Seminars 2024
These seminars are open to qualified craniosacral therapists as part of continuing professional development. Seminars are taught in English with translation into the local language.
10-11 February
Circle Cranio, Exeter
Hands on Trauma
‘Trauma is a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time. Trauma is physiological.’ Peter Levine
In this seminar we will learn to address maladaptive states, both hyper and hypo arousal, by directly engaging the nervous system. In clinical practice, working with autonomic plexuses and ganglia, the brainstem and limbic structures can go a long way towards restoring normal autonomic function and regulation of key body systems. This in turn reduces anxiety, panic attacks, vigilance, labile emotions and aggressive behaviour as well as dissociation and fragmentation. The ability to work directly with disordered neurophysiology, gives us a clinical edge in the treatment of trauma.
‘Trauma is treated in the body, not the mind.’ Peter Levine
26 March
Da-Sein Institut, Switzerland
Abdominal Pain
Visceral pain is particularly complicated and less well understood than somatic pain. This is especially true of pain in the belly. For a large proportion of sufferers, abdominal pain is accepted as part of daily life and symptoms are self-managed. It is often accompanied by intense psychological or emotional reaction.
In this clinical focus day, we will look and the somatic and autonomic sensory pathways which convey gut pain. Referred pain, which adds another dimension to the experience of abdominal pain, and the emotional component. Gut pathology sometimes manifests only through emotional reactions and discomfort, not pain.
Our practical sessions will focus on desensitising the gut, promoting parasympathetic states and allowing space for the wisdom of our gut feelings.
15-17 March
Marea Larga, Madrid, Spain
Hands on Trauma
‘Trauma is a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time. Trauma is physiological.’ Peter Levine
In this seminar we will learn to address maladaptive states, both hyper and hypo arousal, by directly engaging the nervous system. In clinical practice, working with autonomic plexuses and ganglia, the brainstem and limbic structures can go a long way towards restoring normal autonomic function and regulation of key body systems. This in turn reduces anxiety, panic attacks, vigilance, labile emotions and aggressive behaviour as well as dissociation and fragmentation. The ability to work directly with disordered neurophysiology, gives us a clinical edge in the treatment of trauma.
‘Trauma is treated in the body, not the mind.’ Peter Levine
15-17 March
Marea Larga, Madrid, Spain
Hands on Trauma
‘Trauma is a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time. Trauma is physiological.’ Peter Levine
In this seminar we will learn to address maladaptive states, both hyper and hypo arousal, by directly engaging the nervous system. In clinical practice, working with autonomic plexuses and ganglia, the brainstem and limbic structures can go a long way towards restoring normal autonomic function and regulation of key body systems. This in turn reduces anxiety, panic attacks, vigilance, labile emotions and aggressive behaviour as well as dissociation and fragmentation. The ability to work directly with disordered neurophysiology, gives us a clinical edge in the treatment of trauma.
‘Trauma is treated in the body, not the mind.’ Peter Levine
11-14 April
Wrocław, Poland
Hands on Trauma
‘Trauma is a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time. Trauma is physiological.’ Peter Levine
In this seminar we will learn to address maladaptive states, both hyper and hypo arousal, by directly engaging the nervous system. In clinical practice, working with autonomic plexuses and ganglia, the brainstem and limbic structures can go a long way towards restoring normal autonomic function and regulation of key body systems. This in turn reduces anxiety, panic attacks, vigilance, labile emotions and aggressive behaviour as well as dissociation and fragmentation. The ability to work directly with disordered neurophysiology, gives us a clinical edge in the treatment of trauma.
‘Trauma is treated in the body, not the mind.’ Peter Levine
26-28 April
Da-Sein Institut, Switzerland
Behind the Smile
The Polyvagal Theory of Stephen Porges reinterpreted for Biodynamic practice.
The cranial nerves behind Neuroception and social engagement.
Our feelings and emotions are revealed on our face and in the tone of our voice. Musculoskeletal structures of the face, the ear and throat share a network of nerves, known as the Social Nervous System. This system co-ordinates facial and vocal expression with the regulation of heart rate and breathing. It enables orientation, communication, co-operation and empathy. Healthy function of this system supports a wide range of emotional responses; malfunction can result in anxiety, depression, isolation and anti-social behaviours, which are all common features of traumatic and developmental stress disorders. Central to the Social Nervous System is the Vagus Nerve. This massive and intricate cranial nerve is best known for its rest and digest function. Not only is its motor output much more complex but the nerve is 80% sensory. Vagal input to our brains is instrumental in our perception of safety and our emotional flexibility.
29-30 October
Da-Sein Institut, Switzerland
Cranial Nerves Unravelled
An in-depth introduction to the function and dysfunction of the Cranial Nerves
The twelve Cranial Nerves appear very complex and confusing. The aim of this seminar is to dispel this view by looking at the function not the structure of the nerves. The majority of Cranial Nerves are just like spinal nerves, only they emerge from the brainstem not from the spinal cord. A few have special functions, which are exclusive to Cranial Nerves. Several of the nerves perform multiple functions.
By and large our clients do not come to see us saying they have a cranial nerve problem. Rather they come because they have headaches, vertigo, rhinitis, heart palpitations, jaw and neck problems or digestive issues. Cranial nerve dysfunction could be the underlying causes of any of these symptoms.
In this seminar we will develop biodynamic palpation skills, for treating cranial nerves along their course from the brainstem to their target structures. There will be a lot of visual material and opportunities for group learning using 3-D models.
The twelve Cranial Nerves appear very complex and confusing. The aim of this seminar is to dispel this view by looking at the function not the structure of the nerves. The majority of Cranial Nerves are just like spinal nerves, only they emerge from the brainstem not from the spinal cord. A few have special functions, which are exclusive to Cranial Nerves. Several of the nerves perform multiple functions.
By and large our clients do not come to see us saying they have a cranial nerve problem. Rather they come because they have headaches, vertigo, rhinitis, heart palpitations, jaw and neck problems or digestive issues. Cranial nerve dysfunction could be the underlying causes of any of these symptoms.
In this seminar we will develop biodynamic palpation skills, for treating cranial nerves along their course from the brainstem to their target structures. There will be a lot of visual material and opportunities for group learning using 3-D models.
9 December
Da-Sein Institut, Switzerland
The Sinuses
On this clinical focus day we will take a close look at the sinuses located in several facial and cranial bones. The sinuses lighten the skull and make our voices more resonant, but their main function is to produce mucus that humidifies the inside of the nose. This mucus layer filters the air protects the nose from pollutants, micro-organisms, dust and dirt.
Blocked sinuses result in many common conditions such as loss of smell, rhinitis (constantly runny nose), headaches and ear infections or pain due to a blocked Eustacian tube.
We will explore the anatomy of the sinuses, connection between the ear and the throat and the autonomic nerve supply responsible for mucus production. Biodynamic treatment approaches will highlight compressive patterns of the face, the sphenopalatine ganglion, overproduction of mucus and Eustacian tube drainage.