FAQ's - Warrawi Healing and Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy with Thaedra

Questions?  Contact Thaedra, here.

The process

One on one therapeutic sessions with clients ranging from infants to elders. Sessions are conducted on a therapy table with clients fully clothed and include dialogue/yarning, hands on healing, deep listening, intuitive inquiry and connection to Country and Ancestral practices such as sacred rhythm (sound healing) and cleansing with medicinal smoke. 

Foundational skills include presence, impartiality, deep listening, somatic intelligence, anatomical knowledge, therapeutic dialogue and communication skills, trauma informed frameworks, focussing, cultural integrity and awareness.  

Thaedra facilitates awareness and presence with, the potently alive, interwoven landscapes of the physical and physiological body, systems, structures, brain, mind, spirit, Country, nature and Ancestors leading to actionable outcomes and narrative shifts grounded in the tangible and innate ability to regenerate and regulate that is part of our DNA. 

The outcomes 

Just as each moment in life, each sunrise, each sunset, each tide is different. Meeting you in the moment with all you bring with you is different, every time. It is a unique journey and experience with much potential and creative outcomes. 

For example: alleviation of pain and shock; improved recovery of injuries and post surgery; increased awareness; deepened attunement; greater self understanding; relaxation of tension (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual); decrease in illness diagnostic markers; spiritual insights, clarity and action; connection with Ancestors; mindful and embodied presence; regeneration of health; increased energy; greater connection and expression to many other creative insights and possibilities. 

Our body landscape and Country is regenerative and rich in wisdom in achieving optimal health and balance. These benefits extend to the past, future, community and Country. 

Who attends?

Clients ranging from infants to Elders attend with a range of intentions and concerns from seeking relief from injuries; deeper connection and alignment; resourcing/check up (just as you would have a dental or car tune up and software upgrade); practitioner supervision and self care; spiritual connection, working with stress, shock, trauma, sleep concerns, grief, neuro diversity, anxiety, depression, pain, injury, illness, post surgery, jaw tension, pregnancy, post partum, digestive complaints, aches, tension, restless legs and pelvic floor health. 

What is Biodynamic craniosacral therapy 

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a profound and gentle touch therapy working with the whole person. Thaedra works like the Ombudsman or Mediator for the body, mind and spirit - facilitating the resolution of concerns. Craniosacral therapy has its origins in First Nations healing, osteopathy and therapeutic embodied/somatic mindfulness practices. Read more about the origins here. Thaedra trauma aware, trained in anatomy and in working with the nervous system.

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is therapeutic for a broad range of conditions and symptoms and has numerous benefits including improved energy and wellbeing. It is effective in reducing clients’ experience of pain and tension in the body, mind and spirit regardless of the cause or diagnosis.

Do I need to try to relax or be calm? 

I meet you as you are. You do not need to come in calm or to try and relax, stretch out or realign during the session. 

More on this: 

When we meet ourselves in the present moment, feel what is actually going on, bring our awareness to places within the landscape of our being that we have objectified in thought and analysis (eg. I have a bad hip. That arm is always sore. One of my legs is shorter than the other. My back is crooked. I will always have headaches. My pain is because...) and we are able to be with the actual experience of those places and feel and describe them in a sensory way in the present moment, we notice that the sensations of these places change.

In fact our sensations are always changing and our brains can be trained out of objectifying ourselves and into being present with whatever is arising. This is often surprising, for example, something that is initially described as feeling painful (perhaps hard, cold, absent etc) can transform to a place that feels comfortable and free.

We don't see our own blindspots and when we have concerns that are ongoing, or overwhelming, an additional, skilled, impartial, safe, supportive presence can be healing and alleviate symptoms. 

What do I wear? 

You will be in a supported position, usually lying down, or side lying fully clothed on a massage table with support to ensure you are supported, comfortable and feeling safe.  Your feedback and consent is paramount. 

Please let Thaedra know at any stage during the session if you are not comfortable or have any questions or feedback. 

What do I do after a session?

It is recommended that you take some time and space after your session to rest, to hydrate and support the healing process. You may find that you feel fatigued, some irritability, emotions arising or increased energy, this is part of the process of healing. It's helpful to keep some space after your session if possible to spend time in reflection and integration and to rest, move and feel after your session. For example a swim, being in nature, a gentle walk or a rest. 

The therapy is continuing its work following the session. If you feel spacey or overwhelmed, please advise your therapist and you are welcome to provide feedback or ask questions at any point in the session or those following. 

More on this:

If we are able to allow our feelings to flow, tension and stress will release, healing will occur and we will come into a state of greater health and wellbeing. If we stop the flow of our natural emotions and experiences by analysing them, ignoring them, or not allowing ourselves to rest, or feel them, the stress and tension will return.  Tears are a natural healing balm and body medicine, allow them to run down your face and be like a waterfall or the rains, cleansing the spirit. 

How many sessions do I need? 

For most clients, initially you will need a minimum of 4 consecutive weekly or fortnightly sessions. For long term or acute situations, a series of 6-12 sessions is recommended at regular (weekly or fortnightly) intervals. In babies and children who respond quite quickly, they may only need a couple of sessions to resolve the concern. We will discuss what is needed after the initial session and reassess with each session. 

Therapeutic healing and maintenance

These sessions are therapeutic and not designed for one off treatments or quick fixes. Just like you will regularly update your computer and software, service your car, clean your home, brush your teeth, we are supporting your body, mind and spirit to clear out anything that is not needed and make space for greater health and wellbeing. Plus we are attuning to deeper awareness and presence which is a cumulative journey. See this video for more on looking after our minds, body and spirit.

Regular maintenance sessions are recommended to support your health and as a regular check in and support. Once a month is usually a great support for your optimal health and wellbeing. 

Can I do other therapies and exercise with the healing?

If you are receiving body work such as osteopathy, including cranial osteopathy, chiropractic, bowen or any manipulative therapy, it is recommended that you pace those sessions at least 48 hours before or after your healing session.

Gentle massage and acupuncture is ok within a shorter time frame. Gentle movement or exercise that you do regularly only is suggested in the first 24 hours of your treatment to allow the treatment to unfold. While your body is realigning it may be more vulnerable to strain. 

What if I am taking medication? 

Please advise your therapist if you are taking medication and supplements – they may impact your experience of the treatment and how your body responds during and after treatment. For example, pain relief may impact on how much you can feel during a session although it will generally not impact the ultimate effectiveness of the session. 

Are there contraindications? 

There are very few contraindications as we are working with you and your body in a very gentle way. However, biodynamic craniosacral therapy and Warrawi does increase your awareness of your body, mind and spirit including emotional and physical sensations and invoke changes on an holistic level so it is really important to allow yourself time and space for changes to occur and integrate. If you are unsure, please contact us to chat about any concerns. Always notify Thaedra of any health conditions you are experiencing.