less than 24 hours notice is provided, then the session will be forfeited.
If you have further questions, please contact me. I would be delighted to speak with you.
Mindy Cohen PT, CST 
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