About Biodymanic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy or BCST is a non-invasive, hands on therapy that encourages the body’s natural healing capabilities. It has been shown to effectively treat a broad spectrum of physiological issues associated with pain and the loss of systemic, bio-mechanical, and emotional well-being/function. In essence, The Craniosacral Therapist supports the body in releasing restrictions that it has been unable to address on its own. This differs than most other therapies in that the practitioner does not decide where to work, or follow a specific “protocol”, rather the therapist listens to the body’s responses allowing it to tell her how to proceed. If we allow a body to let go when it is ready to, it is likely the adjustments will hold longer because the body has made the decision to let go. This type of work is considered more “Yin” or Non-Invasive.

Craniosacral Therapists train for many years to be able to detect and track subtle motions within the body. Within these motions, we can detect restrictions throughout the body in bone, fluid, and tissues, as well as The Central Nervous System (CNS) And we can support the system in releasing those restrictions.

The Central Nervous System (Brain & Spinal Cord) governs the function of all body systems including the Digestive, Endocrine (Hormones), Reproductive, Respiratory, Circulatory, Skeletal, Integumentary (skin), Muscular, Organs, Lymphatic and Immune System, etc. So it makes sense then, that when we release the restrictions within these systems the whole body can then function more optimally and the CNS is more available to do its job without interference.

This type of listening encourages the body to unwind intelligently on its own. CST theory and practice is based on understanding the continuous subtle movements of the cranial bones, the movement of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) throughout the brain and spinal cord, and also the expansion and contraction in the tissues of the body. By using the hands as fine discriminating tools, Craniosacral Therapists can detect disturbances such as cranial bone restriction, membrane patterns of lesion & densification and other soft tissue restrictions in the body.

Craniosacral has its origins in Osteopathic Medicine, and as with any modality, there are different branches of the work. Cathy is trained in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and follows the work of Franklyn Sills which is a less mechanical model that focuses on listening to the health that is always present in the system rather than focusing on symptoms. Trusting that when we track the health the body will ease back into it’s natural rhythm.

Because of the gentle non-invasive nature of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST), there are few contraindications for treatment. Everyone can benefit, enjoyed by newborns, elderly, the frail or ill. The improvement after a session may be subtle or dramatic. BCST encourages health in the brain and nervous system, which has been known to be effective in assisting the prevention of chronic conditions.

In Addition, BCST can be useful in addressing injuries, including those to the bones and soft tissues. BCST is also an effective modality for exploring and resolving issues of the past including prenatal and birth trauma. Early trauma can create an unconscious belief system that is not necessarily true or relevant for the adult.  BCST allows the acknowledgement of old or inaccurate beliefs, which allows for a shift to more appropriate belief systems. Early trauma can also shape how we respond to stress later in life. We did not have the capacity to respond to stressful or dangerous situations as infants when our brains were being hard wired to handle stress. We either learned to tense up, scream and get loud, shut down because our needs weren’t met, or many other variations. However, as an adult most of those responses will not get us through a stressful situation in an appropriate way. BCST can really be helpful in releasing old layers of trauma that can be cycling through the body as we gently listen, acknowledge without judgement, and create a safe space for healing to happen. Once we can release the charge that comes with trauma we can then begin to re-pattern and create new and more effective stress response patterns.  The BCST practitioner is a facilitator for resolution. Our innate inner health is capable of re-patterning toward health in an order of priorities initiated by the body, a titrated shift to prevent overwhelm. It is not necessary to be cathartic, or remember, re-experience or relive trauma in order for resolution.

Life experiences can create emotional trauma, physical strains and anesthesia residues. The biodynamic approach strengthens the whole system, creating a safe environment for the body to gain new perspectives, and a healthy resolution of issues.

Yes!  Children respond well to BCST because it is gentle, non-invasive, and effective in ways they can intuitively recognize. Even small children quickly get used to the work as they develop trust in their practitioner. Pre-verbal children may actually direct the practitioner’s hands to areas of discomfort.

Children easily show the dynamics of their experience through play, movement and sounds. Much subtle work can be done by the practitioner during “playtime” in which the child is observed and assisted in completing unresolved challenges. Parents are often astounded at the way a crabby, hyperactive, or miserable child will fall into deep relaxation or sleep during treatment, or go in and out of little “mellow moments”, as the practitioner makes even brief contacts on the spine, head, and sacrum. A little goes a long way with a child. Whatever can be resolved during infancy or childhood, often in only a few sessions, can potentially prevent decades of medical and psychological treatment later on. In addition, resolution of misaligned forces makes us less accident-prone, because we are not “off-balance.”

BCST is not only safe but recommended during pregnancy, as it calms the nervous system of both mother and child.  It strengthens emotional bonding which has the potential of being short-circuited due to prenatal and birth stresses and trauma. And can really help to alleviate pelvic discomfort during pregnancy.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is distinguished by its minimal reliance on manipulations of any kind. If the various Craniosacral methods could be characterized and compared based on this criterion, the Biodynamic style would be placed at the non-manipulative or yin end of the spectrum.

In the Biodynamic approach, the healing process comes from within the client, not from the outside by the practitioner, and the hand contacts are based on listening and following/reflecting the client’s process rather than pushing or manipulating the client towards a theoretical ideal state.

The therapy may surprise you with benefits you hadn’t known were possible, including resolution of symptoms that you had no idea were related to the cranial system or to each other. You may feel lighter, with a sense of more spaciousness within yourself. You may notice more ease in relationships or ability to focus. You may find that you are just generally more organized, and at ease.

You may stand straighter or breathe more easily and deeply. Pains may decrease and emotional boundaries may be easier to maintain. It is likely that you will feel deeply relaxed and centered. Because each person is unique, it is impossible for us to say exactly what benefit you will feel, or how long it will take you to feel it, but the above comments are quite common.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy begins after a level of safety is created for the client. This is achieved in the communication between client and practitioner who together negotiate the space and contact between them to co create the perfect space for healing to occur. Once contact is established, (usually only about 5 grams of pressure) the practitioner listens deeply to the fluctuations of the cerebrospinal fluid within the craniosacral system.

The fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid creates a variety of tides within the system that the practitioner tracks — from a place of stillness —throughout the session. She listens to these tides, always noticing how they move. Are they able to move in a direct line from top to bottom, or does the fluid have to meander around tissues to find a more indirect path? The practitioner also considers how the bones are moving. Is there symmetry? Does one side initiate movement before the other? Does the system move with ease and symmetry, or does it feel locked up and like it’s doing the best it can given the situation? As the practitioner holds these discoveries in her awareness, she is also simultaneously always tracking the health in the system.  At some point it is as though the body also begins to notice what the practitioner feels, and the client’s system begins to access its own inner resources, little like finding keys to previously locked doors. The cerebrospinal fluid carries an intelligence and potency (life force), and the body remembers and begins to naturally gravitate back to its health. A Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist learns to listen deeply to the system, tapping into its inherent intelligence, while focusing on the system remembering its original blueprint of health.

The therapist encourages the client’s system to access its resources, offering new choices and possibilities for the system at every level. Training, then, includes deep perceptual and centering skills as well as extensive study of the anatomy, physiology, and inherent motion of the craniosacral system.

BCST can be helpful in addressing:  Impingement of cranial nerves or spinal nerves, left-right imbalances, Whiplash, Concussions and other head injuries, confusion, headaches, migraines, compression or pressure in bones, tissues and fluids, anxiety, depression, insomnia, circulatory disorders, Fibromyalgia, organ dysfunctions, Torticollis, Colic, Acid Reflux, sensory processing issues as well as ADHD, learning difficulties, emotional difficulties, neuro-endocrine problems, TMJ and dental problems, and trauma of all kinds — birth, falls, accidents and other injuries, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, loss/grief, surgery, anesthesia, P.T.S.D., post dental work, among others.

BCST is also excellent as a preventive therapy because it can facilitate the resolution of imbalances within a patient/client’s system that can later lead to illness or injury.

Please be advised of the policies for Cranialjones LLC.

Please also be cognizant of the fact that we did not implement these policies to make things difficult; we implemented them so that expectations on both your end and ours are clearly outlined, understood, accepted, and respected.

Scheduling an appointment at Cranialjones LLC.  signifies that you understand and accept our policies for this and all future appointments. Please note BCST is short for Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

1. Arrival and Tardiness:

To ensure a full session, timely arrival is requested. If I am late, my appointment will still end at the scheduled time – out of respect for other people’s appointments already booked that day.The full session cost will be charged. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Arrival and Tardiness Policy.

2. Credit Card for Reservations Policy:

Cranialjones LLC. requires a valid Credit Card on file to reserve an appointment spot. I can choose to “Pay Now” and the card will be charged, or I can choose to “Reserve Without Paying” in which case my card is filed but not charged. Upon arrival, I can choose to pay by my choice of the following options: Cash, Check, Zelle, a different credit card than on file or The Credit Card reserved on file. I understand the card on file will only be charged if I cancel the scheduled appointment within the 48-hour cancellation period. Otherwise, my vaulted card will not be charged, and I maintain the right to choose my payment method at the end of every appointment. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Credit Card for Reservations Policy.

3. Cancellation Policy:

I may cancel my appointment without charge any time up to 48- hours prior to the scheduled start time. If I communicate my need to cancel to Cranialjones LLC. within 48-hours of the scheduled start time, I will be subject to a $99 fee for the first time and full fee every time after that. The card on file will be charged.  We reserve the right to make exceptions at our discretion. I am not in the business of turning people away but do ask that you respect that I need time to fill cancellations. 

No-call, No-shows will be charged the full session fee. 3 strikes and you’re out…If this happens 3 times, I may not be permitted to schedule future appointments. The credit card on my file will be charged as outlined above. In the event that the Credit Card charge is declined, I understand that payment in full will be required prior to scheduling any future appointments. In the event that I dispute or refuse this Cancellation fee, I will no longer be permitted to schedule future appointments with Cranialjones LLC. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Cancellation Policy.

4. Cancellation Policy Cont’d: Illness of Any Kind, Including COVID-19 Craniosacral/bodywork is not appropriate care for infectious or contagious illness. I will cancel my appointment as soon as I am aware of ANY contagious illness. If it is within the 48-hour notice period, the cancellation fee may be waived. If I no-show, the full fee will be charged to the card on file. If the session in question is part of a package and you are within the 48 hour cancellation period please know you can offer your appointment to a friend, family member, or other so it does not go to waste. If I do not cancel and it is clear upon arrival that I am ill, I will be turned away. 100% price-of-appointment will be charged to the card on file. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Illness-related Cancellation Policy.

5. Cancellation Policy Cont’d: Inclement Weather

It snows in Colorado. It rains in Colorado. It ices in Colorado. Both Cranialjones LLC. and myself have access to accurate weather forecast predictions, which means weather is rarely a surprise. In the event of inclement weather, I understand that one of two things will happen:

1. (Unlikely) Cranialjones LLC. closes. In this case, Cathy will contact me about rescheduling, and my card on file will not be charged.

2. (Highly Likely) Cranialjones LLC. remains open for business. In this case, I am expected to attend my scheduled appointment or will be subject to the standard 48-hour cancellation policy. If I have intentions of rescheduling because of forecasted snow, I am expected to notify Cranialjones LLC. that I will not be present at least 48 hours in advance. If I do not cancel or reschedule outside of the 48 hour window, then my card on file will be charged. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Inclement Weather Policy.

6. Whoops Policy:

In the age of online calendars, reminder emails, and reminder text messages, there should be no scenario in which I “forget” about an appointment. When I schedule an appointment with Cranialjones LLC. I receive a Confirmation email – within that email is a link to add the event directly to my Calendar. There is also a change appointment and cancel link that can be used up to the 48 hours. Beyond that, I receive a 72 hour reminder email as well as a 24 hour text reminder, outlining the details of my upcoming session. I understand that Whoopses will be treated as No Call-No Shows, and charged accordingly (Policy #3). I understand that Cranialjones LLC. reserves their time and resources specifically for me when I schedule a session, and that it is important to uphold our two-way commitment to mutual respect for each other’s schedules – Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Whoops Policy.

7. 3 Strikes Policy:

Life happens. The reschedule function on the Confirmation and Reminder emails exist for a reason. But I understand I am limited to three (3) cancellations / reschedules in a rolling 8 month period. Upon 4th occurrence, my appointments will be cancelled and I will be referred elsewhere. I understand that Cranialjones LLC. reserves their time and resources specifically for me when I schedule a session, and that it is important to uphold our two-way commitment to mutual respect for each other’s schedules. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the 3 Strikes Policy.

8. Billing:

Cranialjones LLC. is a cash-pay studio and does neither bills insurance nor creates superbills. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of my understanding and acceptance.

Financial responsibility for all services. **HSA and FSA cards are welcome, as long as our payment processor can accept them.

9. Appropriate Behavior:

Professional boundaries are to be respected at all times, both on the part of Cranialjones LLC. and myself. Requests for sexual activity will not be tolerated, will be viewed as solicitation, and will be reported to the proper authorities. The current session will be terminated immediately, and further sessions will be declined.  Full payment to Cranialjones LLC will still be collected. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Behavior Policy.

10. Existing & New Medical Conditions:

It is my responsibility to keep Cranialjones LLC. informed of any medical treatment or prescriptions currently underway. It is my responsibility to provide a physician’s consent form if appropriate, approving BCST. Please read the contraindications on the intake form carefully as this is for your safety!!! Should you have a condition in the contraindications but have been cleared by a medical Dr. for this treatment please provide clear and written clearance from a qualified medical professional and make note of that on the intake form. Send any such clearance via email to:  cathy@cranialjones.com  .It is my responsibility to keep Cranialjones LLC.  informed of any changes in medical conditions. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Medical Conditions Policy.

11. Privacy Policy:

Cranialjones LLC. will keep my files in the strictest confidence. All client records are kept in a secure portal and only those who need my files for purposes related to Cranialjones LLC. business operations will have access which is only Cathy Jones, and no one else will have access. My records will not be released to third parties without my consent. Records may be surrendered, however, in situations where doing so is required by law. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Privacy Policy.

12. Age:

If scheduling for your minor child, please fill out the intake for your child or with your child if they are old enough to contribute. A Minor Consent Form, signed by the parent or legal guardian, is required for any clients under the age of 18. For clients under the age of 16, the parent or legal guardian is also requested to remain present for the duration of the session. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of the Age Policy and my consent to treat my child.

13. Gift Certificates:

Cranialjones LLC. is not responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates. Gift certificates are non-refundable, have no cash value, and may not be used to purchase other gift certificates. Cranialjones LLC. reserves the right to refuse service or reverse any gift certificate purchases for any reason and return the funds to the purchaser at the original purchase price, less any services redeemed. If the service price exceeds the amount of the gift certificate, the redeemer is responsible for the remaining balance. Gift certificates cannot be combined with ANY additional discounts. My signature below confirms my understanding of the Gift Certificate Policy.

14. Release of Liability:

BCST/ Massage / Bodywork is contraindicated for certain medical conditions and symptoms. As such, a referral from a primary care provider may be required prior to beginning a treatment session. I affirm that I have stated all my known medical conditions and answered all questions in my intake paperwork honestly. I agree to keep Cranialjones LLC. updated as to any changes in my medical standing and understand that there shall be no liability on the therapist’s part should I fail to do so. I understand that the BCST/Massage/ Bodywork I receive is provided for the specific purpose of relaxation and relief from muscular tension. If I experience any pain or discomfort during this session, I will immediately inform my therapist so that pressure may be adjusted. I further understand that BCST/ massage / bodywork should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment and that I should see a physician, chiropractor, or other qualified medical specialist for any mental or physical ailment that I am aware of. I understand that Cathy Jones RCST® is not a medical dr., nor is she a licensed psychotherapist. I understand she is not qualified to diagnose, and that nothing said in the course of the session(s) should be construed as such. I do understand that BCST while it is not psychotherapy is a very complimentary modality. If you are dealing with any mental illness please be advised that you should also be seeing a Licensed Psychotherapist. Scheduling an appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance

15. Vaccines:

PLEASE do not schedule an appointment for BCST within 2 weeks of receiving any kind of vaccine. Many vaccines can shed and I have a small community of folks that shedding is not safe for. Scheduling and appointment confirms my understanding and acceptance of this policy.